1. Neglecting electrical safety
Neglecting electrical safety when washing an electric car entails major risks, not only for your vehicle, but also for you. Electric cars, powered solely by their batteries and electric motors, have special features that require special attention, depending on a number of factors:
- the high-voltage electrical system,
- no engine oil,
- regenerative braking,
- software and updates.
What's more, the motor of an electric car carries risks due to the high voltage of the batteries, which can exceed 370 V. Inappropriate handling, particularly when washing, can lead to risks of electrocutionwhich can be fatal.
The lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles are very well protected, but can present a risk in the event of damage. In the event of a collision or impact, it's crucial to switch off the vehicle's power supply and have the battery checked by a professional. We recommend that you consult the emergency intervention documentation supplied by manufacturers to find out more about how to disconnect the battery safely.
It is important to note that electric cars are no more prone to fire than combustion-powered cars. Incidents such as the fire in a Tesla Model S in the USA in July 2021 have highlighted these risks, but rest assured that such events remain exceptional. Electric vehicle technology has improved significantly over the years, and the risk of fire is low.
France, like other countries, takes electric vehicle safety seriously. Organizations such as UTAC and INERIS analyze the risks and propose regular measures to guarantee safety when charging vehicles at home and in underground parking lots (adapting charging amperage, implementing fire-prevention devices). What's more, if you're a small or medium-sized business, we recommend that you make your employees aware of best practices when it comes to electric cars.
Also read → How does electric car driver training work for employees?
2. Use inappropriate cleaning products
The use of inappropriate washing products can not only compromise your vehicle's appearance and exterior, but also damage its electrical components.
Certain aggressive chemicals (detergents, acid-based cleaners, industrial degreasers, cleaning solutions with powerful solvents, etc.) used in traditional car washes can cause :
- corrosion of metal parts,
- damage to seals,
- or the degradation of protective paint layers.
We recommend that you choose car washes specially designed for electric cars, often labelled as "mild or "eco-friendly. These products contain fewer aggressive substances and are formulated to clean effectively without compromising sensitive materials or electrical components. For example, car shampoos with a neutral pH are preferable, as they clean without damaging paintwork or protective coatings.
For electric vehicles from specific brands such as Tesla, Volkswagen or RenaultIt's best to consult your owner's manual for more information, or contact your dealer for personalized advice. Some manufacturers may even recommend cleaning kits or products approved for their models.
Here are the tips from Beev for washing different types of electric cars:
| Products | |
|---|---|
|
For bodywork |
Gentle, eco-friendly car shampoos, avoid products containing aggressive solvents or strong acids.
|
|
For wheels and tires |
Special cleaners that do not attack protective coatings (Meguiar's Gold Car, Meguiar's Hyper Dressing, Sonax Wheel Cleaner).
|
|
For indoors |
Multi-surface cleaners (Windex, M. Propre, Lysol) without aggressive chemicals. |
3. Washing under excessive water pressure
Using high-pressure water to wash an electric car is risky and can potentially cause damage to vehicle components. Electric cars are equipped with complex electrical systems and batteries which, although generally well protected, can be vulnerable to high-pressure water. This can lead to water seeping into critical areas, causing short circuits or other electrical damage.
Electric car manufacturers provide specific guidelines for cleaning their vehicles. For example, it is often recommended to avoid using high-pressure water jets directly on charging sockets, sensors and other exposed electrical components. Inappropriate cleaning can not only compromise the functionality of these components, but also lead to high repair costs. We recommend :
- opt for a gentle to moderate jet of water, sufficient to remove dirt and debris.
- Avoid directing the spray onto sensitive areas (load sockets, sensors, seals) to avoid infiltration.
- Use a sponge or soft cloth with appropriate soap, to control the amount of water used.
- be sure to dry your electric car thoroughly after washing, especially around areas where water could collect or seep in (windows, door seals).
4. Choose an unsuitable automatic washer
Some wash systems, especially those with hard brushes, can scratch paintwork or damage exterior parts of the vehicle such as mirrors or antennas. What's more, high-pressure wash systems can force water into sensitive areas, risking damage to vehicle electronics.
Finally, the use of inappropriate chemicals in some automatic car washes can alter the car's finish or affect its electrical components.
You can choose non-contact washes, which offer lower-contact services with moderate-pressure water jets and mild products, reducing the risk of mechanical damage and water ingress. Make sure your car wash uses mild products suitable for electric cars. Avoid areas that use aggressive chemicals.
If possible, ask for manual drying, to reduce the risk of water seeping into sensitive areas, and to check if any areas need special attention after washing.
In France, there are several large carwash networks, such as Éléphant Bleu, Total Washand many independent stations. The networks provide maps of their stations, so you can easily find one near you. Many towns and cities have a carwash, but you can also find them at service stations or supermarkets. For an automatic car wash with rollers, expect to pay an average price of from €4 to €16 depending on the program. For manual washing, the price per token generally ranges from from €3 to €5.
5. Neglecting battery maintenance after washing
Maintaining the battery after washing an electric car is crucial to the vehicle's longevity and smooth operation. Although electric cars require less maintenance than combustion-powered vehicles, the battery is the core element that needs special attention.
Electric car batteries, generally lithium-ion, have an estimated life of between 1,000 to 1,500 charge cycles. The durability of a lithium-ion battery can extend over a decade, although its charging capacity gradually degrades over time. Factors such as driving style, charging and maintenance conditions have a direct influence on battery life and performance. So it's a good idea to follow these post-wash tips:
- Make sure that the battery and its connections have not been affected by water or cleaning products.
- Have your electric vehicle regularly inspected by an approved professional, as electric vehicles require specific knowledge.
- Keep the battery in a temperature-controlled environment whenever possible.
- Avoid charging the battery to 100% or dropping it to 0% regularly; a charge cycle between 20% and 80% is ideal.
