Yes, EVs can cross floods unscathed

In many ways, electric vehicles are proving they can just be as capable as combustion-powered cars, if not better. For instance, the instantaneous torque delivered by electric motors means cars like the Tesla Model S can match the acceleration of most gas-powered supercars.

But as good as they are, there are still some common misconceptions about EVs, and one of them is that they can't cross flood waters. Some believe that the liquid can easily find its way into the vehicle's electric components and cause it to short circuit.

Well, the California-based EV company Rivian just proved otherwise with their R1T pick-up truck and the R1S SUV. In a video posted on Rivian's official Facebook page, the R1T and R1S were driven through a pool that submerged almost half of the EV's body.

Rivian says the R1T has a maximum rated water fording height of 1,095mm or more than 3 ½ feet, which is higher than the Land Rover Defender's rated numbers at 900mm. The R1T's SUV sibling, the R1S, has a slightly higher rated water wading depth of 1,097mm.

As impressive as it may be, Rivian says the video was only done for testing purposes and is not recommended to be replicated in real-world conditions. There's still no certainty that EVs won't encounter issues when they go for a swim.

It's just another reminder that just because EVs can wade through floods just like combustion-powered vehicles, doesn't mean you should take the plunge. Like the lesson learned from that viral video from years ago, common sense trumps information.

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