What to know about saltwater flooding and the risk of lithium-ion battery fires

Saltwater is a particular problem for lithium-ion batteries because salt dissolved in water is conductive, which means that electric current readily flows through it.

Flooding from hurricanes Helene and Milton inflicted billions of dollars in damage across the Southeast in September and October 2024, pushing buildings off their foundations and undercutting roads and bridges. It also caused dozens of electric vehicles and other battery-powered objects, such as scooters and golf carts, to catch fire.