Water Resistance Standards for Electric Scooters: Normal Operation Within 30 Centimeters
In recent years, Taiwan has experienced frequent extreme rainfall, leading to repeated flooding incidents. Electric scooters, which do not face the issue of engine water ingress like traditional vehicles, have been regarded as ideal for wading through floods. However, their actual water resistance capabilities still have clear limitations. Take Gogoro, the dominant electric scooter brand in Taiwan, for example. The manufacturer claims that its scooters can operate normally in floodwaters up to 30 centimeters deep. The Gogoro 1 has a water resistance rating of IPX7, meaning it can be submerged in 1 meter of water for half an hour without damage. The Gogoro VIVA MIX, equipped with 10-inch tires approximately 40 centimeters in height, is recommended by the manufacturer to safely pass through water no deeper than 80% of the tire height, or about 32 centimeters.
However, when water levels exceed these standards, while the battery pack itself is unlikely to be damaged, other electronic components such as control modules, wiring, or cooling systems may fail due to short circuits. Gogoro has not disclosed the water resistance ratings of non-core components, making it difficult to assess the potential risks after wading. Experts warn that even briefly passing through deep water may cause irreversible damage to internal vehicle components.
Wading Capabilities of Electric Vehicles: Tire Midline as the Safety Limit
The wading capabilities of electric vehicles have also attracted attention. Most manufacturers recommend that wading depth should not exceed the midline of the tires to ensure driving safety. The official wading depth for the Porsche Macan EV is 30 centimeters, which is higher than most traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. The Tesla Cybertruck features a "wading mode" that can increase the safe wading depth to 82 centimeters within 30 minutes. The BYD Yangwang U8 goes even further, with all core components achieving an IP68 water resistance rating and an emergency floating function, making it the most water-resistant mass-produced electric vehicle currently available.
In terms of battery water resistance technology, products from CATL, the world's largest battery manufacturer, generally achieve an IPX7 rating, with some newer models reaching IPX8. These batteries can be submerged in 1 meter of water for half an hour without affecting performance. However, the water resistance of components other than the battery pack varies. The water resistance ratings of electrical circuit designs, wire packaging, and cooling systems differ among manufacturers. If water levels submerge the chassis, while the battery may not be immediately damaged, connecting wires and control modules could short circuit, causing the vehicle to lose power. Experts point out that even if a vehicle successfully passes through flooded areas, the chassis and electronic systems should be inspected immediately to avoid potential risks.