With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, new and prospective owners often have questions, including concerns about what happens when the battery runs out. It’s a reasonable worry, as nobody wants to be stranded on the road without a solution readily available. When your EV battery dies, the vehicle stops running and needs roadside assistance or a tow, similar to a traditional car running out of gas. However, the situation is more nuanced than with internal combustion engine vehicles. Here are several key points to understand about EV batteries and how to handle them if they deplete.
Two Battery Systems in Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles feature two distinct battery systems to power various components within the vehicle. These systems serve different functions and play crucial roles in ensuring the vehicle operates efficiently. The first battery system is the traction battery, which powers the electric motor to propel the vehicle. This battery stores and delivers the energy needed to drive the wheels and provide acceleration. Traction batteries are large and located within the chassis or under the vehicle’s floor to optimise weight distribution and maximise interior space. The second battery system is the auxiliary battery, which supports the vehicle’s electrical systems and accessories. Unlike the traction battery, the auxiliary battery is smaller and primarily tasked with powering components such as lights, air conditioning, infotainment systems, and other onboard electronics. This battery ensures that essential functions operate even when the vehicle is not in motion. Two battery systems allow EVs to manage power distribution efficiently and optimise performance. While the traction battery provides the necessary energy for propulsion, the auxiliary battery ensures the seamless operation of various vehicle functions, enhancing overall reliability and convenience for drivers.
Can You Jump Start a Dead EV Battery?
Jump-starting a dead electric vehicle battery is not possible in the same way as with a traditional ICE vehicle. Unlike ICE vehicles, EVs do not have a traditional starter motor or a 12-volt battery system that can be jump-started with jumper cables. Instead, when an EV’s battery is depleted, the vehicle typically enters a low-power mode or comes to a complete stop. In such cases, roadside assistance or a tow to a charging station is necessary to recharge the EV’s battery. Once at a charging station, the EV can be plugged in to recharge its battery to resume normal operation. It’s essential for EV owners to plan their trips carefully and monitor battery levels to avoid running out of power while driving.
What Happens When an EV Battery Hits 0%?
When an EV battery reaches 0%, its performance declines until it stops. The vehicle enters a low-power or “limp” mode, where it can no longer operate. This is what happens when an EV battery hits 0%:
1. Reduced Performance: If the battery faces 0% charging more frequently it reduces the battery capacity. As in the mobile phones if we discharge battery until it reaches 0% or gets switched off the next time we charge it, it depletes faster than before, same happens with EV battery.
2. Limited Functionality: Some EVs may deactivate certain features or systems to conserve remaining battery power. This can include reducing heating or air conditioning functions, limiting power to non-essential accessories, or dimming interior lights.
3. Warning Indications: Most EVs have warning systems that alert drivers when the battery charge is low. These warnings may appear on the instrument cluster or infotainment display, indicating that the battery is nearing depletion and urging the driver to find a charging station.
4. Reduced Range: The vehicle’s estimated range decreases as the battery charge approaches 0%. Drivers should pay close attention to range estimates and plan their routes to avoid running out of power before reaching a charging station.
5. Complete Shutdown: When the battery charge reaches 0%, the EV will come to a complete stop. To prevent further battery depletion or damage, the vehicle enters a “safe mode” or “power-off” state. The driver must pull over safely and call for assistance, as the vehicle cannot be restarted without recharging the battery.
Conclusion
When an electric vehicle battery degrades over time, its performance gradually diminishes before reaching a point where the vehicle stops working entirely. This degradation is noticeable as the battery’s capacity decreases by 20 to 30% at the end of its service life. As the battery deteriorates with each charge-discharge cycle, it becomes unsuitable for powering the vehicle. If the battery dies while driving, the car will gradually slow down and stop, necessitating attention and roadside assistance.
