The electric car, with all the undeniable advantages it offers, is not without notable challenges. The initial purchase cost, the shortage of fast charging stations and the limitation of driving range are obstacles that electromobility must face. Despite advances in the efficiency and capacity of batteries, the range of electric cars continues to be one of the biggest headaches for users.
In this context, complete battery discharge can become a real problem. Unlike what happens with internal combustion vehicles, which can refuel at a wide network of gas stations distributed throughout the country, traveling by electric car requires meticulous planning and the adoption of precautions to avoid being stranded.
In a country like Spain, where the public charging network is still developing, it is essential to adopt travel strategies. Even doing so, however, no one is safe from being left stranded when their electric car battery completely discharges. In a situation like this we will tell you how you should act.
Although manufacturers recommend driving with a battery that is between 20% and 80% of its capacity, it may be the case that we do not have time to recharge it in time and the battery ends up discharging. To prevent total discharge, the brands include a buffer, a safety element that is inside the batteries whose function is to prevent them from being completely discharged (leaving them at 2%).
When this happens, the car goes into emergency mode: it reduces speed, turns off the air conditioning and the infotainment screens. The time has come to act.
In anticipation of the car being stopped, we must look for a safe place to park. If we are driving on the highway, it is best to look for an exit or a rest area, but if the car does not have enough autonomy we must place it on the shoulder and signal its presence with the V-16 light signal, if we have it. It should be remembered that since July 1, it is no longer mandatory to place emergency triangles on highways and highways, but it is mandatory on other roads.
At the slightest sign that you are going to run out of battery, you should park the car in a safe place. Do not try to push it because it will cost you a lot to do so: electric cars weigh more than a conventional car and it is not recommended for mechanics, since it can damage the battery, the motor or the inverter, according to RACE in its blog. Some models allow you to start the car in emergency mode so that it can move at about 10 km/h for 1 km to place it in a safer place.
Once we have parked the car in a safe place, it is time to call the assistance service. When reporting the incident we must emphasize above all that it is an electric car. It is not advisable to tow an electric vehicle that has run out of battery because battery regeneration is activated and this is not adapted to work if the car is off. Therefore, it is advisable to lift the electric car to a tow truck if it has broken down.
According to the General Traffic Regulations, running out of battery is not a punishable offense in itself. However, sanctions may arise as a consequence of actions resulting from this incident. It should be noted that the fine is not related to the lack of energy, but to improper parking of the vehicle, as stated in article 90.1 referring to stopping or parking a vehicle on interurban roads.
The regulations establish that “it must always be done outside the road, on the right side and leaving the traversable part of the shoulder free.” The fine for violating the rule amounts to 200 euros.
