Battery failure in an electric car, what to do?

With an electric vehicle, you may encounter various problems, often related to the vehicle's battery. Here are the main reasons for breakdowns:

RECHARGING PROBLEMS:

Public recharging stations sometimes don't work properly or are out of order, which can be a problem for electric vehicle drivers, especially in emergency situations. What's more, some charging points may be incompatible with the vehicle model, limiting charging possibilities. The on-board charger in an electric vehicle regulates the flow of energy to the battery. However, it can sometimes malfunction due to technical problems or component wear. The charging cable is the essential element for connecting the vehicle to a power source. If it is damaged, poorly maintained, or has a manufacturing defect, it can prevent the battery from recharging properly. Signs such as frequent disconnections, overheating, or abnormally low charging speeds may indicate a cable problem.

BATTERY FAILURE:

It's not uncommon for an electric vehicle's battery to fail. This usually occurs when the driver is unable to correctly anticipate the remaining charge level, particularly on long journeys or in particular climatic conditions (cold, hot, high-speed driving). However, this type of battery failure is rare.

REGENERATIVE BRAKING PROBLEMS :

Regenerative braking enables the battery to be recharged using braking energy, thus extending the electric vehicle's range. If the electronic components that regulate this system are damaged (sensors or controllers), this energy recovery is interrupted. This reduces energy consumption and the vehicle's range. The driver may also notice a disparity in deceleration speed, which can increase wear on conventional brakes and have an impact on driving. Prompt repair is crucial to improving vehicle performance.

To avoid the risk of running out of battery power, it is essential to follow a few tips before setting off:

• Plan your journeys:

To avoid any unpleasant surprises, download the Fulli app and easily locate the charging stations available along your route. This way, you'll make sure you never run out of battery power along the way. Thanks to the charging station map, you can easily visualize the nearest charging stations and their availability, so you can plan your stops more easily.

• Pay attention to your electric vehicle:

Before you embark on a long journey, make sure your electric vehicle has plenty of range. A good knowledge of how it works and how to use it can help you avoid certain breakdowns or risky situations.

• Use an emergency cable:

In the event of a power cut, and before calling a breakdown service, consider using the 110V cable found in electric cars. This will enable you to recharge quickly at a nearby socket in a shop, if your geographical position allows. This solution will give you a range gain of around 10km per hour of charging, enough to reach a faster charging station or return home. Bear in mind, however, that this is an exceptional solution. It is not advisable to use a standard socket to recharge your electric vehicle.

• Eco-responsible driving:

If the battery of your electric vehicle is about to run down, adapting your driving style is one of the best ways to optimize your vehicle's autonomy and battery life. Moderate your speed, especially on the freeway, to reduce energy consumption. Anticipate slow-downs and opt for smooth driving, without sudden stops and starts, and take advantage of regenerative braking rather than using conventional brakes.

• Call a breakdown service:

Contact a certified electric car breakdown service. They will be the only ones to intervene on your broken-down electric vehicle. Your vehicle will be towed to the nearest charging station, or to your home if your electric vehicle needs repairing.

Don't forget to check with your insurance company, as some policies include breakdown assistance.

• Think about your safety:

Stop your vehicle in a safe place, and switch on your hazard warning lights. If you're on the freeway, head for the hard shoulder and get out of your car on the right-hand side. Get behind the guardrail and wear a safety vest so that you're visible to other motorists.