Monsoon rains are occurring in most parts of the country. It is going to knock soon in the National Capital Region Delhi and surrounding areas. Due to recent pre-monsoon rains, the roads are waterlogged. In such a situation, common people are facing problems when they go out of the house for daily work, medical check-up etc. Vehicle owners are facing the most problems. These problems include vehicle stopping due to waterlogging on the road, braking system not working properly, short circuit etc. Keeping all these in mind, here are some important safety tips for battery-operated electric vehicles (scooters, bikes and cars). By following these things, you will be able to use your electric vehicles safely during the rainy season.
Avoid walking on waterlogged roads
The latest EVs are capable of wading through low levels of water, but wading through mid-level water can also cause damage to the electric vehicle. The interiors of electric bikes and scooters are filled with sensitive electronics and sensors that are very expensive to replace. Also, wiping the vehicle from time to time will help prevent moisture from entering the interiors of the vehicle.
check battery health
Keep checking the battery of the electric two wheeler regularly, as it is the heart of the EV. Check from time to time for any insulation or connector damage. If any anomaly is found, inform the authorized service center without turning on the scooter or bike. Also keep an eye on the IP rating given on the battery which indicates the level of protection offered.
Protect your charging equipment
Avoid storing charging equipment inside the boot of the electric scooter to avoid water entering the charging equipment. The presence of moisture will damage not only the charging device but also the battery when connected to the charger as water in the equipment can cause a short circuit. Also, avoid using public charging stations exposed to heavy rain.
Find a safe parking for your EV
The first and most important step is to find a safe parking spot for your electric vehicle. Whenever possible, park the vehicle under a shelter or covered area. If this is not possible, cover the vehicle with a cover or else prolonged exposure to rain will cause moisture to accumulate in the vehicle resulting in rust over time.
Also, electric vehicles (EVs) involve a lot more electric elements than normal ICE-powered vehicles, so, a lot more care needs to be taken where the EV is parked. Remember, do not park your vehicle near trees or poles. Also, parking on a centre stand is a healthy practice that divides the weight of the vehicle evenly.
Choose the right insurance plan for EV
Insurance for vehicles is mandatory in India but most insurance policies do not cover flood damage as a standard inclusion. Instead, one has to opt for flood protection as an additional coverage. Sure, it costs more than a standard insurance but offers more coverage in case of heavy rains and floods, which are very common in many parts of the country.