Can electric cars go through the car wash?

The UK is Europe’s second-largest electric vehicle (EV) market. To date, 1,360,000 battery electric cars are cruising on UK roads. However, even though electric car adoption is on the rise, misconceptions are still rife. One in particular. Specifically, one about electric cars and car washes.

In fact, did you know that 42% of Brits think electric cars can’t go through the car wash? (UK Government Go Ultra Low Campaign).

Today, we clean up this myth, answering the budding question and diving into how you can wash your electric car.

Let’s get into electric car washing.

Can electric cars go through the car wash?

While the stigma around electric cars has led to many misconceptions and myths, driving an EV is almost identical to driving petrol and diesel vehicles — only with more benefits. For example, electric cars are not just more environmentally friendly but are cheaper to run.

And safety is no different.  Car manufacturers rigorously test all types of vehicles before they are allowed to go to market. So, EVs meet the all same safety regulations as petrol and diesel cars.

With this in mind, we’re pleased to say that, yes, hybrid vehicles and fully electric cars can go through car washes easily and safely, exactly like petrol or diesel vehicles. You can also have them valeted or, of course, hand clean them.

Why can electric cars go through the car wash?

Electric cars, like all cars, go through rigorous testing to ensure they are safe and protected from water ingress. This process? The ‘soak test’. Submersion tests, flood simulations, waterproofing tests and more are all part of the safety measures taken.

In short, this test is for all electric cars to rest all aspects of the vehicle in wet conditions to ensure it’s safe. One key part of this test is submerging the car in nearly floor-level water to check its electrical components. Manufacturers thoroughly seal electrical systems, such as the electric motor, to prevent water ingress, especially in the core of your EV—the battery pack.

So, heavy rain, storms, and simply washing your car in the car wash are child’s play in any EV. You can even charge your electric car in the rain.

Plus, if electric cars couldn’t go through the car wash, why would certain EVs even come with a car wash mode? For example, not only can you take a Tesla through a car wash, but there is a Tesla car wash mode where you can lock the charging port, disable auto wipers, and more.

How can I wash an electric car?

As mentioned, you can wash your electric car just like you would wash a petrol or diesel car:

1. Automatic car wash
2. Hand Wash
3. Pressure wash
4. Dry wash

Tips for washing electric cars:

• Avoid high-pressure washing: Pre-wash your electric car, then hand wash for the best results. High-pressure water can damage the paint. If you must use a pressure washer, steer clear of sensitive areas like sensors and the charging port. Always take care to protect your EV’s delicate parts.
• Take precautions with car washes: Take as much care as you would a petrol car in a car wash. Fold in mirrors, close all doors and windows, and disable automatic functions such as windshield wipers. Unfortunately, an EV driver has learnt this the hard way.
• Wash with care: The best way to wash your electric car is to hand wash from top to bottom using car shampoos and gentle cleaning products, reducing the risk of scratches.
• Charging port: Before cleaning, always check that you have closed your electric car charging port. And of course, remove any charging cables and store them away safety.

Summary:

While electric cars can go through car washes completely safely, without damaging electrical components, automatic car washes can sometimes damage any car’s paint. With this in mind, we recommend hand washing your EV instead to not only clean your car but to keep it in mind condition. Use soft cleaning products like microfiber cloths and sponges over harsh, abrasive cleaning materials and strong, acidic cleaning products.

After all, electric cars, for all their benefits, can come with a higher price tag.

Make sure to take care of the inside of your EV as well as the outside, too. Read our tips for maintaining your EV battery.

Want to boost your EV charging experience? Invest in a home or commercial EV charger.

Cheaper. Greener. More convenient. Dedicated EV charging points bring you a number of benefits.

In fact, did you know you can charge your electric vehicle overnight during off peak hours and charge for as little as 7p per kWh with the right home charging set up? That’s all from the comfort of your home, too.

As the experts in EV charging, we can install home, workplace and commercial EV chargers with our comprehensive solutions. All our DBS-checked, experienced and accredited EV charger specialists provide the highest level of customer service and standards, ensuring a stress-free process.

Contact us today for unbiased advice. Or, get your free EV charger quote below. Choose from the best selling EV chargers. From the state-of-the-act Ohme Home Pro to the neat and discreet British Gas Hive EV charger.

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