How to Replace a Lost Electric Car Key?
3 Answers
You can bring relevant proof materials to the electric vehicle sales point or after-sales service point to request another key. The after-sales service points usually have multiple keys for the same model of vehicle. Alternatively, you can hire a locksmith to unlock the car and then make a duplicate key.
Last time when I lost the key to my electric scooter, it really threw me into a panic. I had to visit three shops before figuring out the proper procedure. For old-fashioned mechanical keys, you can simply go to an electric vehicle repair shop and have a new one made according to the lock cylinder model - it costs around ten yuan and gets the job done. But modern smart keys are more complicated; those with electronic chips require professional equipment for pairing. While 4S stores are the most reliable option, they charge a premium. Skilled locksmiths on the roadside can also do it for half the price. Remember to bring the barcode card or vehicle documents from when you bought the scooter, otherwise the shop won't be able to decode it. If you're in urgent need, you can temporarily use the mobile app to unlock the scooter (some models support this), or apply for a temporary card key at an after-sales service point as an emergency measure. My advice: after getting a spare key made, immediately store the backup at your mother-in-law's house - don't repeat my mistake of suffering twice.
I've had my share of troubles with electric vehicle keys. For smart keys, the solution depends on the brand. With brands like Tesla, the fastest way is to call their 400 customer service to remotely deactivate the original key. For domestic brands like Niu and Yadea, you can get a new key at an authorized dealer by scanning the vehicle identification number—just remember to bring your ID and purchase invoice. The most troublesome are foldable keys with anti-theft chips; simply duplicating the shape won't work—you need a programmer to sync the signal frequency. A regular locksmith can make three mechanical keys for fifty bucks, but chip-equipped keys cost at least two hundred. To prevent this, it's best to buy an Apple AirTag and attach it to your keyring. Now, all my car keys have one, and I can locate them instantly with my phone.
