Is it Safe to Charge an Electric Vehicle in the Rain?

Over the years, qualified EV industry experts and auto manufacturers have answered whether you can charge an EV in the rain, but the question lingers and remains a commonly asked question among EV owners and considerers.

It is not uncommon for first-time EV drivers and those driving gas-powered vehicles to still be unsure about the safety of charging an electric vehicle while it’s raining.

EV charging is designed with weather safety considerations in mind, and it is in fact safe to charge your electric car in the rain. From a convenience perspective, most EV owners opt to have their Level 2 EV charger at home stationed in their garages to stay out of the elements.

Why People Worry About Charging in Rain

We’ve been taught that water and electricity don’t mix since childhood because water conducts electricity. The underlying concern is that you could get electrocuted or suffer a severe electrical shock. Some messages include: ‘Never touch a live outlet with wet hands,’ ‘Don’t drop a hair dryer or radio in the tub,’ and ‘Never use electrical appliances near the sink,’ along with many other cautions. So, it’s no wonder we question whether charging our EV is safe when it's raining out.

Ironically, a more realistic potential danger lies with gas-powered cars sparking fires at gas pumps, compared to EVs causing electrocution. Gassing up on a hot, dry day can create a spark where static builds up, lighting a fire on the flammable gas fumes alone.

Safety Standards for EV Charging Equipment

In the US, EV safety standards are mandated by law and keep both the car and the battery safe. A handful of government safety agencies monitor crashes, electrical safety, and fire exposure. Electric vehicle manufacturers must comply with these stringent safety standards, which cover various charger and battery safety standards and regulations.

Waterproof connectors are the metal connection points inside the plug and the vehicle's charging port, and likely what many drivers think about when charging their EV in the rain. The waterproof IP ratings on EV chargers, like IP44 or IP66, come from international standards. The ratings ensure the hidden metal inside the EV's plug and car port — that lets the electricity flow — is tucked away out of reach and safely sealed off, making charging in rain, snow, or blustery conditions safe.

EVs have built-in GFCI protection, and, like our home GFCI plugs and outlets, they work as a safety trigger in the plug. If water, or a fault in the plug, or wiring is detected, the system automatically shuts everything down to prevent an electric shock. So, if water creeps into your vehicle's connection points, the GFCI will shut down the charge, acting as another layer of safety.

Your EV’s battery management system is yet another layer of protection — essentially acting as the battery’s brain, which constantly monitors the health of the vehicle's battery. It checks for voltage, current, and temperature. The BMS system can sense anything outside the normal levels, such as a short circuit, overheating, or overcharging, and will shut down the charge.

Every electric vehicle and its charging system undergo rigorous industry safety testing before they can be sold. Independent labs check the charging systems to ensure the equipment is waterproof and shock-resistant, making charging your EV in the rain perfectly safe.

Can I Handle the Plug and Connector if My Hands Are Wet?

You can still safely handle the plug and connector if you’re standing in the rain with wet hands. The charging plug you hold in your hand is made from thick, non-conductive plastic, not metal or steel. It’s insulated and blocks electricity from passing through the plug to you. The plug is designed to withstand rain.

Connectors aren’t live until they are locked into place, and the flow of electricity doesn’t start until the connector is seated and locked. So even if your hands are wet, the electricity never makes it out of the plug or connector and stays safely insulated. If water did seep in, the GFCI would kick in and shut down the system.

The pins inside the plug and connector are the metal pieces inside the plug and port that carry the electrical current. They are kept safe deep inside the connector housing; your fingers or hands never contact them. Furthermore, electricity doesn’t flow until the plug and the connector are snapped and locked.

Safety Tips for Rainy (and Snowy) Conditions

If your connections and cables work correctly, you can safely charge your EV in the rain. However, if a cable has a crack, a bent or damaged plug, or a damaged connector, the system's safety protections might not work as designed. Look for cracks, fraying, and burn marks or discoloration — these are all signs your cable may need to be replaced.

Avoid standing water, if possible. Even though EVs have multiple safety layers, including sealed pins, insulated handles, and GFCIs, faults can happen. Standing water makes your ‘easiest path’ if anything should go wrong.

Keep portable chargers off the ground to avoid water pooling risks. Although a portable charger is generally safe to use in standing water, it can stress the seals if it sits there too long. Also, sitting on the ground can clog vents or ports with dirt and dust. In short, keeping your portable charger off the ground makes sense for both safety and longevity.

Charge Safely With Level 2 Home EV Chargers

At some point in your EV ownership journey, you’ll eventually need to charge up in the rain, especially if depending on public charging points. That said, most EV owners opt to install a level 2 EV charger in their home to reduce the likelihood of this happening. Level 2 is one of the fastest electric vehicle chargers, and it is quick and easy to set up in your garage or other structure. As the go-to home charger, it can safely charge your vehicle overnight so you wake up with a full charge in the morning.

ChargerPro makes installing a Level 2 EV charger in your home simple. You can easily schedule your installation online, and/or receive an instant quote so you can start charging at home and optimize your EV driving experience.