Aqua Armor: Protecting electric cars during floods (and knowing the price!)
Updated: 2 hours ago
During Hurricane Helene, an electric car caught fire in a garage on Siesta Key, and the fire took the house with it. Saltwater and EV batteries are a dangerous combination, and South Florida has plenty of both: about 238,500 electric vehicles, and a flood season every year.
Aqua Armor is a cover that seals an electric car against floodwater. It has a triple sealing system, encases the battery compartment, and is built to survive full submersion in more than 56 inches of water. An optional vacuum pulls the air out so it fits tight.
We compared it with what's already out there. A regular car cover doesn't stop water. The heavy-duty alternatives are bulky and expensive. We aimed for something that takes up less space, costs less, and one person can set up before a storm.
The market is large: about $9.66 billion in EV sales in Florida, $87 billion across the US, and $786 billion worldwide. We planned to sell it for $224.99 on its own, or $240.99 with the vacuum.
“How much does the cover of Aqua Armor cost and how does it vary per car size?” the judge asked me. In that moment, I completely forgot the prices we set. “The cover costs around $200-$300,” I replied, my voice shaking.
After receiving my team’s evaluation on our pitch back, one of the first comments from my teacher read: “Alexa. You started guessing on price. You cannot do that ever. You need to know your facts”. I started to tear up, as this was really my first “harsh” form of receiving constructive criticism. But one thing's for sure: next time I'll know my numbers!
