U.S. Coast Guard warns: Avoid loading electric vehicles with damaged Li-ion batteries

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a marine safety alert about the damage to electric vehicle batteries caused by saltwater.

This marine safety alert was published on February 3rd, 2023.

Hurricane Ian recently caused significant damage throughout Florida and the Southeastern United States, where numerous vehicle fires involved electronic vehicles that are powered by Lithium-ion batteries. The vehicle fires were caused by the exposure of the Li-ion batteries to salt water.

"Saltwater exposure can significantly degrade lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, causing a chemical reaction that creates an extreme fire risk."

"Vessels, ports, and shippers should be aware of this extreme risk and avoid loading electric vehicles with damaged Li-ion batteries onto commercial vessels."

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

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