As Floridians enter the 2025 hurricane season, which forecasters at NOAA predict to be “above-normal,” the growing number of electric vehicle (EV) owners in the Sunshine State are facing unique challenges and leveraging distinct advantages in their storm preparations.
With over 250,000 registered EVs in Florida – the second highest in the nation – residents are learning to adapt their hurricane plans to accommodate the specific needs of battery-powered transportation.
State and local emergency management agencies, alongside utility providers such as Florida Power & Light (FPL), are issuing specific guidance for electric vehicle owners.
READ: NOAA And CSU Forecast Above-Normal 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, Urge Preparedness
The primary advice is the same as for gasoline-powered vehicles: evacuate early and ensure your vehicle is fully charged.
Florida Power & Light (FPL) has also released a detailed storm preparedness checklist for EV drivers:
- Stay Informed and Charged: Follow all local weather forecasts for the latest storm track and be sure to keep your electric vehicle fully charged before a storm approaches.
- Plan Your Evacuation: If you decide to evacuate, plan your evacuation route and check for public chargers along the way. Use the FPL EVolution app and other major applications to ensure chargers are available and operational.
- Download Essential Apps: Make sure you download the FPL EVolution app in advance of the storm and before you need to charge so you can receive push notifications with timely information about pre- and post-storm charging.
- Have a Backup Charging Plan: In the event of widespread power outages, be sure to have a backup plan to charge your EV as public chargers may not be operational. Monitor conditions after the storm has passed to ensure it’s safe to travel and check the FPL EVolution app for updates on when public chargers are back online.
- Park Safely: If you choose to ride out a storm, park your EV in a safe, elevated area away from trees and poles. If possible, park your vehicle inside a garage or carport.
- Post-Storm Inspection: After a storm passes, check your EV for any damage before attempting to drive it. If you suspect your vehicle has suffered any flooding damage, DO NOT plug into a charger or drive it. Have an automotive specialist check your car to prevent any possible hazards.
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Knowing the vehicle’s range and planning evacuation routes accordingly, considering the potential for limited charging access, is crucial.
However, the electric nature of these vehicles introduces specific concerns, particularly regarding saltwater storm surge.
A significant risk is the potential for saltwater inundation to damage EV batteries and lead to fires. Incidents in previous storms where flooded EVs have ignited, sometimes days or weeks later, have prompted stern warnings.
Officials urge EV owners in flood-prone areas to relocate their vehicles to higher ground well before a storm’s arrival. The advice from FPL to have an automotive specialist check any potentially flood-damaged EV underscores this serious risk.
READ: Powering Through Peril In Florida: Essential Generator Safety As Hurricane Season Looms
Despite these concerns, EVs can also offer unique benefits during and after a hurricane. One of the key advantages is the ability to use your EV as a power source in the event of a power outage at home. Many newer EVs offer Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capabilities, enabling them to power small appliances, charge phones, or even run air conditioning for a short period, providing a welcome respite during a widespread outage.
This can be a significant boon when traditional generators are unavailable or fuel for them is scarce.
Furthermore, in often-congested evacuation traffic, electric vehicles (EVs) can be more efficient. Unlike gasoline cars that burn fuel while idling, electric vehicles consume minimal energy in stop-and-go conditions, potentially extending their range during a slow exodus.
As hurricane season officially begins June 1st, emergency officials are emphasizing proactive planning for all Floridians.
For EV owners, this includes understanding the specific risks and rewards of their vehicles, ensuring they are fully charged, and having a clear plan for evacuation and post-storm safety, as detailed in FPL’s checklist.
Utility companies are also working to enhance charging infrastructure resilience, with FPL noting efforts to deploy mobile charging trailers to assist in recovery efforts in storm-impacted areas.
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