BYD Tang Component Failure During Shenyang Flooding
A BYD Tang SUV was filmed losing a large undercarriage component while navigating floodwaters in Shenyang, China. According to reports from Carnewschina, the vehicle became immobilized with hazard lights active, leaving a heavy metallic part visible behind the chassis. BYD has not yet identified the detached component or confirmed the cause of the failure.
Manufacturer Guidance on Electric Vehicle Flood Safety
While the incident has prompted widespread online speculation regarding the vehicle’s electric motor assembly, BYD has not released an official inspection report. He Zhiqi, Executive Vice President at BYD, previously stated that the company’s “Blade” battery packs are rated IP67 and IP68. These ratings verify resistance to water ingress under specific testing conditions.
However, the manufacturer explicitly warns that these safety certifications are intended for emergency protection rather than routine flood navigation. According to BYD, drivers should avoid flooded roads entirely, as deep water poses risks to body panels, undercarriage components, and other vehicle systems regardless of the high-voltage battery’s seal integrity.
Pro Tip: IP (Ingress Protection) ratings like IP67 or IP68 indicate a product’s ability to resist dust and water. Always consult your owner’s manual for manufacturer-specific flood depth limits.
EV Engineering and Water Exposure Risks
The Shenyang incident highlights a broader industry challenge: protecting complex electric powertrains from environmental hazards. While battery enclosures are sealed to prevent short circuits, other systems—such as motor mounts, cooling lines, and structural connectors—remain vulnerable to the mechanical force of moving water.
Comparing these design constraints to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, EVs face unique risks. While ICE vehicles are susceptible to “hydrolock” if water enters the air intake, EVs are susceptible to physical damage to chassis components when wading through high-velocity currents. BYD’s public stance emphasizes that their safety systems are defensive, designed to prevent catastrophic failure in emergencies, not to enable off-road or flood-zone performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric vehicles safe to drive through deep water?
Most manufacturers, including BYD, advise against driving through flooded roads. While battery packs are sealed to high industry standards, deep water can cause mechanical damage to the suspension, steering, and electrical components located under the vehicle.
What do IP67 and IP68 ratings mean for EV batteries?
These ratings indicate the battery pack is dust-tight and protected against the effects of temporary or continuous immersion in water. They are safety benchmarks, not endorsements for driving through floods.
What should I do if my EV is exposed to deep floodwater?
If your vehicle has been submerged, do not attempt to start it. Have the vehicle professionally inspected by an authorized service center to check for water ingress in high-voltage connections or structural damage to the undercarriage.
Have you experienced issues with vehicle performance in extreme weather? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments section below.
