Do martens like electric cars?

An electric car can also suffer damage caused by martens. Wires, pipes, and insulating materials can also be damaged in an electric vehicle, and replacing certain components of the high-voltage system can be especially costly.

In prevention, the design of the particular car matters: where the animal can get in, which parts it can reach, and where the repellent can be properly placed. Even with electric drive, it is worth watching for signs and taking preventive measures in time.

An electric car does not mean a marten-free zone either

For a marten, a car can offer shelter. Its visits are influenced by the surroundings of the parking spot, accessible cavities, and scent marks left by previous animals. The car’s drive type alone does not determine whether a marten appears in it.

Electric cars have a different thermal management system than petrol and diesel cars, but the operation of the electric motor and power electronics also generates heat. The technical overview of the U.S. Department of Energy separately presents the system that maintains the proper operating temperature of electric cars. So the fact that there is no internal combustion engine does not mean that every part of the car stays cold.

Some models’ lower covers and cable protection can make access more difficult. However, the ADAC’s marten protection information for electric cars also points out that damage can still occur despite these measures.

Why can repairs be costly?

In an electric car, smaller wires, cables leading to sensors, rubber hoses, and insulation can also be damaged. The cost of the repair is determined by the affected component and the location of the damage.

High-voltage cables require special attention. According to ADAC, if these are damaged, it may even be necessary to replace the entire affected wiring harness. This can be a major difference compared with repairing a small part that is easy to access.

Do not touch the orange high-voltage cables and connectors. Checking and repairing any damage to them is the job of a properly trained service center. However, photos taken of visible traces can help identify the fault.

What should you do if you notice suspicious signs?

If you find paw prints, droppings, scattered insulation, or animal remains, have the accessible areas inspected. If you notice a damaged wire, a fluid leak, or a warning message related to the car’s operation, consult the service center before continuing to use the vehicle.

After a marten visit, the professional removal of scent marks is also part of prevention. For an electric car, the cleaning method must also be aligned with the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.

For general traces and what to do after repairs, you can find a detailed guide in our article about martens and rodents appearing in the engine bay.

Battery-powered marten repellent for electric cars

In an electric car, it can be practical to use a repellent that works independently of the car’s electrical system. That way, you do not need to look for a power connection point in the vehicle to use the device.

The Vadalarm AutoGuard car marten and rodent repellent has a built-in, 2800 mAh battery and can be charged via USB-C. It uses variable-frequency ultrasound and flashing white light to scare away animals that venture into the engine bay.

In normal operation, under favorable conditions, one charge can last up to 3 months. In cold weather, operating time is shorter, so it is worth checking the charge more frequently then.

Even without electrical wiring, physical installation is still necessary. The charged device must be mounted in a suitable place and then turned on. You can read more about this in our article about using AutoGuard without electrical wiring.

Check the vehicle’s system when connecting it to the car

The included car connection for AutoGuard is designed for a 12 V vehicle battery. It cannot be connected to the high-voltage drive system.

The voltage of the low-voltage system should not be automatically assumed to be 12 V in every electric car. For example, the service documentation for the Tesla Model 3 produced from 2024 describes a 16 V system. Therefore, the possibility of connection must be checked based on the specific model.

When it comes to automatic operation, the vehicle’s charging behavior also matters. AutoGuard’s car turbo mode detects charging on the vehicle side, while some electric cars can also top up their low-voltage battery while parked. This is also described, for example, in the Tesla owner’s manual.

Therefore, the vehicle-connected mode must be checked together with the specific car. When used with its own battery, AutoGuard’s operation is independent of the vehicle’s charging system.

Placement matters in electric cars too

The engine bay of an electric car is not necessarily more spacious or easier to access. Covers, storage compartments, and separate technical units can divide it up, so the spread of ultrasound should always be assessed based on the actual layout.

The repellent should be placed in the same airspace where the animal can move. A device placed in a closed front trunk cannot be expected to properly protect the cables behind the cover of the storage compartment.

Leave as much open space as possible in front of the speaker and light signal. Mount the device securely, away from hot and moving parts, while following the temperature and placement instructions in the user manual. If the proper location can only be reached by removing covers, ask a service center for help with the installation.

Tailor prevention to your car

Inspection, repair of damaged parts, and properly designed protection together provide a well-thought-out solution. In some vehicles, cable protection or sealing off entry points with a factory solution may also be an option.

The possibilities are presented in our article comparing car protection methods against martens. If you are looking for a repellent that runs on its own battery and uses ultrasound and a light signal, it is worth getting to know AutoGuard.

Check out the Vadalarm AutoGuard car marten repellent!

Frequently asked questions

Do martens also get into electric cars?

Yes. Accessible cavities and sheltered hiding places can be attractive in an electric car as well. Factory covers can make access more difficult, but the design varies from model to model.

Does a cooler engine bay in an electric car provide enough protection?

Temperature alone does not determine whether a marten appears. Shelter, the parking environment, and scent marks also play a role.

Can AutoGuard be connected to the battery of every electric car?

The car connection is designed for a 12 V vehicle battery. It must not be connected automatically to any different system. With its own battery, it can also be used without connecting to the vehicle’s electrical system, with proper installation.

Is it enough to place AutoGuard in the front trunk?

If the front trunk is a closed compartment, its cover may obstruct the spread of the signals. The device should be securely installed in the airspace that needs protection and is accessible to animals.