
It is common knowledge that water and electricity don’t work well together. In fact, water can damage many parts of a car if it doesn’t stay on the surface of critical components, whether thermal or electrical.
If you have an electric car, you have probably already thought about the advisability of washing the car with rollers or a jet of water.
Is it possible to wash an electric car with water?
Like a car with an internal combustion engine, it is quite possible clean the electric car with rollers, a water jet or even by hand with little effort. All the main components of the electric vehicle are designed to be waterproof, including the charging cables, which allows charging even in the rain. However, it is not recommended to use a pressure washer when charging your car, usually at home, as car washes are not located near charging points. Water pressure can cause penetration into the outlet. Just like in a car with an internal combustion engine, it is not desirable, and perhaps even more so for an electric car, to clean the engine compartment with a jet of water. Even though cables are supposed to be waterproof, you’re never safe from a Technical problem. It is also advisable to avoid high-pressure cleaning of the part under the chassis, where the battery is usually located. Also remember turn off the comfort functions, such as automatic wipers, to avoid malfunctions. If you have a Wallbox at home, avoid washing it with water, just as you wouldn’t wash an electrical outlet in the living room with water.
Electric car wash: Additional precautions to protect electrical components
When washing an electric car, it is necessary to take it additional precautions to protect its delicate electrical components. Although electric cars are designed to be waterproof, it is recommended to avoid using them high pressure cleaners, especially during the charging process. Pressurized water can potentially cause penetration into the charging port, which can compromise the safety and efficiency of the vehicle. It is also not recommended to clean the engine compartment with a jet of water, because even if the cables are supposed to be waterproof, there is still a risk of malfunction. Also, it is best to avoid high pressure cleaning the area under the case where the battery is normally located to avoid potential damage. It’s also a good idea to turn off convenient features like automatic windshield wipers to prevent electrical malfunctions during cleaning. Also, if you have a wallbox at home to charge your electric vehicle, avoid washing it with water as this can potentially damage the electrical system. By following these precautions, you can ensure effective cleaning while maintaining the integrity of your electric vehicle.
Summarizing
- Do not wash your electric vehicle while it is charging
- Turn off comfort equipment
- Do not wash the engine with water or run a high-pressure jet under the vehicle
- Do not wash the charging station with water
Source: Auto Plus

Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.