Electric vehicles (EVs) are a revolutionary step forward in transportation, but just like traditional cars, they can face issues. One of the most nerve-wracking scenarios for EV owners is finding themselves with a dead battery. What do you do if your EV battery dies? Don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the necessary steps and emergency solutions to get you back on the road.
Key Takeaways
- Stay calm and pull over to a safe location if your EV battery dies.
- Use apps to locate the nearest charging station or call for roadside assistance.
- Portable EV chargers and tow services are excellent backup options.
- Avoid the problem entirely by practicing good battery maintenance and range planning.
Stay Calm and Safe
The first thing to do if your EV battery dies is to stay calm. Losing power in an electric vehicle isn’t the end of the world. Here’s what you should do:
- Pull over safely to the side of the road, into a parking lot, or at a rest area.
- Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Make sure you’re in a safe location before troubleshooting the problem.
By ensuring you’re safe first, you set yourself up for a smooth recovery from the situation.
Check the Battery Indicator
Next, check your EV’s battery indicator on the dashboard. It’s crucial to know if the problem is a completely dead battery or if you simply misjudged your range.
How to Read Your Battery Status:
- Low Charge Warning: This indicates that the battery is low but not entirely dead. Your vehicle might still have enough power to crawl to a nearby charging station.
- Dead Battery: A completely dead battery means that the car will be unable to move. You’ll need to look for alternative solutions like roadside assistance or a tow.
Some vehicles, like Tesla, offer sophisticated tools to monitor your battery’s health, providing real-time insights into how much charge remains.
Look for the Nearest Charging Station
Once you’ve assessed the situation, use your vehicle’s built-in navigation system or a smartphone app to locate the nearest EV charging station. Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, or Electrify America are invaluable for finding a charging location quickly.
Top Apps for Finding Charging Stations:
- PlugShare: Shows user-submitted reviews, station availability, and location types.
- ChargePoint: The largest network in North America with many fast charging options.
- Electrify America: Offers fast-charging stations, often located near major highways.
Check out this YouTube guide on using PlugShare to find nearby stations to better familiarize yourself with the app.
Call for Roadside Assistance
If you can’t reach a charging station on your own, the next step is to call roadside assistance. Many EV manufacturers include this service as part of their vehicle purchase package, so it’s worth checking your coverage. They can either tow your vehicle to the nearest charging station or bring a mobile charger to you.
How Roadside Assistance Can Help:
- Towing to Charging Stations: Vehicles like Tesla and Nissan Leaf can be towed to a Level 2 or DC fast charger.
- Mobile Chargers: Some services, like AAA, can bring mobile charging units to give your battery enough charge to get to a nearby station.
Roadside assistance varies by company, so it’s essential to know what services are available for your specific EV brand.
For example, here are some of the top roadside services for EVs:
- Tesla Roadside Assistance: Offers towing and mobile charging services.
- Nissan Leaf Roadside Assistance: Provides towing services to nearby chargers.
- Chevrolet EV Assistance: Also offers specialized EV roadside help.
Use a Portable EV Charger
If you travel frequently or live in areas without ample charging stations, investing in a portable EV charger can save you a lot of hassle. Portable chargers allow you to plug into any 120V or 240V outlet, providing an emergency charge to get your car moving again.
Top Portable Chargers:
- GOAL ZERO Yeti 3000: Ideal for short, emergency charges.
- Juice Booster 2: Portable, robust, and compatible with multiple outlet types.
- Tesla Mobile Charger: For Tesla owners, this is a must-have accessory.
Keep in mind that portable chargers are not as fast as Level 2 or DC fast chargers, but they will provide enough juice to get you to a proper charging station.
Request a Tow to the Nearest Charging Station
If you’re in a situation where mobile charging isn’t available, the next best option is to request a tow to the nearest charging station. Tow trucks can transport your EV to the closest Level 2 or DC fast charger, ensuring you get back on the road quickly.
Important Note: Flatbed Towing is Key
Unlike traditional cars, EVs should always be towed on a flatbed truck to avoid damaging the battery or drivetrain. This is especially true for vehicles like Tesla and Nissan Leaf, where improper towing can lead to expensive repairs.
Here’s a helpful video explaining the correct way to tow an EV.
Jump Starting an EV: Is It Possible?
One common question EV owners ask is whether you can jump-start an EV, similar to how you would a gasoline-powered car. Unfortunately, jump-starting a dead EV battery isn’t possible because EVs use high-voltage battery systems that don’t respond to traditional methods.
Instead, it’s essential to contact professionals who are trained in handling high-voltage EV batteries. Attempting to jump-start your EV on your own can lead to damage or injury.
Preventing Your EV Battery from Dying in the First Place
The best solution to dealing with a dead battery is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Follow these tips to extend the life of your EV battery and avoid running out of charge:
1. Understand Your Vehicle’s Range
- Know the range of your EV and plan your trips accordingly.
- Most modern EVs provide real-time range estimates based on driving patterns and conditions.
2. Practice Battery Conservation
- Use Eco Mode when driving in urban areas to extend battery life.
- Minimize the use of heating or air conditioning systems when battery levels are low.
- Drive at moderate speeds to conserve energy.
3. Stay Informed on Battery Health
- Many EVs come with battery management systems that monitor the health of your battery. Use this feature to track your battery’s efficiency and take action if any issues arise.
- Regularly update your vehicle’s software, as manufacturers often release updates to improve battery performance and range estimation.
4. Utilize Charging Apps
- Plan your trips using charging apps to ensure you always have a nearby charging station in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can an electric car be jump-started like a gasoline vehicle?
No, traditional jump-starting methods don’t work on EVs. If your car’s battery dies, the best solution is to call for professional assistance to avoid damaging the high-voltage system.
What is the difference between a portable charger and a standard charger?
A portable EV charger is a smaller, mobile option that can provide a limited emergency charge, while a standard charger (like a Level 2 charger) provides faster, more powerful charging but is stationary.
How do I know if my EV battery is healthy?
Most EVs come with built-in battery health monitoring systems. You can access these through your vehicle’s dashboard or mobile app to track battery health and efficiency.
