Welcome, Jalopnik readers, to one thing fully 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 a substitute, we will tackle the burning query of what occurs if a Tesla proprietor encounters an inside combustion engine (ICE) car with a useless battery? The temptation could also be robust to go away that polluting, earth-wrecking heap stranded by the facet of the street. However assuming that you are a good individual and truly need to assist a fellow motorist out of a jam, are you able to and must you?
To be clear, Tesla strictly forbids jump-starting different autos, ICE or in any other case. Actually, the homeowners guide for a Mannequin 3 could not be clearer. It particularly states, “Mannequin 3 can’t be used to jumpstart one other car. Doing so may end up in injury.” In case you try to jumpstart an ICE car together with your Tesla, Jalopnik will certainly not be liable for any monetary destruction that ensues. With these disclaimers out of the best way, sure, you may in all probability jumpstart a gasoline-powered automobile with a Tesla. However did we point out that you simply should not?
Bounce-starting will in all probability work, but it surely’s dangerous
In addition to the high-voltage traction battery that powers the drive wheels, many Teslas even have a traditional 12-volt battery like common vehicles below the hood. There’s additionally a DC/DC converter on board that enables 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 automobile as a result of the high-amperage load from the opposite car’s starter motor is able to stressing the small-ish Tesla battery.
Nonetheless, wrecking a Tesla’s 12-volt battery is nothing in comparison with what occurs in the event you injury the DC/DC converter within the means 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 element and sends you to the dealership on a tow truck for an costly restore. That is notably true in chilly climate, when an ICE car might require further cranking amps to get going. Ditto for bigger engines like V8s or diesels that require increased cranking amps.
This is what Tesla homeowners can safely do to assist
So what must you do if you wish to safely assist a fuel car driver with a useless battery? This subsequent suggestion is not endorsed by Tesla both, however some homeowners point out that it is a lot much less dangerous to let the ICE car’s battery cost from Tesla’s 12-volt battery for some time, like 10 to fifteen minutes. When the fuel automobile is able to try beginning, disconnect the jumper cables (used as charging leads) from the Tesla first.
Now could be a superb time to say that some latest Tesla fashions are transferring away from common 12-volt automobile batteries altogether in favor of a 16-volt lithium-ion auxiliary battery. When you have the brand new 16-volt structure otherwise you’re undecided which sort you have got, positively don’t try to connect with an ICE car. On one Tesla discussion board, some notably good-hearted EV homeowners point out carrying a small, cheap lithium-ion jumpstart pack to help stranded fuel automobile drivers with out risking injury to their very own whips. Maybe Tesla homeowners aren’t so unhealthy, in spite of everything?
