What to Do If an Electric Vehicle Battery is Depleted and Won't Charge

Electric vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming a mainstream choice for environmentally-conscious drivers and those seeking to reduce fuel costs. However, like any technology, they can experience issues from time to time. One of the more alarming situations for EV owners is when the battery becomes depleted and the car won’t charge, leaving you stranded with no power to get to a charging station.

If you find yourself in this situation, don't panic. There are steps you can take to address the issue and get back on the road. In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes behind a depleted EV battery and provide a list of tools and techniques to get your EV started again.

Tools and Techniques to Start a depleted battery Electric Vehicle

Here are some of the tools and techniques you can use to help revive a completely depleted EV battery:

1. Portable Jump Starter (For EVs with DC-DC Converter)
   Some EVs come with a DC-DC converter that allows for emergency jump-starting from an external power source. A portable jump starter designed for EVs (or high-voltage battery systems) can be used to "boost" the vehicle's battery and get it to a level where it can begin charging.
   For examples of Jump starters, click here. 
   How to use: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when connecting the jump starter to your EV’s battery terminals. Ensure you’re using the right voltage for your vehicle.
   
   
2. Portable EV Charger
   A portable EV charger (also known as a Level 1 charger) is an invaluable tool for emergencies. These chargers plug into standard 120-volt outlets and can be used to give your EV a small charge to get it to a proper charging station.
   How to use: Plug the portable charger into a wall outlet and into your EV’s charging port. The process will be slow, but it could provide just enough power to get you to a public charging station.
   
   
3. Mobile Charging Stations
   Many EV manufacturers (such as Tesla, Rivian, and others) have partnered with mobile charging services or roadside assistance programs to offer mobile charging solutions. These services can come directly to your location and provide a boost to your battery to get it to a sufficient charge.
   How to use: Contact your EV manufacturer’s roadside assistance program for access to this service, and they will dispatch a technician with the required equipment.
   
   
4. Roadside Assistance with Towing
   If none of the above options work, you may need to contact a tow service. Many towing companies now offer services specifically for EVs, and they’ll transport your car to the nearest charging station or repair shop. For a list of the common EV Towing Companies in the US and Canada, click here.

Common Reasons Why an EV Battery Won’t Charge
Before diving into the solutions, it's important to understand why your EV battery may be failing to charge. Some common reasons include:

• Battery is Fully Depleted: Like any rechargeable battery, if your EV’s battery has been drained to zero, it might need a longer period to start charging, or it may need a "jump-start" from an external power source.
• Faulty Charging Cable or Charger: The issue might not be with the EV itself, but rather with the charging cable, connector, or the charging station.
• Charging Port Issue: A malfunction in the EV’s charging port or its internal connection could prevent proper charging.
• Battery Management System (BMS) Failure: In rare cases, the car's onboard BMS could fail, not allowing it to properly detect or manage the battery's charge.
• Temperature Extremes: Very cold or very hot temperatures can sometimes cause charging issues, either by reducing the efficiency of the battery or by affecting the charging infrastructure.

Immediate Steps to Take When Your EV Battery Won’t Charge
If you’ve noticed that your EV battery is fully depleted and won’t charge, here are some actionable steps you can take:

1. Check the Charging Equipment
   Start by checking the charging cable and charger for any obvious issues. Ensure that:
   - The charging plug is securely connected to both the car and the charging station.
   - The charging station is functioning. Try using a different charger or plugging into a different charging station if available.
   - The charging port on your vehicle is clean and free from debris or dirt.

   If you experience any issues with SWTCH chargers, feel free to reach out to our support lines.

2. Inspect the Vehicle’s Charging Port
   If the charging cable and station seem fine, take a closer look at your vehicle’s charging port. Ensure that:
   - The charging port cover (if there is one) is fully open.
   - There’s no debris or obstruction in the port.
   - The port appears undamaged or cracked. If damaged, you may need to visit a repair shop.
   
   

3. Try to Reset the Charging Process
   In some cases, resetting the charging system can resolve issues. Here’s how to do it:
   - Unplug the charger from the car.
   - Wait a few minutes and reconnect it, ensuring a firm connection.
   - Some EVs allow for a system reset. Check your vehicle’s owner manual to see if there’s a way       to reboot or reset the EV’s electronics, as this can sometimes resolve charging issues.
   
   

4. Check for Temperature-Related Issues
   Extreme temperatures—either too hot or too cold—can prevent your EV from charging properly. If your car has been parked outside in freezing temperatures, you may need to warm it up slightly before it will accept a charge. Some EVs have a built-in thermal management system that can regulate battery temperature, but if it’s extremely cold, consider moving your vehicle to a warmer environment, such as a garage, to see if it starts charging.
   
   

5. Utilize Roadside Assistance or a Jump-Start
   If your EV battery is completely depleted and you can’t get it to charge, you may need to call roadside assistance. Some services specialize in electric vehicles and can provide you with a "jump-start" of sorts. This often involves connecting your vehicle to an auxiliary power source, which can help bring the battery's voltage up enough to allow for regular charging.

Preventive Measures
Once your EV is back up and running, it’s a good idea to take preventive measures to avoid future charging issues:

• Keep your battery at a moderate charge level: Avoid fully depleting or overcharging your EV. Aim to keep it between 20% and 80% of capacity.
  
  
• Routine maintenance: Regularly check your charging equipment, battery health, and software updates to ensure everything is working as it should.

  SWTCH chargers are consistently maintained and regularly updated to ensure optimal performance and reliability. This ongoing maintenance process is crucial as it helps to address any potential issues that may arise over time, ensuring that the chargers operate smoothly and efficiently. Regular updates are also implemented to incorporate the latest technology advancements and software improvements, which enhance the user experience and provide better functionality. By prioritizing maintenance and updates, SWTCH guarantees that their chargers remain at the forefront of innovation and continue to meet the evolving needs of users.
  
  

• Know your EV’s range and plan accordingly: Be aware of how far your vehicle can travel on a single charge and plan your routes and charging stops accordingly.
  

Conclusion

Running out of charge in an electric vehicle can be an inconvenient and stressful experience, but it doesn’t have to leave you stranded. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined above, you can quickly determine the cause of the issue and apply the right solution to get your EV up and running again. Remember that in cases of complete battery depletion, external tools such as portable chargers, mobile charging services, and professional roadside assistance can make all the difference. Stay prepared and informed to ensure a smooth and worry-free EV ownership experience.

For questions or support, call 1-844-798-2438 or email support@swtchenergy.com. Live agents are available 24/7.