Steps to Take When Your Electric Car Runs Out of Battery

Running out of battery while driving your electric vehicle (EV) is a concern for many drivers, especially as they become more popular on the roads. Although modern electric cars have advanced warning systems to alert you when a recharge is needed, unexpected circumstances or simple miscalculations can still leave you stranded with a depleted battery.

While this situation is relatively rare, knowing what to do can make all the difference. From safety tips to practical solutions, we’ll guide you through the steps to keep your journey moving.

What to do if your electric car runs out of charge

If your electric car runs out of battery, here’s what you should do:

1. Stay calm & assess the Situation

• Pull over to a safe location, ideally off the main road and away from traffic.
• Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of your situation.
• Assess your surroundings and see if any charging stations or safe areas nearby could offer assistance.

2. Call for roadside assistance

• If you have a roadside assistance plan, this is the time to contact them for help. Many EV manufacturers and insurance providers, including EV-specific plans, offer services for battery depletion.
• For example, Income Insurance’s eDrivo Car Insurance offers Emergency Mobile Rescue¹, which provides DC fast charging of up to 20% battery capacity at the scene so you can get to the nearest charging station.

3. Explore emergency charging options

• If roadside assistance is not immediately available, check nearby options using an EV charging app or online maps. Many apps can direct you to the nearest public charging stations.
• Consider reaching out to local businesses, residential areas, or even nearby EV owners to ask for help with charging, if possible. Some may have charging facilities that could assist in getting you back on the road.

Can you push an electric car?

Many drivers wonder whether pushing an electric car when running out of charge is possible. Technically, yes, an EV can be pushed if necessary, but it's not recommended. Pushing an EV can potentially damage its electric motor and other critical components, especially since the motor is directly connected to the wheels.

Rather than risking damage, it's best to seek professional assistance, such as calling for roadside help or using an emergency charging service. This ensures the safety of both your vehicle and yourself.

5 tips to prevent running out of charge in your EV

Avoiding a depleted battery in your EV is easy with proper planning and a few smart strategies. 

Here are five practical tips to ensure you never find yourself stranded without power:

1. Use EV charging apps: Familiarise yourself with apps that show the locations of charging stations around Singapore. These apps often include route planners that help you map out charging points, especially useful for long-distance drives.
2. Maintain battery levels between 20 percent and 80 percent: EV batteries perform best when they’re kept in this range. Make sure to recharge your electric car long before it drops below 20 percent, rather than waiting until it’s critically low.
3. Plan charging stops on longer trips: If you’re heading out on a long journey, mark charging stations along your route and plan stops to top up your battery. This will give you peace of mind and prevent any unexpected power shortages.
4. Charge to 100 percent for long drives: While it’s not necessary for daily use, charging your EV to full capacity before long trips ensures you start with maximum range. However, avoid overcharging regularly, as it can impact battery health over time.
5. Drive at a moderate speed: EVs tend to be more efficient at lower speeds. When on expressways or long drives, try to maintain a steady speed of around 80 km/h to maximise your range.

How long can an EV battery last?

EV batteries are designed to last for the long haul, typically around eight to ten years or 100,000 to 150,000 miles. However, like all batteries, they will gradually degrade over time, which can lead to a reduced driving range. This degradation is a normal part of an EV’s lifecycle, and most manufacturers offer warranties that reflect this expected lifespan.

The good news is that proper care and maintenance can extend your EV battery’s lifespan. As mentioned earlier, keeping your charge level between 20 percent and 80 percent, avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures, and opting for slower charging when possible can all help preserve your EV battery’s health.

Stay protected with EV car insurance

Owning an electric car comes with unique considerations, and being prepared for unexpected situations, like running out of charge or battery damage, is crucial. Having comprehensive EV insurance can provide the peace of mind you need while on the road, ensuring you're covered in various scenarios.

Here are some key features of Income’s eDrivo Car Insurance that offer enhanced protection for your EV:

• Unlimited Emergency Mobile Rescue¹: If your car battery runs out of charge on the road, our service provider will arrive at the scene and provide DC fast charging up to 20% capacity so you can drive to the nearest charging station. Enjoy access to this service as a policyholder.
• Unlimited battery replacement: Get peace of mind with unlimited replacement for your battery² in the event it is damaged in an accident.
• Cyber hacking coverage³: Protect your car against loss or damage due to malicious cyber acts.
• Loan Protection Cover: Up to $100,000⁴ if death occurs from a car accident while you are in the insured vehicle.
• Coverage for loss of personal belongings, travel documents, hospital visitation, trauma counselling and more if you drive out of Singapore⁵.
• Up to $5,000 Public EV charging station⁶ coverage for the damage caused by you or your authorised driver during charging. 
• Up to $2,000 medical expenses coverage⁷.

By choosing the right insurance for your electric vehicle, you can protect yourself against unforeseen risks, ensuring your EV ownership experience is smooth and worry-free. Explore how Income's eDrivo Car Insurance can provide comprehensive protection for your EV, ensuring you're covered for every journey.