As Florida's electric vehicle (EV) population hits over 200,000, a reminder goes out to owners in the Sunshine State to stay prepared ahead of hurricane season, particularly since these environmentally-friendly rides come with specific considerations when natural disasters strike. With the state ranking second in the country for EV registrations, just behind California, the stakes for ensuring the safety of both people and property couldn't be higher.

For those who might find themselves needing to evacuate, the key is to plan: know your evacuation zone and route, and keep your EV's battery fully charged, because once an evacuation order hits, it's too late to be scrambling for a plug, and with typical ranges between 150 and 400 miles, it's crucial to understand just how far you can go, Hillsborough County advises. Charging stations may be overwhelmed or without power, so relying on them could leave you stranded.

Now comes the floodwater factor: it's no friend to EVs. Driving through floodwaters or charging a submerged vehicle is a recipe for disaster, the risk of a battery fire is real, and not an eventuality to be tested; for those leaving their EV behind, the recommendation is to park it away from structures and other vehicles, while maintaining a modest 30% charge, as too much stored energy could invite trouble if the worst happens, according to the guidelines provided.

Battery disposal is a detail not to be overlooked, particularly for Florida's EV owners post-hurricane season, damaged lithium-ion batteries are not your everyday trash, they're a hazardous material and should be treated with care, brought to Community Collection Centers or Household Hazardous Waste events, individually bagged for transport, this is a critical step in preventing further calamity in the wake of a storm.