Can You Jumpstart Electric Vehicle? Proven Tips

No, you cannot jumpstart an electric vehicle (EV) in the traditional sense like you would a gasoline car. EVs have different battery systems and don’t use a 12-volt starter battery. However, a dead high-voltage battery pack will require professional assistance or a specific EV emergency charging solution.

It’s a question that pops up often as more of us consider making the switch to electric. You’ve probably seen countless movies and how-to guides about jumpstarting a car with jumper cables. So, when you hear about an electric vehicle’s battery, it’s natural to wonder if the same applies. What happens if an EV runs out of charge? Can you just hook it up to another car and get it going again? It’s a common concern, and the answer might surprise you. Don’t worry, we’re here to demystify it all. Let’s explore what really happens when an EV’s battery needs a boost and the proven tips you need to know.

Understanding Electric Vehicle Power Systems

Electric vehicles, or EVs, are fundamentally different from the cars most of us grew up with. Instead of a gasoline engine that relies on spark plugs and a traditional 12-volt battery to start, EVs use electric motors powered by a large, high-voltage battery pack. This pack is the heart of the EV, storing the energy that drives the wheels.

Think of it this way: a gasoline car has a small 12-volt battery that’s solely responsible for providing the initial jolt of power to crank the engine. Once the engine is running, its alternator takes over to keep everything powered. An EV, on the other hand, has a much larger battery, often ranging from 400 to 800 volts, that directly powers the electric motor. There’s no starter motor or alternator in the way a gasoline car has them.

This significant difference in architecture is why the concept of “jumpstarting” an EV doesn’t work in the same way. You can’t simply connect jumper cables from another car to revive a completely depleted EV battery. The systems are designed to operate independently and at much higher voltages.

Why Traditional Jumpstarting Doesn’t Work for EVs

The core reason you can’t jumpstart an electric vehicle using conventional jumper cables is the voltage difference and the nature of their power systems. A gasoline car’s jumpstart process involves using a working 12-volt battery to provide enough power to turn over the engine’s starter motor. This starter motor then initiates the combustion process, allowing the engine to run and its own charging system to take over.

EVs, as we’ve touched upon, operate on a completely different scale. Their primary power source is the high-voltage battery pack, which can deliver hundreds of volts. Trying to connect a 12-volt source to this system would be like trying to fill a swimming pool with a garden hose – it’s not designed for that, and it won’t have any meaningful effect on the main battery. In fact, attempting to connect incompatible electrical systems could potentially damage the vehicle’s sensitive electronics.

Furthermore, EVs have sophisticated battery management systems (BMS) that constantly monitor the health, temperature, and charge level of the battery pack. If the battery pack is critically low or depleted, the BMS will prevent the vehicle from operating to protect the battery from damage. This is a safety feature, ensuring the longevity of the expensive battery components.

What Happens When an EV “Runs Out of Charge”?

When people talk about an EV “running out of charge,” it’s essentially the equivalent of a gasoline car “running out of gas.” The high-voltage battery pack has been depleted to the point where it no longer has enough energy to power the electric motor. Modern EVs are designed with intelligent systems to prevent this from happening unexpectedly.

Most EVs will provide ample warning when the battery charge is getting low. You’ll see dashboard indicators and receive notifications on your screen, often starting when the battery level drops below 10% or even 20%. These warnings will usually suggest finding a charging station soon. As the charge gets critically low, the car might even limit its performance – reducing acceleration and top speed – to conserve the remaining energy and ensure you can reach a charging point.

In the rare event that an EV is driven until the battery is completely depleted (which is highly unlikely due to the built-in warnings and performance limitations), the vehicle will simply stop moving. It won’t suddenly shut off while you’re driving; it will gradually lose power and come to a stop. At this point, the car is immobile and requires a specific solution to regain power.

The “Jumpstart” for EVs: Emergency Charging Solutions

While you can’t use traditional jumper cables, there are ways to address a depleted EV battery. These are less about “jumpstarting” and more about providing an emergency charge or towing the vehicle.

1. Portable EV Charging Units

A growing solution is the availability of portable EV charging units. These are essentially compact, mobile charging stations that can be brought to a stranded EV. They can provide a sufficient amount of charge to get the vehicle to the nearest charging station. Think of it as a mobile power bank specifically designed for EVs. Companies like SparkCharge offer such services, where a technician can bring a portable charger to your location.

2. Roadside Assistance Services

Most mainstream roadside assistance providers, like AAA, now offer EV-specific services. If your EV runs out of charge, you can call them, and they can either bring a portable charger or arrange for a tow to the nearest charging facility. It’s always a good idea to check if your existing roadside assistance plan covers EV charging or towing.

3. Towing to a Charging Station

If other solutions aren’t available or practical, the most common method to deal with a completely depleted EV battery is to have the vehicle towed. The tow truck driver will need to ensure the EV is transported correctly. Most modern EVs can be towed on a flatbed truck, which is the safest method. Some EVs can also be towed with the drive wheels lifted off the ground (using a tow dolly or trailer), but it’s crucial to consult the vehicle’s owner’s manual or the towing company to ensure the correct procedure is followed to avoid damage to the electric drivetrain.

4. The 12-Volt Battery in EVs

It’s important to distinguish the high-voltage battery pack from the smaller 12-volt battery found in most EVs. This 12-volt battery serves a similar purpose to the one in a gasoline car: it powers the car’s accessories, lights, infotainment system, and the computers that manage the high-voltage system. If this 12-volt battery dies, the car might not “wake up” or be able to initiate charging. In this specific scenario, the 12-volt battery can be jumpstarted using traditional methods, but this will not charge the main high-voltage battery pack. It will only allow the car to power up its systems so it can then begin charging the main battery from an external source.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the two batteries:

Battery Type	Voltage	Purpose	Jumpstart Capability (Traditional)
High-Voltage Battery Pack	400-800V (approx.)	Powers the electric motor, drives the vehicle.	No. Requires specialized EV charging solutions.
12-Volt Auxiliary Battery	12V	Powers accessories, lights, computers, and enables high-voltage system activation.	Yes. Can be jumpstarted like a conventional car battery.

How to “Jumpstart” the 12-Volt Battery in an EV (If Needed)

As mentioned, if your EV’s 12-volt battery is dead, you might be able to jumpstart it. This is a process similar to jumpstarting any other car. You’ll need:

• Another vehicle with a working 12-volt battery, or a portable jump starter.
• A set of jumper cables.

Important Safety Precautions:

• Always consult your EV’s owner’s manual for the specific location of the 12-volt battery terminals and any special instructions. Some EVs have specific jumpstarting points designed for safety.
• Ensure both vehicles are turned off and parked securely.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves.
• Do not let the positive and negative clamps touch each other.

Steps to Jumpstart the 12-Volt Battery:

1. Locate Batteries: Find the 12-volt battery in your EV and the donor vehicle. Refer to your owner’s manual.
2. Connect Positive: Attach one red (positive) clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the dead 12-volt battery in your EV. Attach the other red clamp to the positive (+) terminal of the donor vehicle’s battery.
3. Connect Negative: Attach one black (negative) clamp to the negative (-) terminal of the donor vehicle’s battery.
4. Ground Connection: Attach the second black clamp to an unpainted metal surface on the chassis or engine block of your EV, away from the battery and any moving parts. This is the grounding point.
5. Start Donor Vehicle: Start the engine of the donor vehicle and let it run for a few minutes to charge the dead battery slightly.
6. Attempt to Start EV: Try to start your EV. If it starts, let both vehicles run for a few minutes.
7. Disconnect Cables: Carefully disconnect the jumper cables in the reverse order you connected them: black from the EV’s ground, black from the donor battery, red from the donor battery, and finally red from the EV’s battery.
8. Charge the EV Battery: Once your EV is powered up, plug it into a charger immediately to recharge the main high-voltage battery and the 12-volt battery.

Remember, this only helps if the 12-volt battery was the issue preventing the car from powering up. It does not add charge to the main driving battery.

Preventing Your EV from Running Out of Charge

The best approach is always prevention. Modern EVs are quite good at managing their battery life and letting you know when you need to charge. Here are some tips:

• Charge Regularly: Make it a habit to charge your EV whenever it’s convenient, much like you’d charge your smartphone. Don’t wait until the battery is critically low.
• Understand Your Range: Be aware of your EV’s estimated range and your typical daily driving needs.
• Utilize Charging Apps: Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, or your car manufacturer’s app can help you locate charging stations and plan longer trips.
• Home Charging: Installing a Level 2 home charger is the most convenient way to keep your EV topped up. You wake up every morning with a “full tank.”
• Precondition Your Battery: Many EVs allow you to precondition the battery before driving, especially in cold weather. This ensures the battery is at an optimal temperature for efficiency and performance, which can help preserve range.
• Monitor Battery Health: Pay attention to your car’s battery health indicators over time.

EV Charging Infrastructure and the Future

The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles is constantly expanding. You’ll find charging stations at public locations like shopping centers, workplaces, and dedicated charging hubs. The speed of charging can vary significantly:

• Level 1 Charging: Uses a standard household outlet (120V). It’s the slowest method, adding only a few miles of range per hour.
• Level 2 Charging: Uses a 240V outlet, similar to what an electric dryer uses. This is common for home charging and public stations, adding 20-30 miles of range per hour.
• DC Fast Charging (Level 3): These are high-power chargers found at public stations, capable of adding hundreds of miles of range in 20-60 minutes.

The development of more robust and faster charging solutions, along with portable charging technologies, is making range anxiety a thing of the past for many EV drivers. Organizations like the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) from the U.S. Department of Energy provide extensive information on charging infrastructure and standards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use jumper cables to charge my electric car?

No, you cannot use traditional jumper cables to charge the main high-voltage battery of an electric car. EVs operate on much higher voltages than a standard 12-volt car battery, and jumper cables are not designed for this purpose. Attempting to do so could damage the vehicle.

Q2: What should I do if my EV runs out of charge?

If your EV runs out of charge, you’ll need to arrange for charging. This typically involves contacting roadside assistance for a portable EV charger or a tow to the nearest charging station. Most EVs will provide ample warning before the battery is fully depleted.

Q3: Can the 12-volt battery in an EV be jumpstarted?

Yes, the smaller 12-volt auxiliary battery in an EV can be jumpstarted using conventional jumper cables and another vehicle, just like in a gasoline car. However, this only powers up the car’s systems; it does not charge the main high-voltage battery pack.

Q4: How do I find a charging station if my EV battery is low?

You can use your EV’s built-in navigation system, dedicated EV charging apps (like PlugShare, ChargePoint, Electrify America), or Google Maps to find nearby charging stations. Many apps also show real-time availability and charging speeds.

Q5: Will my EV’s range be affected by cold weather?

Yes, cold weather can temporarily reduce an EV’s range. This is because the battery is less efficient at lower temperatures, and energy is used to heat the cabin and the battery itself. Preconditioning your battery before driving can help mitigate this effect.

Q6: What is the difference between an EV’s high-voltage battery and its 12-volt battery?

The high-voltage battery pack (400-800V) is the primary power source that drives the electric motor. The 12-volt auxiliary battery powers the car’s electronics, lights, and computers, and is necessary to activate the high-voltage system for driving or charging.

Q7: Is it safe to tow an EV?

Yes, it is safe to tow an EV, but it must be done correctly. The safest method is typically using a flatbed tow truck. If towing with the wheels on the ground, ensure the drive wheels are lifted off the ground or consult your owner’s manual for specific towing instructions to avoid damaging the drivetrain.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of electric vehicles is becoming simpler every day, and understanding their unique power systems is key. While the familiar act of “jumpstarting” a gasoline car with jumper cables doesn’t apply to an EV’s main battery, the solutions for a depleted charge are readily available. Whether it’s through portable charging services, advanced roadside assistance, or proper towing procedures, getting your EV back on the road is achievable.

Remembering the distinction between the EV’s high-voltage battery pack and its 12-volt auxiliary battery is crucial. If your EV won’t power up, it might be the 12-volt battery that needs attention, which can be jumpstarted conventionally. However, if the main battery is depleted, the focus shifts to replenishing that energy through dedicated charging methods.

By charging regularly, understanding your EV’s range, and utilizing the growing charging infrastructure, you can minimize the chances of running out of charge. The transition to electric driving is an exciting step towards a more sustainable future, and with practical knowledge like this, you’re well-equipped to enjoy the benefits of your EV with confidence.