What happens when your EV range hits 0%

Everything that goes up must come down - and that is definitely true of electric vehicles and their range. Although the average driving range of EVs has improved in recent years, even the sturdiest EVs eventually run out of juice.  

Smart, sleek and full of power - EVs are a staying force in the world of transportation. Whether you are a proud owner or simply curious about what they are capable of, there is no doubt that you have taken note of an EV on the road at some point or another. 

Despite their eco-friendly charm, consumers remain uncertain about EVs, with no point of concern coming up as often as the extent of their overall driving range. While early EVs did have their fair share of problems, the truth is that with proper planning, an EV running out of charge is far less likely to happen.  

But what does an EV hitting 0 per cent charge look like, and how can you prepare yourself if you get caught with a low battery far between stations? Here is what you need to know. 

What happens at 0% 

Like any vehicle, an EV won’t hit zero without warning. Flashing lights, messages, and blinkers will ensure you know the depleting battery well before it gives out. Familiar as it may sound, EV messaging will focus on the rapidly reducing driving range instead of a depleting tank like you may be used to. 

Once the warnings wear out, EVs truly distinguish themselves from their gas-powered cousins. EVs have two batteries: a primary battery, which powers the motor, and an auxiliary battery, which is responsible for secondary functions like heating, lighting, and consoles. As a result, when pushing past 0 percent, many EVs will keep the motor running but cut power to systems tied to the auxiliary battery to allow the vehicle to hold enough charge to hopefully get to the next station.   

If you are running low on battery and want to conserve it as much as possible, it is a good idea to cut some of these functions before the EV does it for you and win back a few minutes of charge.  

How far will the EV continue driving 

Much like gas-powered cars, zero doesn’t mean zero. With almost all vehicles having an emergency reserve of juice that will keep you rolling just a bit past that red mark, it is an essential safety feature that can get drivers out of many potentially dangerous situations and, hopefully, to the next charging station.   

The specifics of how far your EV will keep on can vary greatly from model to model. While this may cause some uncertainty, there is enough data to give EV owners a solid idea of how they can expect their vehicles to perform past zero. Are you interested in how one model’s range compares to another? CAA recently had the EV Winter Test Drive, which tested the performance of 13 different EV models to see how they comparatively perform in various categories, including their range.  

Eventually, when all battery reserves have been depleted, the EV will come to a complete and final stop. At this point, not much can be done to get it back on the road. 

What you can do when your EV stops running 

First, forget the image of walking ten kilometres to the nearest gas station. 

When an EV shuts down completely, the only option is to call for roadside assistance or a tow truck to bring your vehicle to the nearest charging station. As the EV itself needs to be transported to fuel up, there is little room for alternative solutions, like walking off into the sunset with an empty fuel canister.  

Unfortunately, jump-starting an EV won’t do much either, as the primary battery has an entirely different function than those on gas-powered vehicles.  

Luckily, many roadside assistance programs are specific to EVs, including a mobile charge service available to CAA Members while travelling in the United States. These services are extensive and constantly growing - ensuring you get the help you need when you are in a pinch.  

Be prepared to avoid the worst 

All drivers find themselves between stations with low fuel at some point or another. Jarring as it may be - it is a simple reality of transportation and something that can happen with gas vehicles and EVs alike.  

By pre-noting the charging stations on your route, effectively managing your battery life, and familiarizing yourself with potential roadside assistance, you can go the distance and keep the low-battery blinker at bay.