One common question that arises is whether a Tesla can jumpstart another car. The short answer is NO, and in this article, we will delve into the reasons behind this limitation, explore whether other cars can jumpstart a Tesla, and discuss alternative methods for dealing with a Tesla’s dead battery.
Tesla expressly prohibits jump-starting other cars with the Tesla vehicles. It is risky since trying to jump other cars with a Tesla can cause short circuits, battery degradation, and fire. So, I recommend using a jump starter battery kit for emergencies.
Why Can’t Tesla Jump Start Another Car?
Jumpstarting a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) car is a fairly straightforward process. It involves connecting the dead battery of the disabled car to the charged battery of another car using jumper cables.
However, attempting to jumpstart an ICE car with a Tesla is not recommended due to several key reasons:
1. Voltage and Amperage Mismatch:
Tesla vehicles operate on a much higher voltage and amperage system compared to conventional ICE cars.
While a typical ICE car uses a 12-volt battery system, Tesla’s electric vehicles use a much higher voltage system, often around 400 volts or more.
Attempting to jumpstart an ICE car with a Tesla could result in electrical overload, potentially damaging the vehicle’s electrical components.
You might be wondering what about the low voltage battery of the Tesla? Well, the low voltage battery in Tesla doesn’t hold enough charge to jump another car and continue its operational capacity. So, it will be self-harming for your Tesla.
2. Incompatibility of Charging Systems:
Tesla Superchargers and home charging stations are designed to work exclusively with Tesla vehicles.
They use unique connectors and protocols that are not compatible with other car brands.
This incompatibility extends to the vehicle’s electrical systems, making it virtually impossible to directly jumpstart another car using a Tesla’s electrical resources.
So, you can’t jump-start a conventional combustion engine car with Tesla charging stations as well.
3. Safety Concerns:
Jumpstarting a car can be risky, especially if not done correctly. When dealing with different voltage systems and incompatible connectors, the risk of electrical shock or damage to either vehicle increases significantly.
Tesla prioritizes safety, and attempting to jumpstart another car with a Tesla may compromise that safety.
Can Other Cars Jumpstart a Tesla?
Although Tesla cannot jumpstart an ICE car, the reverse scenario doesn’t hold true. A conventional ICE car equipped with a healthy 12-volt battery and jumper cables can jumpstart a Tesla.
Here’s how to jump-start a Tesla with other Non-Tesla cars-
- Find the circular cutout at the front or on the side of the car body.
- Use a plastic plier or screwdriver to open the cover from the slot.
- This should expose a couple of wires, a black and a red one.
- Now, connect jumper cables matching the colors. Positive red to positive red, negative black to negative black.
- While connected, the non-Tesla vehicle engine should be running.
- Wait for a brief moment before trying to start the Tesla.
Although you can jump-start a Tesla, it is not a solution if you are stranded on the side of the road. Jumpstart works with combustion engine cars because they rely on batteries only for starting. After that, they use fuel to continue.
In contrast, you need battery power to start and run the Tesla. So, starting the vehicle doesn’t change the fact that you are stranded on the road.
What’s the Solution if the Tesla Battery is Dead?
If you find yourself with a dead Tesla battery, the standard procedure is not to jumpstart it with another vehicle. Instead, Tesla provides its owners with specific instructions for dealing with a dead battery situation:
Contact Tesla Roadside Assistance: Tesla offers a 24/7 Roadside Assistance service. Simply call their helpline, and they will dispatch a Tesla technician to your location to assist you with your dead battery.
Tow to a Charging Station: If you’re unable to reach Tesla Roadside Assistance, you can have your Tesla towed to a Tesla Supercharger or other compatible charging station for a recharge.
Use a Portable Charger: Tesla provides portable chargers with their vehicles, often referred to as the “Mobile Connector” or “UMC.” In case of a dead battery, you can connect the UMC to a standard electrical outlet and gradually charge your Tesla.
Wrap Up
While Tesla vehicles are technologically advanced and efficient, they cannot jumpstart other cars, nor can other cars jumpstart and make them run due to significant voltage and amperage differences and incompatible charging systems.
Instead of attempting to jumpstart a Tesla, it is best to follow Tesla’s recommended procedures for dealing with a dead battery, which prioritizes safety and proper recharging methods.