Not to fan the fire but in these threads we do see discussions on tow ratings and I have seen posts and videos posted in here, even got in debates on how Tesla's can tow much more than their tow rating. My point with that is it is dangerous to ignore the tow rating limits manufacturers place on vehicles. Not only that, but if proven could void a warranty.
Ok, so back to towing, IF and that is a big if. EVs are used common place for towing in salt water environments, I would have to wonder, over time if this could corrode or decay any protections for the batteries and become a bigger fire danger than it already is.
No one can deny salt and these batteries do not mix, what if the day comes when they are more prevalent at the boat ramps. Its not uncommon on some ramps to back up significantly into the water, so even if the battery pack isnt submerged, would the accumulation of salt over time effect the vehicle. I think its to soon to know, there arent enough EVs on these roads long enough. Meaning years of small amount of road salt hitting the underbody of the vehicles. I have family members, one with multiple EVs that lives on the water on Long Island, his house above flood level but his street gets flooded with salt water with almost every significant storm a couple times a year. Being he is a firefighter, I dont know if he avoids using the EVs on those occurrences but will ask.
Having grown up on Long Island, first thing you would see on a vehicle with a tow hitch, is take a look under the car, even a couple year old car sometimes will show an alarming amount of rust.
This video may fan the fire but I only became aware of it this morning.
Same as above but actual footage from a bystander?, listening closely there was something about trying to get out of the vehicle. With all this said, vehicles running into the water at ramps is very common. But what about the ones that stop just in time and only soak the chassis? Will this take a toll over time. In all fairness I do think, if it became an issue it would be easy to find a solution as we are still in its infancy.
Ok, so back to towing, IF and that is a big if. EVs are used common place for towing in salt water environments, I would have to wonder, over time if this could corrode or decay any protections for the batteries and become a bigger fire danger than it already is.
No one can deny salt and these batteries do not mix, what if the day comes when they are more prevalent at the boat ramps. Its not uncommon on some ramps to back up significantly into the water, so even if the battery pack isnt submerged, would the accumulation of salt over time effect the vehicle. I think its to soon to know, there arent enough EVs on these roads long enough. Meaning years of small amount of road salt hitting the underbody of the vehicles. I have family members, one with multiple EVs that lives on the water on Long Island, his house above flood level but his street gets flooded with salt water with almost every significant storm a couple times a year. Being he is a firefighter, I dont know if he avoids using the EVs on those occurrences but will ask.
Having grown up on Long Island, first thing you would see on a vehicle with a tow hitch, is take a look under the car, even a couple year old car sometimes will show an alarming amount of rust.
This video may fan the fire but I only became aware of it this morning.
Same as above but actual footage from a bystander?, listening closely there was something about trying to get out of the vehicle. With all this said, vehicles running into the water at ramps is very common. But what about the ones that stop just in time and only soak the chassis? Will this take a toll over time. In all fairness I do think, if it became an issue it would be easy to find a solution as we are still in its infancy.
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