Debunking the Myth: Electric Vehicles Are a Liability in Florida Hurricanes
- Drive Electric Florida
- May 29
- 4 min read
Florida’s hurricane season often sparks debates about preparedness, and electric vehicles (EVs) have become an unexpected target of misinformation. Critics claim EVs are impractical or even dangerous during storms, citing fire risks and charging challenges. However, a closer look at the facts reveals that EVs not only hold their own during hurricanes but offer unique advantages that gas-powered vehicles cannot match. Let’s dismantle the myths and explain why EVs are a resilient choice for Floridians.
Myth 1: EVs Are More Prone to Fires Than Gas Cars
The Reality:
While headlines about EVs fires post-hurricane grab attention, the data tells a different story. Gasoline-powered vehicles catch fire 40 times more frequently than EVs, with 1,529 fires per 100,000 gas cars sold compared to just 25 for EVs 26. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, only 36 out of 5,000 flooded EVs ignited, a rate of 0.7%, underscoring the rarity of such events.
Saltwater exposure can increase fire risks due to battery short circuits, but this risk is manageable. Proper planning, such as removing the EV from flood zones, mitigates the danger. Internal combustion engines (ICE) vehicles face similar hazards: contaminated fuel, leaks, and explosions during disasters. Regardless of the fuel type, a submerged car should be checked by a qualified mechanic to ensure it maintains normal operation.
Myth 2: EVs Can’t Function During Power Outages
The Reality:
EVs excel in preparedness. Modern weather forecasting gives Floridians days to charge their vehicles to full capacity, providing 200–300+ miles of range—enough to evacuate or navigate post-storm. Even if the grid fails, EVs with bidirectional charging (e.g., Ford F-150 Lightning, Kia EV6) can power homes for days. One Florida family used their EV to run appliances and charge devices during Hurricane Ian, consuming just 3% of the battery daily.
Charging infrastructure is also resilient. Over 70% of Florida’s EV stations are built to withstand Category 4 hurricanes, and some include solar backups. Compare this to gas stations, which rely on electricity to pump fuel and often face gas shortages pre- and post-storm.
Myth 3: EVs Are Useless in Post-Hurricane Recovery
The Reality:
EVs shine in disaster response. During Hurricane Helene, drivers bypassed hours-long gas lines and charged effortlessly at vacant stations. In Asheville, a Rivian EV powered a food truck and chainsaws for road clearance, while a vet clinic used EVs to restore operations.
EV owners across Florida have witnessed firsthand the numerous benefits of EVs, particularly in navigating the challenges posed by limited fuel supplies and overcrowded gas stations during emergencies.
As experienced during Hurricane Milton, more than 1,300 gas stations across the state were dry five days after the storm made landfall, creating significant stress for residents reliant on traditional fuel sources. In the Tampa metro area, nearly half (49.9%) of the 1,801 gas stations were still without fuel as of Monday afternoon, six days post-landfall.
In contrast, EVs emerged as a dependable alternative, unfazed by the chaos of empty gas stations and maddeningly long lines at the pumps. As Dan DeLisi of West Palm Beach shared, “While others scrambled for gas, I charged my EVs at home. My EV provided me with a smarter, safer, and more sustainable solution. Scarce fuel supplies and long lines were not further burdened by those of us with EVs.”
With ranges comparable to traditional gasoline vehicles, many modern EVs can travel over 200 miles on a single charge and recharge fully in just 30 minutes using a Level 3 DC Fast Charger.
Additionally, EVs reduce strain on fuel supplies. Every EV on the road means one less vehicle competing for gas, freeing resources for emergency responders.
Myth 4: EVs Harm the Environment More Than Gas Cars
The Reality:
Over their lifetime, EVs produce one-third the emissions of gas cars, even accounting for battery manufacturing. Florida’s EV Master Plan prioritizes renewable energy integration, and recycling programs recover 95–98% of battery materials, minimizing mining needs. Meanwhile, gas cars emit 20 pounds of CO2 per gallon daily, worsening the climate crises that fuel stronger hurricanes.
EVs offer significant environmental advantages over their gasoline counterparts. According to research from the International Council on Clean Transportation, EVs have a climate impact of about one-third that of combustion engine vehicles.
Contrary to popular belief, the daily usage of a vehicle, not the manufacturing, poses the greatest environmental burden. Unlike gas vehicles emitting 20 pounds of CO2 per gallon, EVs eliminate daily fossil fuel reliance, reducing their environmental impact.
While mining for battery materials, such as cobalt, poses initial ecological concerns, it’s essential to consider the broader context and full life cycle. Battery recycling reduces reliance on critical minerals, and with the battery material market high, companies such as South Carolina’s Redwood Materials are popping up across the country. Recycling at facilities like Redwood Materials recovers 95% to 98% of critical minerals, promoting sustainability and minimizing future mining needs. This shift not only reduces mineral dependence but also creates domestic jobs and supports a circular economy, contrasting with fossil fuel consumption.
Additionally, manufacturers are moving away from using cobalt in their batteries, preferring alternatives
The Future of Hurricane Resilience
Florida is already leading the charge. With almost 12,000+ public charging ports and a grid capable of supporting EVs without overloading (EVs use less electricity than air conditioning), the state is proving EVs are part of the solution. Innovations like storm-resistant batteries and expanded V2G technology will only enhance safety and utility.
Conclusion
The narrative that EVs are a liability in hurricanes is not just outdated, it’s dangerously misleading. EVs offer reliability, environmental benefits, and lifesaving versatility during disasters. By embracing EVs, Floridians can build a cleaner, more resilient future. As climate challenges grow, dismissing EVs based on myths is a risk we can’t afford.
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