So you bought yourself a fancy electric car and are ready to hit the open road. But wait… what happens if your electric car runs out of charge? You’d be surprised to know there are actually a handful of solutions available to you when trying to avoid being stranded in the middle of nowhere with an empty car battery.
In this comprehensive guide, we’re going to explore “What Happens If Electric Cars Run Out of Charge?” as well as discuss alternatives to charging stations, vehicle towing services, and maximizing the range of an electric car. Our goal? To help you understand the potential pitfalls of driving an electric car and give you the best tips and advice to prepare and prevent your electric car from going dead on you. So buckle up and let’s get started!
What Happens If Electric Cars Run Out of Charge?
In short, it’s not a disaster. Though not as convenient as having a gas tank, electric cars come with a number of options to get you back on the road. Before exploring the alternatives, let’s understand what happens when your electric car does run out of charge.
First, if your electric car does run out of charge, it will go into a so-called “limp home mode”. This means that the engine will only supply enough power to get around, but you’re limited to approximately 40 miles per hour. This is designed to save power, so you are able to make it to the nearest charging station or back to your garage.
Once you reach your lim-home limit, the car will go into protection mode and start to conserve even more power. You won’t be able to accelerate, shift gears, or even steer in some cases. You will be limited to hopping from your driveway to a nearby charge station and back.
Alternatives to Charging Stations
It’s all well and good for electric cars to have a limp-home mode, but what are the alternatives to charging stations if you don’t have one close by? Lucky for you, there are a number of options you can explore.
Portable Car Chargers
One of the simplest solutions is to purchase and use a portable car charger. You can purchase portable car chargers from a variety of different stores or online retailers. These handy little devices allow you to plug into any normal 3-prong wall outlet and charge your car while you’re away from a charging station.
Wall Connectors
If you plan on charging your electric car at home, you might want to consider a wall connector. These units allow you to permanently install the charger into your wall. That way, you can just pop your car into the wall connector and it will charge while you’re away.
Vehicle Towing Services
Your next alternative are vehicle towing services. In most cases, if you call a tow truck, they will be able to hook up and tow your electric car for you. This is a great option if you’re out in the middle of nowhere without a charging station nearby. The tow truck can take your car to the nearest charging station or to your home or garage.
Maximizing the Range of an Electric Car
Finally, let’s discuss how you can maximize the range of your electric car. The range of electric cars varies from model to model, but there are a few simple things you can do to increase your range.
First, make sure your battery is well-maintained. That means keeping your battery at full charge as much as possible and ensuring it’s regularly serviced. Additionally, look for ways to reduce the strain on your car’s battery, such as using its regenerative braking system, driving at a consistent speed, and avoiding short trips.
Second, make sure your car is well aerodynamic by ensuring it’s free from dirt, debris, and of course, passenger cargo!
Finally, use your car’s Eco mode. This mode helps reduce the power output of certain systems, such as lights, climate control, and more, to increase the range of your car.
Conclusion
No one wants their electric car to run out of charge on the side of the road. That’s why it’s important to arm yourself with the knowledge of what to do if this happens. This article has discussed “What Happens If Electric Cars Run Out of Charge?” as well as alternatives to charging stations, vehicle towing services, and maximizing the range of an electric car. We’ve also provided useful tips to help you prepare and prevent your electric car from going dead on you.
So, next time you’re out on the open road and your electric car starts to reach a low battery, you’ll know the alternatives and how to better prepare yourself for the worst. That’s what it’s all about – being prepared and enjoying the open road with your electric car.
