Do You Have An Electric Vehicle? What If It Runs Out Of Battery?

The future of automobile industry is slowly heading towards all-electric vehicle. It might come to you as a surprise but the world's first electric car was built in the year 1834-1835 by an American named Vermont. He has used electric motor, a small locomotive that used two electromagnets, a pivot and a battery. But it is in the late 20th century that we all came to know about the existence of electric cars.

With the beginning of the 21st century, it looks like the future of electric mobility is near than what we expected. Every single car manufacturer wants to at least one electric car in its portfolio so that they can be in the league. While the range of the electric cars are increasing the biggest question that still prevails is what one should do when the car or bike or scooter runs out of battery. 

Electric cars are all good for the environment, society and for leading a sustainable development. They emits less pollution and can be recharged just like your smartphone so that you can stick to it longer than usual. But the biggest question is what should one do when the electric car runs out of battery? 

The range of the electric cars are increasing but they are still not preferable for long route or inter-city travels. They are all good for intra-city travels because they comes with adequate range that will keep you worry-free throughout the day. But the problem comes in the moment you decide to go from Gujarat to Rajasthan by road using your new electric vehicle. There are hardly any charging station that will keep you afloat during your journey. This makes it hard for the electric vehicle.

Suppose you run out of charge, then the only option available with you is to tow your vehicle to the nearest charging station. But there's a catch in this too. The electric cars are unlike the traditional combustion engine cars, they can't be towed with front wheels they need a flat-back trailer. Because the front tow will damage the electric motor of the car that is directly connected to the engine of the car. Electric car engine is directly connected with the wheels and when you tow the car from the front wheels the wheels rotate and will damage the engine. Car companies like Tesla also advises towing the car using only flat-back trailer. 

There are not many options available in the Indian market right now. But the scenario likely to change with the Indian manufacturers like Tata and Mahindra pushing electric cars in the market. They comes with the claimed range of 300-400 Kms but the real-world usage varies. The driving habit also matters just like with any petrol or diesel cars. 

If you own an electric car or any vehicle then there are certain things that you must keep in mind and follow.

1. Always make it a habit to plug in your car in charge at the end of day so that you have required range for the next day.
2. Do not tow the car by front wheels, it damages the engine and also affects some functionality like regenerative braking. 
3. When your car signals of low battery, turn off the AC or battery consuming things that is likely to drain the battery faster.
4. When you feel the power output is not up to the mark, check the car battery. It often happens that because of low battery car limits the power so that range can be extended. 

Electric cars are still a long way to be the mainstream of the automotive industry. But it is coming. So be prepared to feel the futuristic city of your dream where everything is electric powered and who knows you might be in your flying car reading this post. 

Till next time, stay safe stay connected and stay updated.