As the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on Malaysian roads continues to grow, concerns have surfaced over their safety during floods, particularly regarding the risk of electric shock and the use of public charging facilities in flood-prone areas.
Addressing these concerns, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) said the safety and comfort of users remain its top priority, including for EVs and charging infrastructure, especially during the monsoon season and periods of flooding.
In a written response to Bernama, TNB explained that EVs are equipped with advanced safety systems such as automatic power cut-off mechanisms, tightly sealed battery packs and insulated high-voltage cables, making the risk of electric shock extremely low.
“EVs are designed with strict safety standards to ensure they remain safe even in flood conditions. Modern charging stations are built with water- and dust-resistant designs, automatic cut-off systems and moisture sensors that immediately halt operations when abnormalities are detected, including submersion,” TNB said.
The utility company added that many charging stations are fitted with flood detectors to provide early warnings of rising water levels. Site conditions are also monitored through closed-circuit television (CCTV) and by site partners to enable swift action when flooding occurs.
According to TNB, EV charging station operators follow a Flood Emergency Response Plan coordinated with the company’s safety standard operating procedures. This ensures charging operations can be shut down promptly, safety measures implemented and recovery efforts carried out in an organised manner.
TNB also said the risk to the national power grid is minimal, as charging stations are protected by multiple safety layers, including fuses, miniature circuit breakers (MCBs) and residual current devices (RCDs). These systems are monitored using smart technologies such as the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Geographic Information System (GIS).
Through its Flood Analysis and Risk Assessment System, TNB said it is able to map flood-affected areas in real time and identify installations at risk, allowing for proactive measures such as patrols and early safety planning.
At the same time, TNB advised EV owners to take precautionary steps during floods, including stopping charging immediately, moving vehicles to higher ground and complying with safety instructions issued by charging operators. Users were also cautioned against touching submerged charging equipment, attempting to move flooded EVs or charging vehicles during heavy rain or in flood-affected areas.
Meanwhile, Zero Emission Vehicle Association (ZEVA) president Wan Ahmad Zam Zam Wan Abd Wahab said there have been no reported cases of electric shock involving EV charging stations during floods so far. However, he urged users to remain vigilant and avoid using chargers in high-risk locations.
He added that most EV charging stations comply with Energy Commission and international safety standards, including ingress protection (IP) ratings for resistance against water and dust. Critical components such as control panels and distribution boards are typically installed at higher levels and designed to shut down safely when abnormal conditions are detected.
