We’ve recently had the new Torres EVX from KGM (formerly SsangYong) on review, and as we got close to the end of the week, we came out to find that it had gone completely flat!
So, what to do? Thing is, there is a way to jump the battery, as long as you’ve got the right tools, and you know how to get into the car to pop the bonnet.
Join Ben and I as we walk you through how to do this very thing, and I will go into some more detail about how this process goes…
First Things First: Understanding Your EV or Hybrid’s Battery System
Before we get into the process, it’s important to understand how electric and hybrid vehicles manage their power. Unlike a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle that uses one main battery, EVs and hybrids have two separate battery systems:
High-voltage battery (main battery): This is the big one that powers the electric motor in an EV, or provides assistance to the engine in a hybrid. For fully electric cars, this battery is responsible for the bulk of the car’s power and range.
12-volt auxiliary battery: This small, conventional battery is similar to what you’d find in a petrol or diesel car. It powers the car’s electronics, such as lights, infotainment system, and in some cases, it also initiates the start-up process for the car’s systems.
When we talk about "jump-starting" an EV or hybrid, we’re typically referring to recharging or boosting the 12-volt battery, not the main high-voltage battery. So, let’s walk through the process.
For fully electric vehicles (EVs), a flat 12-volt battery can cause the car to appear "dead"—the dashboard won’t light up, doors might not unlock, and the vehicle won’t start. This can happen if the 12-volt battery has been drained over time, which can occur if lights or systems were left on for too long, or simply due to normal battery degradation.
Here’s how you can jump start the 12-volt battery in an EV safely:
Check Your Owner’s Manual
Before doing anything, it’s important to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Different EV models have different procedures and safety precautions when it comes to accessing and jump-starting the 12-volt battery. Manufacturers often have specific instructions for accessing the jump-start terminals or reconnecting the battery, so double-check this first.Gather the Tools You’ll Need
You’ll need a set of jumper cables and a working car with a 12-volt battery (this can be another EV, hybrid, or traditional ICE vehicle). It’s important to remember that you’re only using the 12-volt battery from the other vehicle, so you won’t be dealing with high-voltage electricity.
Alternatively, you can use a jump-start battery pack designed for 12-volt systems, which is a great tool to keep in your car for emergencies.Access the 12-Volt Battery
The 12-volt battery is usually located under the bonnet or in a compartment in the front of the car, but in some EV models, it might be in the trunk or under a panel. Again, your owner’s manual will guide you on where to find it and how to safely access it.Connect the Jumper Cables
Once you’ve located the 12-volt battery, follow these steps to connect the jumper cables:
• Step 1: Attach the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the dead 12-volt battery in the EV.
• Step 2: Attach the other end of the red (positive) jumper cable to the positive terminal of the working vehicle’s 12-volt battery (or the battery pack).
• Step 3: Attach the black (negative) jumper cable to the negative terminal of the working vehicle’s 12-volt battery.
• Step 4: Finally, attach the other end of the black (negative) cable to a clean, unpainted metal surface on the EV (usually a grounding point near the battery). This helps avoid sparks near the battery.
5.* Start the Working Vehicle*
Start the engine (or power up) the working vehicle or battery pack, allowing it to charge the EV’s 12-volt battery for a few minutes. We left this running for a good half an hour.Power Up the EV
After a few minutes, try turning on the EV. If successful, the dashboard lights should come on, and the vehicle will be ready to start. Once the EV is running, remove the jumper cables in the reverse order you connected them (starting with the black cables, then the red).
The EV’s main battery will now charge the 12-volt battery as you drive, so keep the car running for a while to ensure it’s fully charged.
So, there you have it—jump-starting an electric or hybrid vehicle isn’t as complicated as it might seem, but it does require a different approach from what most drivers are used to with traditional combustion engine vehicles. While the high-voltage battery in an EV can’t be jump-started, knowing how to revive the 12-volt system can save you from being stranded.
As always, refer to your owner’s manual for any model-specific instructions and safety precautions. And with a little bit of preparation, you can confidently handle a flat battery and get back on the road in no time.
Stay charged, stay prepared, and keep exploring!
Thank you all, and enjoy!
Annabelle 😊