At least for now.
What Does the 12V Battery in an EV Do?
Electric cars have two main electrical systems that handle everything.
The first is a powerful high-voltage system (400-800V) that makes your car move.
Those lithium-ion battery cells deliver all the power to motors that crank out torque and spin the wheels.
The secondary system is just as important, and the low-voltage 12V battery powers almost everything else.
If the 12V battery dies, it’s possible for you to’t operate an EV.
Basically, there’s a good reason EVs still have a regular car battery.
More importantly, the 12-volt system is affordable, reliable, and something all automakers understand well.
Does an EV Have An Alternator?
Interestingly enough, most EVs do not have a traditional alternator.
Related:What Happens When an Electric Vehicle Battery Dies?
That’s why the battery needs a jump when you let a car sit for too long.
The alternator wasn’t able to keep it charged.
What Happens If the 12V Battery Dies?
So, what happens if the 12V battery in an EV dies?
Welp, the same thing that happens in a regular gasoline-powered car.
That’s because the power source for the brains of the operation doesn’t have any charge left.
Related:Can You Jump-Start a Dead EV Car Battery?
However, it’s important to remember that you should only mess with the standard 12V battery.
Instead, find a regular gas car or use aportable jump starter.
Will Lithium-Ion Replace the Lead 12V?
For example, newer Tesla Model S and Model X vehicles don’t have regular old battery systems.
Instead, the company opted to use a new12-volt lithium-ion auxiliary batterysystem.
Related:How Long Do EV Batteries Last?
We could see more auto manufacturers switch to this system or even a bigger 48V auxiliary battery.
However, don’t be surprised if that starts to change as electric vehicles continue to gain popularity.
