When the main battery runs out, your Tesla has no intention of moving, and the low-voltage 12V battery also takes a hit. As a Tesla owner, I’ve seen the panic set in when that range hits zero.
Whether your Tesla has been parked for two weeks or you’re stuck on the road, here is what will happen and how to respond.
What to Expect When Your Tesla Battery Dies
When the main battery in your Tesla dies, the car simply won’t move any longer. You will see the range meter on the screen turn from green to yellow, and then red, with many warnings designed to help you find a charger.
Edmunds conducted tests with a Model 3 and Model Y and noted that at 65 mph, there was a 10 to 20-mile buffer after zero, but don’t rely on it.
When the main battery runs out, the vehicle will gently coast down to 15 mph, shift into park, and that’s it for the trip. The low-voltage 12V battery, which powers electronics, is also out of luck as it has no more backup, so charging will not commence until you give it a boost.
What Should I Do If My Tesla Dies During a Drive?
If your Tesla dies while driving, you’re in a bad position, but do not panic. You must pull to the side of the road safely. You will definitely need a flatbed tow truck, not a regular tow truck, because it could damage your Tesla.
Call Tesla Roadside Assistance or your insurance company if your coverage has towing. Go into the Service menu of the touchscreen, select Transport Mode, and release the parking brake and shift to neutral. Then, tow your Tesla to the nearest Supercharger or home to be charged.
However, if you are somewhere near a charger, maybe in a parking lot around 200 feet away, then attempt to push your Tesla with some help.
Remember, power steering won’t work, so it can be a sweaty effort.
What Happens If My Tesla Battery Dies While Parked?
If your Tesla battery runs out while it’s parked, the charge port will not likely open unless the 12V battery is charged. Your best bet is to leave your Tesla plugged in with a 50% charging limit and let the car top up as needed without worry.
Generally, a Tesla shouldn’t die when it’s parked because of the sleep mode feature, which loses 1% per week. If you turn off Sentry Mode, it cuts off at 20% to protect the battery.
So, if you were thinking about parking your Tesla for 2 weeks or more at the airport (for example), you likely don’t have to worry about it dying when you come back.
Usually, public EV charging stations charge a fee that can be $15 per hour on average. So you might want to take that into account as well.
How Do I Charge My Tesla if the Battery Dies?
To charge a dead Tesla battery, start by jump-starting the 12V battery system with an external power supply according to Tesla’s instructions designed for your specific model. Different models might use lead-acid batteries or lithium-ion batteries.
Wait a few minutes until the touchscreen illuminates, then plug into a Supercharger or home 240-volt setup. It might take a very long time with a 110-volt electrical source, so make sure to pick the right adaptor if you’re using a non-Tesla charger.
When the charging begins, you will want to disconnect the external power. In isolated rural locations, the right mobile EVSE kit prepared for normal use with 50A/30A would save the day.
Tip To Avoid Running Out Of Battery
There are a few ways to dodge the panic of seeing your Tesla battery die, and preparing early to make sure you save yourself some trouble:
- Check the route and charge station locations in advance.
- If you’ll be parking long-term, set your vehicle to charge to 50%, which is a good way to extend the battery’s life.
- Carry a mobile EVSE kit when driving in rural locations for emergencies.
- Turn off all energy-consuming features, such as Sentry Mode, while parked.
- Don’t rely on the vehicle range estimate. Factor in the weather and your driving style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Charge Port Still Open if My Tesla Battery Dies?
By default, the charge port is powered by the 12V battery, so if the 12V battery dies after the main battery dies, it will not open by using the standard brake light push.
However, you can manually open the charge port by jump-starting the 12V battery or accessing the frunk (front trunk) with an external battery for power, as described in your Tesla manual.
If you leave it plugged in while you’re away, this will not happen. But if the 12V battery is dead and you want to charge it again, you will have to go through the extra steps.
Can I Jump-Start My Tesla’s 12V Battery?
Yes, you can jump-start the 12V battery if it dies. But let me just say, do not try to use your Tesla to jump another car, as Tesla advises against this.
You can jump-start the 12V battery using an external battery and jump cables, following the manual’s steps. This way, you can get the touchscreen to turn on and allow you to put the car in Transport Mode or charging. And if you are towing, you may need to jump it again, so keep that cable close.
How Long Can a Tesla Last Without Charging?
A Tesla can last several weeks without charging while parked, losing about 1% every week in sleep mode with features off.
If you drive it, you would get 250-350 miles per charge, depending on the model and on conditions, but the range drops quickly if it’s cold outside or you are using it heavily.
The buffer you get after zero gives you somewhere between about 10-20 miles, and if you push it to empty, you risk the 12V battery dying. So plug in as soon as you get the chance, and save yourself the hassle.
Is Towing Covered if My Tesla Runs Out of Range?
Unfortunately, no. There is no warranty coverage for towing due to running out of range, according to Tesla. If you happen to run out of range, you’ll be responsible for the bill, assuming you don’t have insurance coverage for towing.
Try to plan your trips so that your charge level stays above 20%. This will help you avoid running out of range, as sometimes vehicle range estimates differ due to wind or other vehicle settings like Sentry Mode.’
How Much Does Tesla Roadside Assistance Cost?
Tesla Roadside Assistance is free while covered under the New Vehicle Limited Warranty or Pre-Owned Vehicle Limited Warranty.
If your vehicle has a flat tire or a malfunction whereby it cannot be driven, Tesla will assist with transporting you to the nearest Tesla Service Center or to your home (within 25 miles) at no cost to you.
Final Say
Your Tesla running out of battery can be worse than a car running out of gas. But thanks to smart warning features, most Tesla owners never have to face this situation. Plugging in every night on longer trips makes it even easier!
