Can a lost electric car remote key be replaced?
2 Answers
Electric vehicle remote keys can be reconfigured if lost. The methods for replacing a remote key are as follows: 1. First, visit a 4S dealership for key matching. The original stored key data will be completely erased, and the remaining key will be matched via online diagnostics. After this process, even if someone finds the lost key, it will be unusable. 2. Record the vehicle chassis number and order a key from the 4S dealership. Each key ordered from the manufacturer comes with pre-coded settings that are exclusive to your vehicle. 3. Since online matching is required, currently only 4S dealerships can perform this service. Therefore, any ordered keys must be matched at a 4S dealership.
Last time I drove my electric car, I accidentally lost the remote key, which was quite stressful. But don't worry, you can definitely get a new electric car remote key—the key is to go through proper channels like the 4S store or an authorized service center. Modern electric cars have strict anti-theft systems, so the new key needs to be programmed and matched with the vehicle's encryption code via the OBD port, and the old key will be remotely deactivated to prevent anyone from finding and using it to open the car. The whole process takes about one to two hours, with costs ranging from a few hundred to over a thousand yuan, depending on the make and model. For example, Tesla or BYD cars might be more expensive, while ordinary domestic brands are cheaper. When getting a replacement, bring your vehicle registration certificate and ID to prove ownership. I recommend developing a habit of keeping a spare key or noting down the key code for emergencies, so you can act quickly without compromising driving safety or risking unexpected trouble.