What really happens when your electric car runs out of battery—and what to do next

If your electric car reaches 0% state of charge, it will progressively limit power, then disable propulsion and coast to a stop; steering and brakes still work, though power assist may be reduced, and you will need a recharge via tow or mobile charging to drive again. Below, we explain how EVs behave at “empty,” the safest steps to take, practical ways to get moving, and how to avoid a repeat.

What your EV actually does as it approaches empty

Modern EVs don’t suddenly die at highway speed. As the battery nears its lower reserve, most models issue escalating warnings, restrict acceleration, and may cap top speed to protect the pack. Some display a “limp” or “reduced power” mode. Once the battery management system determines there’s no usable energy left, the car disables propulsion. You can still steer and brake mechanically, but electric power assist may taper off after the high-voltage system shuts down. Hazard lights and key systems continue for a period on the 12-volt battery.

After propulsion shuts down

Expect the car to roll to a stop; choose a safe shoulder if you can. Electric power steering and brake assist are often supported by the 12-volt system, which can keep working briefly even after the high-voltage contactors open, but assistance can diminish. Regenerative braking won’t help you anymore once the motor is no longer driving, and you cannot “push start” an EV. At this point, the only path forward is to add energy from an external source.

Immediate roadside steps to stay safe

The following actions help secure the scene, reduce risk to you and other road users, and speed up assistance.

• Signal early and coast to the shoulder or a safe turnout; avoid stopping on a blind curve or in a live lane if at all possible.
• Activate hazard lights, set the parking brake, and keep your seatbelt on until you’re sure it’s safe to exit.
• Place a warning triangle or flares if you carry them and can do so safely; stand well away from traffic.
• Check your car’s manual for “tow” or “transport” mode and follow it; this can protect the drivetrain during loading.
• Contact your automaker’s roadside assistance or your insurer/AAA; ask specifically for an EV-capable flatbed or mobile charging if available.
• If you are in a dangerous spot (e.g., an active roadway), call emergency services so traffic control can be arranged.

Taking these steps ensures you’re visible, the vehicle is configured correctly for recovery, and the right kind of help is dispatched on the first try.

How to get moving again

These are the practical options to add enough energy to reach a charger or get home, along with what to expect.

• Flatbed tow to a charger: The most universal option. Ask for a flatbed; many EVs—especially AWD—must not be flat-towed with wheels on the ground. A short tow to the nearest DC fast or Level 2 charger is often quickest overall.
• Mobile charging service: In some areas, roadside providers can deliver AC Level 2 or mobile DC fast charging (roughly 7–20 kW) to add a modest buffer. Expect about 10–20 miles of range in 15–30 minutes, depending on vehicle efficiency and charger output.
• Nearby outlet (Level 1): If you can safely access a standard household outlet, Level 1 charging (~1.2–1.4 kW) adds roughly 3–5 miles of range per hour. It’s slow but can be enough to reach a public charger. Use only heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords and obtain permission; avoid running cords across roadways.
• Dealer or service partner: Some brands offer free towing to a dealership or designated charging point within warranty and distance limits. Verify coverage when you call.

In practice, mobile charging is fastest when available; otherwise, a short flatbed tow to a nearby public charger typically minimizes total downtime.

What not to do

The following common “workarounds” are unsafe or risk damaging the car and are discouraged or prohibited by automakers.

• Don’t try to jump-start the high-voltage battery; jumper cables only pertain to the 12-volt system and won’t add driving range.
• Don’t tow the vehicle with driven wheels on the ground unless your manual explicitly allows it; many EVs require flatbed transport.
• Don’t tow the car to “charge by regen” unless the automaker explicitly documents a procedure; most brands warn this can damage the drivetrain.
• Don’t leave the car sitting at 0% for long; prolonged deep discharge can harm the battery. Arrange charging as soon as possible.
• Don’t run a gasoline generator in a trunk, garage, or near the cabin; carbon monoxide is lethal. If using a generator, operate it outdoors and downwind, and ensure your EV accepts the generator’s output.
• Don’t rely on random extension cords or adapters; use properly rated, grounded equipment to avoid overheating or electrical hazards.

Avoiding these pitfalls protects both your safety and the vehicle’s high-value components.

Will running to empty damage the battery?

An occasional run to “empty” is unlikely to harm the pack. EVs reserve a small buffer below the displayed 0% to protect the cells, and the car shuts down propulsion before true deep discharge. However, letting the car sit for hours or days at 0% can allow the pack to drop into a damaging state. The best practice: recharge promptly to a safe level (e.g., 20–50%) and avoid routinely arriving at 0%.

How to avoid running out next time

These planning and driving habits reduce risk, especially in cold weather, headwinds, higher speeds, or hilly routes that can cut range.

• Use your car’s built-in trip planner or a reputable app to route via chargers and factor speed, elevation, and weather.
• Keep a reserve; many drivers aim to arrive with 10–20% state of charge, more in winter or on unfamiliar routes.
• Precondition the battery before fast charging and before cold-weather departures to improve efficiency and charge speed.
• Moderate speed and climate control; both have outsized effects on range at highway speeds and in extreme temperatures.
• Know your connectors and carry the right adapters (e.g., J1772 or NACS, depending on your vehicle and region) plus a reliable Level 1 cord.
• Maintain tire pressure and install software updates; both can materially affect efficiency and range accuracy.
• Check 12-volt battery health; a weak 12-volt can complicate recovery and system operation, even if the main pack has energy.

With a small buffer, route awareness, and the correct gear, range anxiety drops and the odds of stranding fall dramatically.

Costs and timing, in broad strokes

Roadside assistance for EVs is converging with ICE norms. Flatbed tows are typically billed by distance and region; some automakers cover towing to the nearest charger during warranty. Mobile charging, where available, is often priced by time, energy delivered, or a flat service fee. As a rough guide, a 10–20 kW mobile DC session can restore enough energy for 10–20 miles in about 15–30 minutes; a brief DC fast-charge stop at a station can add far more, but requires towing to that location. Level 1 from a nearby outlet is the slowest but cheapest if feasible and safe.

Quick checks and common questions

These points address frequent uncertainties drivers have when nearing 0%.

• Can you drive “past” 0%? Some cars display 0% with a small hidden reserve; others do not. Treat 0% as empty and plan to stop soon.
• Will braking still work? Yes, the mechanical brakes work; power assist may be reduced after shutdown, so expect a firmer pedal.
• Is steering affected? You can steer, but electric assist may fade after the high-voltage system powers down.
• Can a 12-volt jump-start help? It can revive a dead 12-volt system to enable shifting or unlocking, but it won’t add traction energy to drive.
• Does cold weather change things? Yes—range drops and charging can slow. Build in larger reserves and precondition when possible.

Knowing these details helps you interpret the car’s warnings and make the safest, quickest decisions under pressure.

Summary

When an EV “runs out,” it doesn’t abruptly fail; it warns, limits power, then disables propulsion and coasts to a stop. You’ll need outside energy—usually a flatbed tow to a charger or a mobile charging service—to continue. It’s not catastrophic if you recharge promptly, but don’t leave the pack at 0%. With a sensible reserve, smart routing, and the right equipment and contacts, running flat becomes a rare, manageable hiccup rather than a crisis.

Can you push an electric car if it runs out of battery?

the car can indeed be pushed if the main battery is empty.

What do you do if your electric car runs out of battery?

If an electric car runs out of battery, immediately pull over to a safe, level spot and turn on your hazard lights. Contact roadside assistance, which will typically tow your EV on a flatbed truck to the nearest charging station, or in some cases, provide a temporary mobile charge. It is crucial to specify it is an EV when requesting assistance, as a flatbed is required to prevent damage. 
Steps to Take When Stranded

1. Pull Over Safely: As soon as you realize the battery is depleted, pull to the side of the road, find a safe, flat spot away from traffic, and turn on your hazard lights. 
2. Note Your Location: Get a precise location (using a mile marker, street address, or exit number) to provide to roadside assistance. 
3. Call Roadside Assistance: Contact your roadside assistance provider or EV manufacturer’s support line. 
4. Specify EV and Flatbed Tow: Clearly state that you have an electric vehicle and require a flatbed tow truck. Traditional towing can damage the electric motor. 
5. Request a Mobile Charger (If Available): Ask if they offer mobile charging services, as some providers can deliver a small charge to get you to a nearby station. 

Why a Flatbed Tow is Necessary

• Drivetrain Connection: Unlike a gas car, an electric car’s wheels are directly connected to the electric motor. 
• Preventing Damage: Towing an EV with the wheels on the ground can turn the motor into a generator, creating electrical issues, overheating, or other damage. 

What to Expect

• Turtle Mode: Your EV will not suddenly shut off but will likely enter a low-power mode, sometimes indicated by a turtle icon, limiting speed and power to give you time to reach a charging station. 
• Roadside Assistance Options: The service will either tow you to a charging station or, less commonly, provide a small amount of power from a mobile charger to get you to the nearest public or private charger. 

How much does it cost to replace an EV battery?

Replacing an EV battery costs between $5,000 and $20,000, but this price varies significantly by vehicle make and model, battery size, and whether it’s still under a manufacturer’s warranty. Installation and labor costs also add to the total, as it’s not a DIY project. Factors like the price of raw materials and increased manufacturing volume can impact costs, with some experts predicting that prices could fall to less than what it costs to replace a conventional engine by 2030. 
Factors Influencing Cost

• Vehicle Make and Model: Smaller, less expensive EVs like the Nissan Leaf have smaller batteries and will cost less to replace than larger, more expensive vehicles. 
• Battery Size and Capacity: The overall size and energy capacity of the battery pack significantly influence the price. 
• Warranty: Most electric vehicles come with a federal mandate for an 8-year or 100,000-mile warranty on the battery, covering replacement costs if the battery fails within that period. 
• Market Conditions: The price of raw materials used in batteries, such as lithium, can fluctuate, impacting overall costs. 
• Labor Costs: Specialized training is required to install an EV battery, adding hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the total cost. 
• Modular Designs: Some EVs are designed with a modular battery pack, allowing for the replacement of individual sections rather than the entire pack, which can be a less expensive option. 

What You Can Do

• Check Your Warranty: First, determine if your battery replacement is covered by your vehicle’s manufacturer warranty. 
• Consider Third-Party Options: For vehicles out of warranty, look into third-party shops, as they may offer more affordable solutions for replacing EV batteries. 
• Monitor Battery Costs: Keep an eye on trends in battery technology and manufacturing, as costs are expected to decrease over time. 

What happens if my electric car battery goes to zero?

Bad things happen when you run out of juice. When you hit 0, you probably have another 10 miles or so before it really dies. This will usually result in permanent battery damage.