where an undamaged EV is floating down a flooded road or river, its electrical components are well sealed and extremely unlikely to provide an electrical hazard to its occupants, bystanders … or passing fish.
what happens if the EV is damaged and sections of the high voltage electrics become exposed?
In this case, a series of safety and protection systems will kick in. In the event of a crash, automatic disconnection of the high voltage electrics occurs through an impact sensor (which exists in all modern cars), thereby limiting the presence of high voltage to within the battery only. Another system (called a ground-fault detection system) is also built into EVs.
The ground-fault detection system constantly tests for electrical connections between the metal vehicle body and the high voltage system. (The two must at all times remain isolated from each other). On detection of such a fault, the ground-fault system will shut-off the electrical supply to the high voltage components. Additionally, there are a series of fuses inside a battery pack to disconnect different areas within the pack if needed.
Current Car: Hyundai Kona Premium EV...2 way 40kg hoist
Last Car: Toyota C-HR Excel Hybrid...4 way 80kg hoist