Depth of water it can go through (water fording wade limit)

[Ronnie]

While I do not expect it to Ford streams, it will tow a small boat occasionally, so I want to know how deep it can go in the water? When launching a boat it is typical to go with the back wheels about 6 inches deep What happens if you go to deep? I have not owned an EV , so this is new to me.

 

[Oddballhero]

Well, the great thing is, you won't have to worry about submerging a tailpipe.

 

[cadblu]

Go for the lift kit and the larger wheels. It will come in handy during low tides when you need to drive a bit deeper to launch or retrieve your boat. Rinse your wheels and undercarriage when you get home.

 

[ScooterAsheville]

https://recharged.com/articles/can-ev-tow-boat

 

[adele]

Keep in mind it's a RWD vehicle so be wise about boat ramps. I wouldn't take it on a boat ramp that's too slimy or steep.

 

[Ronnie]

Keep in mind it's a RWD vehicle so be wise about boat ramps. I wouldn't take it on a boat ramp that's too slimy or steep.

I have seen to many front wheel drive spinning wheels at a boat ramp. Rear wheel is better in this case. I do wonder about the tires though. One of the ramps i use can be muddy. Might be better to get all terrain tires. For my larger boats I have a heavy tow vehicle, good for 18,000 lbs towing.

 

[Mac-Tyson]

In my opinion this is the wrong question the better question is how good of a base does the Blank Slate make for a Amphicar Conversion Kit Accessory?

 

[The Weatherman]

The battery case and motor will be sealed units so water intrusion is not likely. The issue is the electrical connections and how watertight those will be.

I would personally would not let the water get above the midpoint on the rear wheels.

 

[Ronnie]

The battery case and motor will be sealed units so water intrusion is not likely. The issue is the electrical connections and how watertight those will be.

I would personally would not let the water get above the midpoint on the rear wheels.

That would deeper then i need, so good to know .

 

[cadblu]

Here's a close-up of the standard rear drive unit on a lift, with the rear bumper removed. It appears that the HV wiring harness (orange cabling) is routed just below the top of the wheel well. I understand everything is sealed, but I would be extra cautious not to back down the ramp > 6" of water if using a standard 9-degree sloped boat ramp. A lift kit (with spacers) would be even better.

 

[cadblu]

OK, this boat is a bit more than the Slate can handle, but you get the idea...

 

[E90400K]

Don't be this guy...

 

[E90400K]

It is an interesting question though and a real one for me. I do live on a small river that on occasion floods over the lower section of the driveway before the approach ramp to the bridge (see pic to left...). Occasionally I do need ford though that section of the driveway, but I have two 4x4 trucks to make that journey. In my situation the water is also moving at a decent clip, so there is additional hydraulic pressures to be concerned over.

 

[Shrink36s]

https://www.slate.auto/en/cold-test

They go decently deep into icy water in that video. It may not be launching a boat deep, though I don't think it makes sense just to throw this out. You can even see they went deep enough for that slush, water, and ice to build up around the wiring harness.
Just saying, this video gives me more confidence that a some significant water exposure was engineered around.

 

[E90400K]

The ice bath test is even more significant because it shows the battery case seals and electrical connection seals (connectors and wiring penetrations) have been well engineered for material shrinkage/expansion over a broad temperature range.