Electric cars are becoming more popular and affordable as the world transitions to a low-carbon future.
But what happens when these vehicles encounter salt water, either from floods, storms, or accidents?
Can salt water be used as a fuel source for electric cars, or does it pose a serious threat to their safety and performance?
Saltwater as a fuel source
One of the most intriguing and innovative ideas for electric cars is to use salt water as a fuel source. This is the concept behind the Quantino, a prototype electric car developed by a Swiss company called Nanoflowcell.
The bi-ION electrolyte is stored in two tanks in the car and is pumped through a flow cell battery that generates electricity.
The flow cell battery works by electrically charging the ionic liquid, creating a potential difference between the two tanks.
The electricity is then used to power four low-voltage electric motors, one for each wheel.
The Quantino claims to have several advantages over conventional electric cars, such as a longer range, a lower cost, and a more environmentally friendly operation.
The company says that the Quantino can travel up to 600 miles on a single tank of bi-ION electrolyte, which is cheaper and easier to produce than lithium-ion batteries.
The bi-ION electrolyte is also said to be harmless to the environment, as it does not contain any harmful substances or metals.
However, the Quantino is still in the development stage and has not been tested or certified for public use.
The company has not revealed many details about the technical specifications, the production process, or the availability of the bi-ION electrolyte.
The feasibility and scalability of the flow cell battery technology are also uncertain, as it faces challenges such as efficiency, durability, and safety.
Saltwater as a safety hazard
While salt water may offer some potential benefits for electric cars, it also poses a significant risk to their safety and performance.
This is especially true for electric cars that have been submerged in salt water, either from floods, storms, or accidents.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), residual salt within the battery or battery components can form conductive “bridges” that can lead to short circuits and self-heating of the battery, resulting in fires.
The NHTSA warns that electric cars that have been exposed to salt water may have a higher potential risk of experiencing a battery fire, even after they have been dried out or repaired2.
The NHTSA advises that electric car owners and operators should follow these steps to prevent and respond to saltwater-related battery fires:
- Avoid driving through flooded areas or deep water, as this may damage the battery or other electrical components.
- If the vehicle has been submerged in salt water, disconnect the 12-volt battery and do not attempt to start or charge the vehicle. Contact the manufacturer or a qualified service provider for guidance.
- If the vehicle shows signs of a battery fire, such as smoke, sparks, flames, or a burning smell, exit the vehicle immediately and move away to a safe distance. Call 911 and inform the responders that the vehicle is electric and has been exposed to salt water.
- Do not attempt to extinguish the battery fire with water, as this may spread the fire or cause an electric shock. Use a Class D fire extinguisher or dry sand if available, or let the fire burn out on its own.
- Do not touch or move the vehicle until it has been inspected and cleared by a qualified service provider. The battery may remain hot and hazardous for several hours or days after the fire.
Conclusion
Electric cars and salt water have a complex and contradictory relationship. On one hand, salt water can be used as a fuel source for electric cars, as demonstrated by the Quantino prototype.
On the other hand, salt water can be a safety hazard for electric cars, as it can cause battery fires and damage.
Therefore, electric car owners and operators should be aware of the benefits and risks of salt water, and take appropriate measures to protect their vehicles and themselves.
