US officials warn that EVs could catch fire if inundated with saltwater from Hurricane Helene

A partially submerged vehicle sits in flood water from after Hurricane Helene passed the area, on Sept 27, 2024, in Atlanta. — AP

Electric vehicles can catch fire if they are inundated by saltwater, so owners who live in the path of a major storm like Hurricane Helene should take precautions and prepare for the possibility that they’ll be unable to charge their cars during a power outage.

What can EV owners do?