What happens if 12V battery dies in electric car?

Electric cars have become increasingly popular as a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. These vehicles rely on advanced battery technology to power their electric motors. While the main battery pack is responsible for propelling the car, there is also a smaller 12V battery that plays a crucial role in the vehicle’s electrical system. In this article, we will explore what happens when the 12V battery dies in an electric car and the potential consequences it can have on the vehicle’s functionality.

The Significance of the 12V Battery in an Electric Car

The 12V battery in an electric car serves as the primary power source for various auxiliary systems, just like in a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle. While the main battery pack provides high-voltage power to the electric motor, the 12V battery is responsible for powering components such as the lights, infotainment system, HVAC system, power windows, and other electrical accessories.

Unlike the main battery pack, which is recharged by regenerative braking and plugging into a charging station, the 12V battery is typically charged using a DC-to-DC converter. This converter takes power from the main battery pack and steps it down to the appropriate voltage for the 12V battery. However, if the 12V battery fails or its charge level drops significantly, it can have a range of consequences.

Effects of a Dead 12V Battery on an Electric Car

• Loss of Electrical Functions: When the 12V battery dies in an electric car, various electrical functions and accessories may stop working. This includes the headlights, interior lights, radio, infotainment system, power windows, and other electronic features. Without a functioning 12V battery, these components will be unable to receive the necessary power, rendering them inoperable.
• Inability to Start the Vehicle: The 12V battery also plays a critical role in starting the electric car’s main systems. When you push the start button or turn the key, the 12V battery provides the initial power needed to boot up the vehicle’s control systems. If the 12V battery is dead, the car may not start at all, leaving you stranded until the battery is recharged or replaced.
• Potential Damage to the Main Battery Pack: In some cases, a dead 12V battery can lead to unintended consequences for the main battery pack. Since the 12V battery is responsible for managing the electrical system, its failure may disrupt the communication between the various components. This can cause the main battery pack to experience irregular charging patterns or even enter a protection mode to prevent damage. It is essential to address a dead 12V battery promptly to avoid any potential harm to the main battery pack.

What happens when an EV runs out of battery?

The EV driver’s biggest concern is “range anxiety” and what to do when you run out of battery, similar to running out of gas.

When an electric vehicle runs out of its high-voltage primary battery, does it shut down like a smartphone, stopping without warning? Not at all.

Running out of battery in an electric car is like running out of gas. The vehicle will display a warning to the driver on the dashboard well in advance. But instead of a low fuel warning, it will be a low battery warning.

The car will warn you well in advance that it is running low, allowing drivers to find a place to recharge safely. On some Tesla models, the display in the center console will even start flashing to get your attention.

In addition, many vehicles will even tell you in the navigation system where there is a nearby charging station.

For whatever reason, if you hit 0% and your EV runs out of battery, things vary by manufacturer. In most cases, the battery is still enough to keep you driving for a few more miles and hopefully reach a charging station.

Some vehicles turn off the air conditioning to preserve the battery, others limit power to drink more, and still others only allow the car to drive at a certain speed. In either case, you’ll be on borrowed time.

Over time, the throttle will become unresponsive, you will lose acceleration, and the car will coast slowly and safely to a stop. You’ll still have power steering and other safety systems, so you’ll want to try to quickly pull over to the side of the road and get out of harm’s way.

Remember that the indicators, the digital display, the lights and the interior power will remain, since all of this works with the normal 12 volt battery . You will only lose power to the electric motors and will not be able to move forward.

In conclusion, while the main battery pack is the primary power source for electric cars, the 12V battery is equally important for supporting the vehicle’s electrical systems and auxiliary functions. If the 12V battery dies, it can result in the loss of electrical functions, an inability to start the car, and potential damage to the main battery pack. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor the health of the 12V battery and ensure it is properly charged and maintained to prevent any disruptions in the operation of an electric car.