How to Exit an EV When the Battery Dies

An unfortunate reality of driving an electric vehicle is resigning yourself to the fact that most of your car’s features are now powered by electricity. This includes the ability to enter and exit your vehicle. It can be tricky getting out of an electric car if the battery dies completely since it’s possible pressing the buttons that would normally open the door would fail.

So how exactly does one exit an EV when the battery dies? And if you do escape, what should you do next to get back on the road?

How Do You Exit an EV When the Battery Dies

More often than not, when the battery of an EV dies or gets close to running out of charge, the car enters limp mode. This gives drivers and passengers enough time to do one of two things: get out of the vehicle by pressing the buttons that open the doors or drive their car to the nearest charging station.

In more extreme cases where the battery dies completely, you might need to open the doors manually. Though the exact method to escape an electric vehicle when the battery completely dies depends on the make and model of your unit, you’ll likely need to locate the manual door release lever.

This lever allows you to override the electronic interior door release, letting you open the door by hand. It can typically be found inside the door’s storage pocket or on the floor beside the seat. It’s recommended to consult your vehicle owner’s manual for specific instructions.

How Do You Exit a Tesla When the Battery Dies

Tesla models work differently compared to other electric vehicles. Instead of pulling a manual door release lever, you’ll need to use the manual release latch. This can be found in front of your Tesla’s window switches.

However, not all Tesla models have manual release latches, making escaping these vehicles much more difficult when the battery dies. Some models, such as the Model Y, require more steps that might not be immediately obvious to car owners.

To exit a Model Y, you’ll need to perform the following steps:

1. Remove the mat from the bottom of the rear or front door pocket depending on where you’re sitting.
2. Press the red tab to remove the access panel.
3. Pull the mechanical release cable inside the slot.

How to Break Out of a Car Through the Windows

If ever you find yourself in an emergency where opening your EV’s doors manually fails, you might have to break out through the window. This process isn’t just difficult, it’s dangerous if it’s not done properly.

If you’re in a situation where none of the options above are available to you, follow these steps carefully:

1. Wear protective equipment such as goggles and gloves if possible.
2. Grab a hard, sharp object such as a spark plug, a screwdriver, a headrest, or a hammer. Alternatively, you can use seat belt hooks if the other objects are unavailable.
3. Smash the side windows instead of the windshields. Strike the corners of the windows rather than the center.
4. Climb out of the car through the hole where the windows once were.

What to Do With Your EV When the Battery Dies Mid-Journey

If your electric vehicle’s battery dies before you reach your destination, it’s important to pull over to the side of the road and think about what to do next. Simply knowing how to exit your vehicle won’t be enough — it’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the steps you can take to get your vehicle back on track.

Once you’re out of your vehicle, it’s a good idea to call the American Automobile Association or AAA for roadside assistance. You can also call a towing service to help you bring your vehicle to the nearest charging station. Likewise, double-check your insurance coverage to see if it includes free towing. If you have a portable charger, now would be the time to use it.

Use A Portable Charger

It’s a good idea to keep a portable EV charger in your trunk. This handy tool allows you to charge your EV’s battery in a pinch. It’s extra handy for situations where the battery of your EV dies before you reach your destination. Just make sure your charger is compatible with your vehicle before using it.

Call the AAA

One of the best ways to get your electric vehicle back on the road after losing power in the middle of a long drive is to call the AAA. You can request help in many different ways. This includes towing your vehicle, though ideally it’s best to ask if they’re willing to bring a mobile charging station to you instead.

Tow Your Vehicle

If you’re unable to bring your electric vehicle to a charging station on your own, you might need to have it towed to the nearest one with the help of roadside assistance. Bear in mind that electric vehicles cannot be moved with a standard tow setup without damaging the electric battery and motor. Make sure your vehicle is towed using a flatbed tow truck.

Get the Right Hybrid Drive Battery For Your Vehicle

A bad hybrid drive battery deprives your hybrid of its EV mode, leading to a bigger fuel bill as you rely more on the engine. When selecting a replacement for the battery, choose one designed for your vehicle to save time and trouble. Find a compatible hybrid drive battery at CarParts.com.

CarParts.com is your one-stop shop for automotive parts and accessories, including hybrid drive batteries. Our products are exclusively sourced from brands trusted by many drivers across the US, ensuring you get the quality and performance you deserve. You can easily find the right part by entering your vehicle’s year, make, model, and engine, in our website’s integrated vehicle selector. If you have any questions about our hybrid drive battery products, our knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7. They can answer any questions you have about the product’s price, availability, and other factors.

Do you live in the continental US? Order a new hybrid drive battery from CarParts.com before noon ET and have the part delivered within several business days.