Charging an EV in the rain: What you need to know

Quick insights

• It is safe to charge an electric vehicle in the rain, as the equipment is designed to be waterproof.
• Electric vehicles and charging stations must follow important safety regulations so that you and your vehicle remain safe.
• You may want to consider using port covers and following other helpful tips to ensure you are properly and safely charging your vehicle.

It’s safe to say that generally, electricity and water don’t make a great pair. Naturally, you might be wondering if charging an electronic vehicle (EV) in the rain is safe. While it may seem dangerous, it’s actually perfectly safe to charge your EV, even in wet weather. Let’s go into more detail below.

Can you charge an electric car in the rain?

Yes, it is safe to charge your EV in the rain. EVs and charging stations are required to follow strict safety measures, including protective measures during inclement weather. The equipment—from your charger to your cables and ports—is specially designed to withstand rain or snow so that you and your EV remain safe while charging. EVs and their respective equipment undergo soak tests to check their ability to withstand water and continue to function properly.

Are electric car chargers waterproof?

While not all electronics are waterproof, EVs are specifically designed to endure all kinds of inclement weather, including rain. Additionally, the charging station you are using has been designed to work safely regardless of weather or coverage.

Charging station cables are weatherproofed with layers of protective coverage. Even if you drop your cable in a puddle, the car and the cable need to signal each other when it’s ready for charging; if the cord is wet, electricity will not be able to pass from the cord to the car. This is all thanks to the ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI) which stop electricity from running when water is detected. This is a protective safety measure so that even if the cable gets wet, no harm will come to you or your EV.

Practical tips for charging your EV in the rain

Below are some helpful tips for when you charge your EV in the rain:

• Avoid using domestic cables. These three-pin charging ports are not as well equipped as an outdoor reel cable, so domestic cables should only be used as needed. If you do use a domestic cable that runs from your house to your charger, make sure it hasn’t been left out in the rain.
• Use sheltered charging stations. When possible, charge your car at a station with covers; this can provide an extra layer of protection for you and your EV.
• Check the ingress protection (IP) ratings. For your safety, it’s best to use EV chargers that have a rating of IP65 or IP66. These ratings indicate that your charging equipment was built to run properly in the rain.
• Consider using port covers. While you do not need port covers to charge your EV safely, having an extra layer of protection may help avoid future wear and tear.

Regulatory and industry standards

Regulatory standards for EVs, including those for charging EVs in the rain, are set by several organizations and agencies, including international, national and local bodies. In addition to IP ratings for chargers, some EV charging regulations include but are not limited to:

Electrical safety standards

• GFCI: As mentioned earlier, EV charging stations are required to have GFCI protection to prevent electrical shock. This is particularly important in wet conditions, as GFCI devices can detect ground faults and interrupt the power supply to prevent harm.
• Isolation protocols: Charging systems must include proper isolation mechanisms to ensure that no electrical conductivity occurs outside the system, which could be exacerbated by wet conditions.

Installation guidelines

EV charging stations need to follow strict guidelines, including:

• Elevated platforms: In areas prone to flooding or heavy rain, regulations may recommend or require that charging stations be installed on elevated platforms to avoid water pooling.
• Covered areas: While not always mandatory, it is often recommended that charging stations be placed under covered areas to minimize direct exposure to rain. This can help enhance safety and prolong the equipment's lifespan.

Regular maintenance and inspection

• Weather-related inspections: Regular inspections and maintenance of charging stations may be required to ensure they remain safe and functional in all weather conditions. This includes checking for water damage, corrosion and the integrity of seals and protective covers.

In conclusion

While it may sound paradoxical, charging an electric vehicle in the rain is safe to do. As long as protective measures are in place and regulations are followed, you and your car are safe from harm when charging your EV in wet conditions. It’s a good idea to review your owner’s manual to ensure you’re following the proper steps and guidelines for charging your EV, regardless of what weather you’re having.