What Happens If An Electric Car Runs Out Of Power On The Road

By Chris Thatcher

Updated Feb 18, 2024

In Learn Feb, 2024

Imagine you're traveling on the freeway and you're already late for work. You just checked on the clock and it's ticking faster as you're approaching traffic. You see the red taillights in front of you and the stop-and-go movement. The last thing you want to do is be caught in this bumper-to-bumper line. To make matters worse, you just realized that you're running out of juice on your electric car(EV). This can easily happen since you forgot to charge it last night. Now you can't avoid the inevitable and well, there's no place nearby to charge up.

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    Does it pile up to your anxiety? And if so, are you wondering what needs to be done?

    First things first, you don't need to panic. It's important to keep a level head in this type of situation because a sound mind is the one that's going to help you come up with a solution. An edgy one would only increase your worries and make you feel more helpless.

    The good news is that you're not the first person to experience this. In fact, there have been a few cases of people running out of power while on the road. And like you, they were caught in a bind with no way to charge up. But they made it through and so can you.

    What To Do If Your EV Runs Out Of Power On The Road?

    The short and simple answer to your question is, that if your car runs out of juice the worst that could happen is that it will stop working. It's not like a gas car where it will keep running until it completely runs out of gas. You will eventually have to call roadside assistance to help tow your vehicle to the nearest charging station. If you're driving a level 1 electric car, you can also charge your vehicle with a portable charger to get some of that extra juice to drive to a nearby outlet.

    Of course, this whole experience can be quite stressful.

    To avoid such situations in the future, here are a few tips that you need to follow so you don't find yourself stuck in this type of predicament:

    Keep a Portable Charger

    If you have a level 1 electric car, make sure to keep a portable charger with you at all times. This will help to ensure that you can charge your vehicle if you're ever in a bind. Portable chargers are small, lightweight and easy to store in your trunk. You can easily carry it around with you in the trunk of your vehicle and can charge it at your own expense whenever & wherever.

    Check Your Car Charge Regularly

    Make it a habit to check your car's charge regularly. By checking your charge every night before going to bed, you can ensure that your car will have enough power to make it through the next day. Normally, if it's low on charge, you can always plug it into an outlet and let it charge overnight. This way, you'll never be caught off guard by a low battery.

    Plan Your Trips Ahead of Time

    When you're planning a trip, make sure to take into account the distance that you'll be traveling and whether or not you'll be able to make it to your destination without needing to charge up. If you know the range of your electric vehicle, it can become relatively easier for you to charge just enough so you don't have to worry about running out of power while on the road.

    Keep an Eye on the Battery Level Gauge

    When you're driving, always keep an eye on the battery level gauge. Your battery level will decrease as you use more power. If you see that the battery level is getting low, make sure to find a place to charge up as soon as possible because let's face it, nobody enjoys being stranded on the side of the road with a vehicle with relatively less battery juice.

    What Not to Do When Your EV Runs Out of Power On the Road?

    Here's what you are NOT supposed to do when you find yourself in such a situation:

    Don't Panic

    This is probably the most important thing that you need to remember. When your vehicle runs out of power and comes to a stop, it can be easy to panic. But it's important to remain calm so you can think clearly and come up with a solution.

    Don't Try to Charge Your Vehicle with a Gasoline Generator

    A lot of people think that they can charge their electric cars by using a gasoline generator. However, this is not the case. Do not try to charge your vehicle with a gasoline generator as it can damage the battery and other electrical components of your car.

    Don't Try to Push Your Car

    Another mistake that people make is trying to push their car to the nearest charging station. Pushing an electric car is not only ineffective, but it can also be dangerous. If you find yourself in this situation, the best thing to do is to call for roadside assistance.

    How long can an electric car sit before the battery dies?

    How Long Can Electric Car Idle With The Heat Turned On

    Typically, an electric car can sit for about two weeks before the battery dies. However, this varies depending on the make and model of the vehicle. Some electric cars can sit up to 4 weeks, others can go as much as up to 2 months. It all depends on the model you own.

    Conclusion

    Electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, but there are still some people who are hesitant to switch to an EV because they're not sure what will happen if they run out of power while on the road. While it's true that electric cars can sometimes be unpredictable, there are a few things that you can do to avoid being stranded with a dead battery. By following the tips above, you can be sure that you'll never be caught off guard by a low battery on your electric car.