Lithium-ion batteries, used in everything from smartphones to electric vehicles, pose significant dangers when exposed to saltwater, especially during hurricanes. When saltwater invades coastal neighborhoods due to storm surges, these batteries can become highly unstable and potentially lead to fires, explosions, and harmful chemical releases.
How Lithium-Ion Batteries Work
Li-ion batteries move lithium ions between positive and negative electrodes during their charge and discharge cycles. These are ideal for EVs, as they offer long ranges and fast charging times compared to other types of batteries. However, their high energy content and chemical composition also make them vulnerable to certain risks, particularly under extreme conditions such as hurricanes.
Dangers of Saltwater Exposure
When saltwater comes into contact with lithium-ion batteries, several chemical reactions occur. Saltwater contains electrolytes (sodium chloride) which act as conductors, facilitating unintended electrical currents between the battery’s internal components. This can result in short circuits leading to overheating, explosions, or thermal runaway.
Thermal runaway – a chain reaction that occurs when the battery’s internal temperature rapidly increases and causes ignition – is the biggest concern. These electrical fires are challenging to extinguish and often require special firefighting techniques.
Additionally, saltwater exposure accelerates corrosion of battery components, especially the metal parts within cells and protective casings. Over time, this corrosion can compromise the integrity of the battery, leading to further electrical failures in the future…when they are least expected.
Affected Vehicles & Toys
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, there has been a dramatic increase in claims linked to saltwater-damaged lithium batteries. These include fires arising from EV and hybrid cars, golf carts, e-bikes, e-scooters, e-toys, and even smart phones. Reignition is also a very real threat, as there have been multiple instances of EV automobiles reigniting hours or days after the initial fire was extinguished by firefighters.
If you’re wondering if your EV runs on a lithium-ion battery, the answer is: yes, it does. All electric vehicles are designed with lithium-ion batteries. And because EVs and other e-vehicles are often stored in your garage, flames from these fires can spread quickly to your home and its contents.
A related threat are the toxic chemicals released from damaged lithium batteries. If inhaled or touched, these chemicals can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, or more severe health issues.
Prevention & Next Steps
While manufacturers are developing protective measures, such as improved waterproofing techniques and systems that detect potential failures early, nothing is in place at this time. Right now, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Create an action plan for all members of your family addressing this risk.
Move EV cars, golf carts, e-bikes, and e-scooters to higher ground or a weather-secure offsite vault, to help reduce the risk of contact with saltwater.
If you have e-vehicles stored at a coastal vacation home, it’s important to relocate them when you are absent to avoid a fire spreading to your residence.
If relocation is not an option and saltwater contamination is probable, ensure these vehicles are moved away from structures, especially if your garage is physically attached to your home.
Do not try to charge the vehicle and confirm that it is unplugged.
Place e-toys and smaller devices in water-tight containers and move them to a safe location.
Have all vehicles – regardless of type - inspected by professionals if they've been exposed to saltwater.
For additional insight on this topic, you can read the alert recently disseminated by the Florida Office of Insurance here (opens a new window).
Particularly if you live along the East Coast and own a Tesla, Mercedes EQS, Lucid AirDream, Porsche Taycan Turbo, or other luxury e-vehicles, you’ll want to have a plan in place well in advance of a hurricane landfall. Contact your account team or Lockton Private Risk Solutions (opens a new window) if you have questions about loss mitigation strategies or other issues related to lithium battery risks.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. Please consult with a Lockton representative for information regarding specific insurance products and services.