How does the U.S. Does the Coast Guard have an impact on or affect your knowledge of electric vehicles? It may not seem like the Coast Guard and electric vehicles have anything to do with each other, but they released a blog post on their official website within the last week that talks about electric vehicle batteries.

Now, this has to do with shipping these batteries on cargo boats and shipping containers and how it affects the marine environment. The Coast Guard issues a safety alert, emphasizing that saltwater intrusion causes damage to these batteries, posing an extreme risk of fire. They illustrate this with a picture of a fire caused by saltwater intrusion on an electric vehicle.

The Bottom Line for Commercial Vessels
Vessels, ports, and shippers are urged to be aware of this extreme risk and to avoid loading electric vehicles with damaged lithium-ion batteries onto commercial vehicles. The bottom line is that they don’t want damaged batteries in EVs on commercial vessels, as it could lead to dangerous fires at sea.

How is this relevant to electric vehicle ownership? Especially for those living in saltwater environments near the coast, which is common in states like California, Oregon, Washington, Florida, Texas, New York, New Jersey, and Virginia. The Coast Guard’s warning becomes critical for those with electric vehicles in these coastal areas.

Hidden Battery Damage Risks
What if your EV battery is damaged but you don’t notice it? The article emphasizes that cosmetic damage might not be immediately visible, and the damage could be more severe than it appears. The Coast Guard warns that saltwater intrusion, even from road spray, can cause fires and pose an extreme risk.

The risks extend beyond coastal areas. In winter, when many parts of the country experience snow and ice, road salt is used for mitigation. This salt is essentially saltwater and poses a risk to EVs. The Coast Guard’s extreme risk warning isn’t limited to coastal states, making it crucial information for those in snow-prone regions.

The importance of vehicle inspection
The Coast Guard’s warning extends to commercial boats, but it’s not common mainstream knowledge for consumers. Therefore, it’s important to check your vehicle periodically. Ensure your battery is free from physical damage, especially if you’ve driven over obstacles or suspect any issues. The goal is to prevent the potential extreme risk of fires due to saltwater intrusion.

In conclusion, the Coast Guard’s recent warning sheds light on a potential hazard that may not be widely known among civilians. Being proactive in checking your electric vehicle for battery damage is crucial, as the risks extend beyond the immediate safety of the vehicle, impacting property and potentially causing severe consequences.