What Happens When Your EV Runs Out of Power?

If you own an electric vehicle, you can relate to the anxiety of running out of power. Range anxiety is common among most EV owners. It is also one reason for people to deter from switching to electricity. “Running out of power” and range anxiety is the top barrier to purchasing EVs for the masses. Let's find out what happens when your EV runs out of power to quell your range anxiety!

When EV Battery Charge is Close to Zero

Electric vehicles will alert you when your EV starts to die down like petrol or diesel-powered cars. Moreover, unlike fuel-powered cars, electric vehicles don't shut down suddenly. If your EVs battery is anywhere close to zero, the system will bombard you with alerts. The warning messages will alert you to look for nearby EV charging stations.

Moreover, modern EVs offer a nearly-accurate estimate of the distance they can travel with remaining power. You can conserve EV's energy if you are stuck on the highway or an unknown route with no charging station in proximity. This conservation method allows you to move to a safe location before the battery completely drains.

Thanks to these alerts, you will have enough time to start planning for these dire situation. You can watch the battery percentage to plan your trip to the nearest EV charging station.

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What Happens When EV Battery Drains

While a fully drained battery is not a pleasant prospect, here are two solutions for such a situation:

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1. EV Towing to Charging Station

What will you do if your gas-powered vehicle is out of fuel in the middle of the road? If you have a couple of jerrycans and a fuelling station nearby you might walk it up, else you have to get your vehicle towed. Even with EVs, we suggest you do the same. The tow truck will tow the vehicle to the nearest charging station.

2. Carry a granny cable

Since India´s EV charging network is not that extensive yet, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, chances are that you may not find a charging station nearby, even with a tow truck at hand. At such times, a granny cable comes in handy, although the process is slow and painful. Electric cars are always supplied with a cable designed for a three-pin domestic plug socket – also known as a ‘granny cable‘, which can be plugged into any regular socket at home. Make sure to always carry this during a road trip and you can still power up your car by requesting a nearby dhaba owner or at a petrol pump to allow you to use one of their plug sockets. Of course, this is dependent entirely on the generosity of these owners and you may have to pay them a sum of money for their troubles. What´s more, you may have to wait for several hours until your car is powered up to hit the roads again. So this is a strictly emergency-only measure.

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If you want to avoid such circumstances, make sure to carry a portable charger with you. Many companies are developing portable chargers so that you can top your EV's battery anywhere!