“You can quickly jump-start the 12-volt battery in an EV with a standard car, but does it work the opposite way? Can you jump-start a car with an EV? The answer is no. In fact, it’s strongly recommended that you DON’T attempt to jump-start any vehicle with an EV.” (The Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside 2024)
What?! You can’t use a massive battery to jumpstart another battery? This came as a major shock to me, as I would have thought for sure that they could since they run on a big battery.
“Electric cars feature two batteries: a large lithium-ion unit for the electric motors and a 12-volt battery for accessories. This second battery is similar to the lead-acid battery found in petrol and diesel cars. It ensures the main lithium-ion battery can be charged. However, the 12-volt battery in an electric car lacks the punch required to crank an internal combustion engine and you risk damaging it if you attempt to jump start another vehicle.” (Braithwaite-Smith 2020)
I think that this raises an issue but also allows for an opportunity within a company to find a solution for this. Next, they mention some of the EV’s companies handbooks, and I’m shocked that this hasn’t been brought up even as a joke on social media.
“Many manufacturers advise EV owners against jump starting conventional vehicles. The handbook for the electric Nissan Leaf states that it ‘cannot be used as a booster vehicle because it cannot supply enough power to start a [petrol] engine’.”(Braithwaite-Smith 2020)
“In the handbook for the Renault Zoe, you’ll find the following warning: ‘Do not use your electric vehicle to restart the 12-volt battery in another vehicle. The 12-volt electric power of an electric vehicle is not enough to perform such an operation. Risk of damage to vehicle’.”(Braithwaite-Smith 2020)
“While it’s far from conclusive, a section in the handbook for the Tesla Model S suggests you might invalidate your warranty by jump starting another vehicle. It states: ‘Do not use the battery as a stationary power source. Doing so voids the warranty’.”(Braithwaite-Smith 2020)
“This could extend to unnecessary stress on the 12-volt battery, damage to the DC-to-DC converter, and confusion of the software that monitors the battery.”(Braithwaite-Smith 2020)
“However, there is some good news. Other electric vehicles can be jump-started – you just need to locate the battery. Also, you can indirectly charge a conventional car by using a charger that’s charged using the EV’s 12-volt DC outlet. There are plenty of options available online.”(Braithwaite-Smith 2020)
So it is still possible to charge another car but you will have to wait a while. This causes an inconvenience in situations where someone is usually in destress or an emergency. I think that this could be a great way for a car company to advance in technology and stand out from the competitors with a new feature, that allows you to be able to help a friend in need.
References:
The Autobarn Volkswagen of Countryside. (2024). EV Jump-Start Questions Answered. https://www.vwofchicagoland.com/service/service-tips/how-to-jump-start-an-ev/#:~:text=You%20can%20quickly%20jump%2Dstart,any%20vehicle%20with%20an%20EV.
Gavin Braithwaite-Smith. (April 17, 2020). Can you jump start a car using an electric vehicle? Motoring Research. https://www.motoringresearch.com/car-news/jump-start-car-with-ev/
