How to Jump-Start an EV battery

Finding the 12 V battery

The most difficult part of jump-starting a dead electric car battery is often finding the battery. Unlike gas-powered cars, not all EVs keep their 12 V batteries under the hood. They can be in the trunk, under the rear seat, under the rear cargo floor, or elsewhere inside the cabin. The quickest way to locate the battery is to read the owner’s manual: it will tell you exactly where it’s hiding.

Safety first

It’s very important that you avoid any of the larger EV battery connections and cables during the jump-start process. You’ll notice brightly coloured cables and sometimes stickers that let you know they’re attached to a high-voltage system. Don’t touch them and do not attach alligator clips to them under any circumstances.

We recommend wearing protective eyewear and gloves when jump-starting a vehicle. If you don’t do the process correctly, you can injure yourself. So, take your time and carefully read through the instructions before getting started.

Finding another vehicle

Keep in mind: you won’t be able to jump-start an EV with a second EV. The 12 V system on an electric vehicle simply isn’t designed to provide this kind of service to a second EV, even if they are the same brand. Always use a gas-powered car or a portable jump-start device when dealing with a dead EV battery.

It’s wise to keep a portable jump-starter in your car (especially on a long journey) in case you can’t find another vehicle to help you.

Connecting the cables

If you’re using a gas-powered car to jump-start your EV, position the car with the working battery so that the batteries are close, but the cars aren’t touching.

With the power switch off in the EV, connect the jumper cables (see your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s exact procedure). Start the engine of the car doing the jump-start, and then turn the EV on.

Once the vehicle is running again, disconnect the jumper cables but keep the car switched on for at least 20 minutes so the vehicle’s electrical system can charge the dead electric car battery enough to be useful again.

If you’re using a portable jump-start device, follow the instruction manual carefully. Don’t forget that this won’t work if your portable jump-starter isn’t charged.

When to see a technician

Dead batteries happen most often in the winter, when the cold temperatures can really take a toll on your vehicle. If your EV’s 12 V battery is dying frequently, have it assessed by a professional.

EV battery problems are rare, but not impossible. If the main EV battery isn’t working, a jump-start won’t help. In this case, call for roadside assistance to get your vehicle assessed by a professional.

For more information or to get your main EV battery serviced, chat with a knowledgeable technician at a NexDrive service centre.