DO NOT JUMP START AN EV FROM ANOTHER EV

DO NOT JUMP START AN EV WITH AN ICE

DO NOT JUMP START AN ICE WITH AN EV

You may be surprised to learn that you cannot jump start an electric vehicle (EV) from another EV or an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. The 12-volt battery in an EV is not designed to provide the power necessary to turn over a gas engine. Additionally, to jump an EV can damage the car’s electrical system.

So what does a 12-volt battery do in an EV?

Power the vehicle’s electrical systems, such as the lights, the radio, and the power windows and locks.

Provide power to the electrical system to power the vehicle’s high-voltage battery.

Keep the vehicle’s clock and other electronic devices running when the vehicle is turned off.

Provide power to the vehicle’s security system.

If the 12-volt battery dies, the vehicle will not start. With a dead 12V battery, the necessary systems cannot operate, so the EV cannot initiate or complete the charging process.

* The 12-volt battery is a separate battery from the high-voltage battery that powers the electric motor. The 12-volt battery is the same battery would would find in the engine bay of an ICE vehicle.

Getting Started

The location of the 12V battery in an EV varies by make and model. Some are under the hood, in the trunk, under the frunk liner, or under the passenger seat. They aren’t as visible and accessible as those in ICEs.

If your 12V battery is dead, you have a few options:

Call roadside service.

Use a low voltage battery jump starter.

Replace the battery yourself.

Have the battery replaced by a qualified mechanic.

If you’re thinking about buying an EV, please be sure to check your owner’s manual.  I never would have given it another thought and would have happily helped someone.

Go electric ✌🏼