As the Atlantic hurricane season intensifies, the renewable energy sector is increasingly focused on the resilience of electric vehicle (EV) fleets and electrified marine assets against severe weather, particularly flooding. Recent events, such as Hurricane Helene in September 2024 and Hurricane Milton in October 2024, highlighted significant vulnerabilities, prompting industry experts and emergency services to reinforce preparedness protocols for these rapidly expanding segments of the clean energy economy.

Floodwaters pose a unique and substantial risk to lithium-ion battery systems prevalent in modern EVs and electric boats. Hillsborough County Fire Investigator David Tucker emphasized that the large, contained power cells in EVs present a "very significant fire load potential of the confined battery over-pressurizing and causing small explosions" when exposed to water. While EV fires are not statistically more frequent than those involving internal combustion engines, their unique characteristics, including thermal runaway and prolonged extinguishing times, present a distinct challenge for fire services globally. This underscores the critical need for robust pre-storm planning among EV owners and marine operators.

For electric vehicles, including cars, bikes, and scooters, the primary directive is to ensure lithium batteries remain elevated and dry, away from potential floodwaters. Industry recommendations include relocating vehicles to higher ground or multi-story parking structures outside of designated evacuation zones. For those choosing to shelter in place, it is crucial to contact dealerships or service centers for post-flood inspection and recommendations before attempting to re-power a vehicle that has sustained any water exposure. This proactive approach mitigates the risk of delayed battery-related incidents.

Similarly, marine vessels, whether conventional or electric, are highly susceptible to storm surge. Captain Jeff Hartzner of Hillsborough County Firefighter noted that Hurricane Helene's storm surge caused numerous boats to lift off their moorings, drifting uncontrollably across Tampa Bay and canals. Such uncontrolled drift not only damages other property but also risks fuel and oil spills, posing environmental hazards. The consensus among marine safety experts is to remove boats from the water and transport them to secure, elevated locations well in advance of a storm's arrival, utilizing professional relocation services or personal trailers.

The incidents following the 2024 hurricane season in Hillsborough County, while not exclusively attributed to storm impact, illustrate the heightened risk. Data indicated 12 building fires and seven vehicle fires around Hurricane Helene's passage, and 10 building fires and two vehicle fires during Hurricane Milton. These figures, though not definitive proof of direct causation, highlight the increased vulnerability of infrastructure and assets during and immediately after severe weather events. As the clean energy transition accelerates, integrating climate resilience into the design, deployment, and operational guidelines for EVs and electric marine transport will be paramount for safeguarding assets, ensuring public safety, and maintaining the momentum of electrification.