The vast majority of electric cars do not die because the battery pack itself runs out of power. Instead, it is a much smaller battery that causes headaches for many of the owners.
According to a new investigation, the vast majority of electric cars break down due to an unexpected error: problems with the smaller 12-volt battery.
Although many may associate the challenges of electric cars with battery packs that run out of power, statistics from the insurance company If and the roadside assistance company Viking show that this is rarely the case.
Problems with the car's 12-volt battery, which is also found in petrol and diesel cars, are the most frequent reason why electric cars need roadside assistance.
The smaller battery is used to start the car and supply power for electronic functions such as steering wheel heating, lighting and control panel. The statistics reveal that as many as 37 percent of Viking's roadside assistance tasks on If-insured electric cars this year have been related to the small 12 volt battery.
According to engine expert Frida Wedin from If, these problems often arise in the colder months or due to many very short road trips.
READ ALSO: Recaro avoids bankruptcy – saved by Italians
– The 12-volt battery is sensitive to discharge during very short journeys, especially on cold days, she says in a press release .
A widespread perception among electric drivers is the fear that the car will run out of power. What is also known as range anxiety.
But in reality it is extremely rare for the battery pack to discharge completely, explains Wedin. Many electric car owners have gradually got a good handle on charging and knowledge of their car's specifications.
– The range of electric cars is getting better and better, and many electric car owners have learned a lot about charging and batteries, and how their particular model works, she adds.
To avoid problems with the starter battery, it may be necessary to use a maintenance charger if the car is not used often or only driven for shorter distances.
Normally, electric cars charge the smaller battery from the main battery. Also when the car is stationary. However, in certain car models, this function can be disabled. Therefore, Wedin recommends that car owners familiarize themselves with the instructions of the individual car brand. In other words – read the instruction manual.
In addition, she encourages you to examine the insurance conditions for roadside assistance. These can be very different from company to company and even right down to the policy level.
– It is important as a car owner to check which type of roadside assistance is covered by the insurance, she says.
While the challenges with the 12-volt battery may be unexpected, the statistics emphasize that problems with the battery pack itself in the electric cars are rare and only make up a very small part of the registered roadside assistance cases.
However, this is not the same as the electric car being a flawless piece of technology. Far from. When things first go wrong, e.g. the car scrappers with a bill that no one will pay. Read more about it here .
