What To Do When Your EV Runs Out Of Power?

Posted on: Feb 8, 2022 | | Written by:

What To Do When Your EV Runs Out Of Power?

Published on February 08, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

Electric vehicles are poised to be the next big thing in the Indian automotive market, taking cues from global markets. The industry has realised the need to innovate in the electric mobility segment, with depleting natural resources and rising fuel prices. While electric vehicles bring with it the promise of low to zero emissions, enhanced safety, and better performance, there is one major obstacle to their adoption – range anxiety.

Range anxiety is the fear of running out of charge. While EVs are just about entering the market, globally, there is continued uncertainty about unified charging mechanisms. Much like mobile phones, each manufacturer has their own charging requirements, making standardisation difficult. However, manufacturers are putting in place checks and safeguards to ensure you don’t run out of charge unexpectedly.

Range anxiety is a real concern and can be a powerful motivator to ensure you keep enough charge in the ‘tank’. You can also make use of phone apps, which have charging stations mapped out, allowing for easy access to charging ports.

What happens when the battery gets close to zero?

As the driver, you will be informed about the battery drain much before the charge reaches zero. You will be asked repeatedly to go to the nearest charging station, while giving you a relatively accurate assessment of the remaining range. Some EVs would probably display the closest charging stations on the navigation and guide you to them. Some EVs conserve power to allow you to move to a safe location off the highway before shutting off completely. Other EVs would reduce the acceleration of the vehicle, to prolong the range. Either way, you will be warned adequately, as the battery reaches zero.

What happens when the EV reaches zero charge?

A radical idea being explored by start-ups involves having a fleet of portable chargers mounted on trucks or vans, that would come to your location to charge your EV. This would be just about enough to get you to a charging station. But the implementation of such an idea will only happen when there’s mass adoption of electric vehicles. Until then, you have the following options:

Tow to the nearest station

You can get your car towed to the nearest station, with the help of your insurer’s roadside assistance facility. If you do not have insurance, it’s recommended to do so immediately. Car insurance renewal has become much simpler and easier, with insurers offering their services online. Flat towing is not recommended, as it could damage the motor. Check with the car manufacturer if you can flat tow the vehicle. If not, you can consider the other option.

Use a trailer

Using a trailer solves the problem of potentially ruining your car’s motors. But it does add to the hassle of first having to arrange for a trailer, and having the car secured on it. EVs don’t work the same way as traditional vehicles, in that the motors are connected to the wheels directly, which means that if the wheels move, so does the motor. This can generate static electricity and heat, two factors that can easily damage the motor.

Tow dolly

A tow dolly raises two wheels off the ground which is ideal for FWD vehicles. RWD vehicles, too, can make use of the tow dolly. However, if the car has regenerative braking capabilities, this method too is not ideal as it could damage the disc brakes.

How do you cure your range anxiety?

Given the nascent stage of EV adoption, your options are truly limited, unfortunately. But if you do want to get rid of your range anxiety, consider buying a hybrid vehicle that uses both electricity and traditional gasoline. That way, you can use electricity to travel short distances, and get gas in the tank for longer journeys. These vehicles can be towed, without getting damaged while acting as the perfect bridge between the two sets of technologies. Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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