Florida's Fire Marshal Warns That EV's & Saltwater Don't Mix

As we monitor Hurricane Milton, Florida's Fire Marshal and Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has a warning for electric vehicle owners.

He calls the lithium-ion batteries that run them "ticking time bombs," citing situations where they become combustible if exposed to saltwater.

Patronis says it's something to keep in mind, especially for those facing storm surge.

"What we have learned, and we learn something from every single disaster, is saltwater and lithium-ion batteries do not mix. And it's not just with EV's. It's with golf carts, it's scooters, it's even wheel chairs."

Patronis says you should unplug the battery from your vehicle or device and move it safely away from your home and into a clear open space.

There were 16 lithium-ion battery fires related to storm surge from Helene, with six of those fires associated with EVs.