How To EMP Proof Your Vehicle

This week I wanted to chat a little about EMP (Electromagnetic Pulse) protection for vehicles.

This will involve strategies to shield electronic components from the high-intensity electromagnetic fields generated by an EMP event. Here are some steps to help make a vehicle more resistant to EMP:

Faraday Cage:

Encasing electronic components in a Faraday cage can help protect them from EMPs. This involves creating a conductive enclosure that shields the contents from electromagnetic fields. In a vehicle, this can be difficult to implement comprehensively, but you can protect crucial components like the ECU (Engine Control Unit) by enclosing them in metallic containers or shielding pouches.

Shielding Materials:

Use specialized EMP shielding materials to cover electronic components. These materials are designed to absorb or deflect electromagnetic radiation. They can be used to line compartments or cover sensitive equipment.

Disconnect and Isolate:

In the event of a threat, disconnecting electronic components or isolating sensitive parts of the vehicle can help. For instance, keeping spare parts like ignition coils and relays stored in shielded containers can be beneficial.

Vehicle Choice:

Older vehicles with less sophisticated electronics are inherently less vulnerable to EMPs. Classic cars or pre-1980s vehicles often have fewer electronics and may fare better in an EMP event.

EMP Protection Devices:

Some companies offer EMP protection devices or kits specifically designed for vehicles. These can be installed to provide additional protection for critical systems.

While making a vehicle fully EMP-proof is challenging and can be quite costly, these strategies can help mitigate potential damage and increase the likelihood that the vehicle will continue to function after an EMP event.