What to Do When an Electric Vehicle Runs Out of Power on the Highway?
2 Answers
Here are the solutions for when a pure electric vehicle runs out of power on the highway: 1. Charging Stations: Although most highways are equipped with charging stations, they are limited in number and often malfunction, making charging impossible. Therefore, it's essential to plan ahead before your trip. Check whether the highway service areas you'll pass through have charging stations and determine when you'll need to charge. 2. Towing: If your vehicle runs out of power and breaks down midway, the only option is to call for a tow truck to take your vehicle to the nearest charging station. It's not feasible to stop two vehicles on the emergency lane for charging, and charging takes a considerable amount of time, unlike refueling a gasoline car, which is quick. 3. Speed Control: For long-distance highway driving in an electric vehicle, besides planning and preparation before the trip, it's also crucial to regulate the vehicle's speed as much as possible. Prolonged high-speed driving with the accelerator fully depressed will drain the battery very quickly. Try to maintain a speed of around 90 km/h to minimize power consumption. 4. Service Areas: Additionally, when the battery level drops below 30%, you should look for a service area to charge. If the remaining distance isn't long, charging up to 80% is sufficient, as charging from 30% to 80% is the fastest, typically taking 30-40 minutes under most conditions.
When my electric car ran out of battery on the highway, I panicked at first but quickly reminded myself that safety comes first. I immediately turned on the hazard lights, gradually slowed down, and pulled over to the emergency lane. After stopping, I engaged the handbrake and turned off all power to avoid additional battery drain. Then, I would stay in the driver's seat and use my phone to call for roadside assistance, such as services provided by my insurance company or local rescue hotlines. When describing my location, I would use GPS to share the exact address, making it easier for them to arrive quickly. While waiting for help, I wouldn't get out and wander around, as the fast-moving traffic on the highway is dangerous. Instead, I would lock the doors and observe through the windows. As a preventive measure, I've developed a habit: before long trips, I use map apps to check charging station locations and start looking for a charger when the battery reaches 30%. Electric vehicle range is greatly affected by temperature—air conditioning in summer drains the battery faster, and preheating the battery in winter doesn't help much—so planning the route in advance is key.
