How to Protect Your Chevrolet Electric Vehicle from Severe Weather

As we are now past the halfway mark of the year, it is a healthy reminder that summer brings storm season. At our location along the Ohio River, we are not immune to severe weather and the aftereffects it can bring to our region. What if you have one of Chevrolet’s electric vehicles? Your vehicle may be more prone to issues caused by severe weather. Yet there are things you can do to ensure your EV can weather the next storm.  

The first thing you need to know is whether a system is coming through that can cause harm to the area. Keeping up on weather reports online, on television, and on the radio will help you take the time to protect your property and your vehicles. 

 For your EV, make sure it is fully charged. A quicker way to do so is to get it charged at the nearest DC Fast Charging station. After it is charged, get it to shelter – preferably your garage or another protected area.  

After the storm, we often want to check on relatives, friends, and others. If you take your EV, please avoid flooded roadways. Flood water could creep into your battery pack, leading to premature degradation. You should also get your EV to higher ground to avoid flooded areas.  

What if your EV experiences flood damage? One thing that should not be done is to charge it up. As we said before, water exposure can affect the battery’s health, and it can either not sustain a recharge or pose a hazard due to flood damage. You may also see warning lights from the digital information center, some unusual smells from the cabin and under the vehicle, smoke, or hissing sounds resulting from water exposure. Have your EV checked by a certified technician before attempting to start or charge your vehicle. 

One more thing to consider with your EV. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a warning that a flooded EV (and hybrid vehicle) can pose shock and fire risks due to lithium-ion battery packs, as equipped on Chevrolet EVs. If the EV has sustained storm damage, you should not park your EV in a garage or near structures, other vehicles, or combustible products.  

It’s probably best to contact the McFarland Chevrolet Certified Service Center to schedule an inspection if your Chevrolet EV has been exposed to standing water, heavy debris, or if you are receiving an unusual warning from the vehicle’s electrical system. We are always here to assist you and your EV after a severe storm.