Although it might look worrying, the reason for steam coming off charging EVs isn’t dangerous

It might look like a trip to the mechanic is on the cards, or a call to AAA, but don’t fear, steam coming off charging EVs isn’t dangerous after all.

Steam is the first indication of a huge problem in gas cars, especially if it is coming from the engine.

But in EVs, it can be quite different.

It has now been proven that steam coming from your charging EV isn’t cause for major concern, especially in the cold.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie

The real reason steam omits when charging EVs

Fires in EVs are dangerous and can be much more damaging than gas cars, although they happen much less frequently.

But if you get steam coming from your charging port, it actually means that your electric car is giving you a helping hand.

Newer EV models, such as the ones produced by Tesla, have a function where the heat pump can help charge your car quickly. They have an ideal temperature to charge at (roughly 122 degrees Fahrenheit), so the heat pump will kick into gear in the cold weather to make sure your charging port is at peak performance.

Some Tesla models even have a notice on the electronic dash that says ‘water vapor may be visible’, in a bid to alleviate any immediate concerns.

@taigatli Wtf wrong with Tesla!! #fyp #tesla ♬ original sound – tai

In a recent TikTok, one Tesla owner was fearful for his car, saying “Elon, baby, you have to fix this.”

However, the prompt on the vehicle came up and put their concern at ease.

Steam is much more likely to occur at Supercharger bases, rather than the slower at-home plugs, given that the pump knows it’s in a rush to get your car fired up.

When to worry about steam in an EV

Of course, there are reasons to worry if steam does come pouring out of your EV, but identifying when it isn’t just water vapor from heat pumps is easy to identify.

Thermal runaway is a common cause of fires in EVs, but any steam is often followed by popping or hissing sounds in your car and the vapor is usually dark.

Tesla says that this can often smell like cherry bubblegum too, so maybe make sure not to have a familiar scented air freshener.

Other signs include where the smoke is coming from, as anything solely coming from the rear could be the battery.

All in all though, charging EVs creating steam is actually a good thing in cold weather, and you won’t be spending hours in the freezing snow wondering why your car isn’t gaining power.