Can an Electric Car Jump-Start a Regular Car?

While many people have caught themselves in a situation where they need to jump-start a car, the scenario might change slightly when dealing with an electric vehicle (EV). Can an electric car jump-start a regular car? Let's explore the technicalities and safety considerations involved.

Requirements for Jump-Starting a Car

To jump-start any car, you need a powerful current capable of surmounting the resistance in the dead car's battery. This is typically around 100 amps at 12 volts. If the battery is significantly discharged, the required current can spike to around 200 amps during starting. This is because a discharged battery offers more resistance, thus requiring a greater current to overcome this resistance.

Compatibility of Battery Voltages

Electric vehicles (EVs) are equipped with high-voltage battery systems, often ranging from 300 to 400 volts. This high voltage is intended to power the electric motor and other components of the EV. To jump-start another car from an EV, the two battery systems would need to be compatible in terms of voltage.

Two key considerations are:

Same Voltage: If the regular car and the electric vehicle have the same 12-volt battery (for accessories), then it might be possible to jump-start the regular car. Voltage Conversion: If the EV has a 400-volt battery, a separate adapter would be necessary to convert the high voltage to 12 or 14.5 volts, which is standard for regular car batteries.

It's worth noting that most 12-volt battery systems in electric vehicles are not large enough to sustain the load required to jump-start another car, especially if the battery is in a discharged state.

Practical Considerations

Practically speaking, more often than not, electric vehicles do not come equipped with a 12-volt battery that is big enough to jump-start a regular car. However, some EVs do have a 12-volt auxiliary battery for powering accessories. This accessory battery, if accessible and sufficiently charged, might be used as a means to jump-start another car. Let’s break down the process:

Electrical Judgment and Safety

Using the auxiliary 12-volt battery to jump-start a vehicle requires careful thought. If the patient car (the one being jumped) has a weak battery, it is recommended to leave the jumper cables connected for an hour. This allows the EV's 12-volt battery to provide a continuous boost to the weaker battery, preventing it from draining further.

If the EV's 12-volt battery becomes depleted, you will need to jump-start the EV itself to get its doors and other functions to work. This means the EV might need to be jump-started twice: once to jump-start the regular car and again to operate its own systems.

For those who claim to have successfully jumped-started a regular car from an electric car, it requires good electrical judgment. Engineers like Mike Heaton have noted that proper procedures should be followed to avoid damaging the vehicles.

Stakeholder Guidelines and Safety

To ensure safe and effective jump-starting, follow these precautions:

Check Batteries: Verify that the EV has sufficient charge in its 12-volt battery to provide the necessary boost. Strict Procedures: Follow standard jump-starting procedures, ensuring that both the EV and the regular car's electrics are properly protected. Read Manuals: Consult the owner’s manuals for both the EV and the regular car for specific guidelines and safety tips.

In summary, an electric car can jump-start a regular car, but it requires careful planning and adherence to safety guidelines. It's essential to use the EV’s auxiliary 12-volt battery if present, but even then, a separate adapter might be needed to convert the high voltage. Always pay attention to the technical specifications and recommendations in the vehicle manuals to avoid potential damage or injury.

Conclusion

Jump-starting a regular car from an electric car is possible but comes with its own unique set of challenges. With the right knowledge and safety measures in place, you can ensure a successful and safe jump-start, no matter the type of vehicle involved.