TAMPA – In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Florida authorities are raising alarms about a dangerous correlation between storm-surge flooding and electric vehicle fires.

The combination of seawater inundating the coastline and the lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles has resulted in a series of explosive incidents across the state.

Stunning images and videos from the Tampa Bay area reveal the devastating aftermath of electric vehicles and scooters, their batteries rendered unstable by exposure to saltwater.

This crisis has led to significant property damage, with cars wrecked and homes at risk. Reports indicate that parts of the region experienced storm surges of 5-8 feet, submerging thousands of residences and amplifying the potential for disaster.

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor has issued explicit warnings, reporting numerous cases of vehicles igniting days after being inundated.

The chief of the Tampa Fire Rescue shared, “We have documented a troubling number of incidents where electric vehicles have combusted or exploded, raising serious concerns for the safety of our community.”

This alarming trend is not exclusive to Hurricane Helene.

In fact, a disturbing pattern emerged during Hurricanes Idalia and Ian, where similar fires linked to electric vehicles were recorded along Florida's coastline.

Florida's Chief Financial Officer and State Fire Marshal, Jimmy Patronis, has been at the forefront of the campaign to educate the public about the risks of electric vehicles during flood conditions.

He emphasized, “Vehicle fires resulting from saltwater exposure present unique challenges for firefighters. We witnessed drastic situations with Hurricane Ian, illustrating just how volatile these lithium-ion batteries can be when compromised by saltwater. Firefighters can only maintain a stream of water on the battery until the fuel source is exhausted.”

As electric vehicle ownership surges—Florida now boasts over 250,000 registered electric vehicles—officials in Pinellas County, known for its high number of EVs, have taken proactive measures by warning residents about potential hazards.

"If your electric vehicle or golf cart was affected by saltwater, it must be relocated at least 50 feet away from any structures immediately," county officials cautioned, predicting a possible delayed ignition threat.

Firefighters have noted that contending with electric vehicle fires is significantly more challenging than traditional gas vehicle fires, primarily due to the battery technology involved.

As the clean energy movement continues to expand during a time of climatic upheaval, these unsettling incidents spotlight a critical intersection of innovation and safety in our changing environment.

Tesla, once the frontrunner in electric vehicle production, has suggested that the incidence of fires involving its cars is relatively lower than other vehicle types.

However, as Florida grapples with its growing electric vehicle population and the challenges presented by natural disasters, the call for enhanced safety measures and awareness couldn't be more urgent.

Stay alert, Florida—our roads may be electric, but our challenges are very much grounded in reality!