Welcome, Jalopnik readers, to one thing utterly totally different: a Tesla article that has nothing to do with controversial frontman Elon Musk and his function within the Trump Administration or DOGE. As an alternative, we will tackle the burning query of what occurs if a Tesla proprietor encounters an inner combustion engine (ICE) automobile with a useless battery? The temptation could also be robust to depart that polluting, earth-wrecking heap stranded by the aspect of the highway. However assuming that you are a good individual and really need to assist a fellow motorist out of a jam, are you able to and do you have to?
To be clear, Tesla strictly forbids jump-starting different autos, ICE or in any other case. In truth, the house owners guide for a Mannequin 3 could not be clearer. It particularly states, “Mannequin 3 can’t be used to jumpstart one other automobile. Doing so may end up in harm.” For those who try and jumpstart an ICE automobile along with your Tesla, Jalopnik will certainly not be answerable for any monetary destruction that ensues. With these disclaimers out of the best way, sure, you may in all probability jumpstart a gasoline-powered automotive with a Tesla. However did we point out that you simply should not?
Bounce-starting will in all probability work, nevertheless it’s dangerous
Moreover the high-voltage traction battery that powers the drive wheels, many Teslas even have a standard 12-volt battery like common vehicles beneath the hood. There’s additionally a DC/DC converter on board that permits auxiliary techniques like lighting and audio to faucet into the massive lithium-ion traction battery. The danger begins with utilizing a Tesla’s 12-volt battery to jumpstart a fuel automotive as a result of the high-amperage load from the opposite automobile’s starter motor is able to stressing the small-ish Tesla battery.
Nevertheless, wrecking a Tesla’s 12-volt battery is nothing in comparison with what occurs for those who harm the DC/DC converter within the technique of jump-starting. Granted, the DC/DC converter is rated for a wholesome 200 amps, however there’s at all times a small danger of a sudden surge that bricks this dear part and sends you to the dealership on a tow truck for an costly restore. That is significantly true in chilly climate, when an ICE automobile might require extra cranking amps to get going. Ditto for bigger engines like V8s or diesels that require increased cranking amps.
Here is what Tesla house owners can safely do to assist
So what do you have to do if you wish to safely assist a fuel automobile driver with a useless battery? This subsequent suggestion is not endorsed by Tesla both, however some house owners point out that it is a lot much less dangerous to let the ICE automobile’s battery cost from Tesla’s 12-volt battery for some time, like 10 to fifteen minutes. When the fuel automotive is able to try beginning, disconnect the jumper cables (used as charging leads) from the Tesla first.
Now could be an excellent time to say that some current Tesla fashions are shifting away from common 12-volt automotive batteries altogether in favor of a 16-volt lithium-ion auxiliary battery. When you’ve got the brand new 16-volt structure otherwise you’re undecided which kind you could have, undoubtedly don’t try to hook up with an ICE automobile. On one Tesla discussion board, some significantly good-hearted EV house owners point out carrying a small, cheap lithium-ion jumpstart pack to help stranded fuel automotive drivers with out risking harm to their very own whips. Maybe Tesla house owners aren’t so dangerous, in any case?
