How to get out of an electric car if it is dead (2 photos + 2 videos)
Category: Electric cars, PEGI 0+
11 July 2024
If you're outside a locked EV with a dead battery, gaining access will be difficult, but not insurmountable. However, if the car's 12-volt battery dies while you're inside, it can become even more challenging and leave you feeling trapped. 
As experts insideevs.com emphasize, there is no need to panic. Manufacturers have recognized this potential safety issue and have equipped their vehicles with replacement mechanical handles that allow doors to be opened from the inside without power. It is important to become familiar with and even test these mechanisms for your specific vehicle, as their location and operation may vary.
For example, Tesla vehicles have mechanical front door handles that are easily accessible and located near the power window switch panel. However, finding mechanical buttons for rear doors can be more difficult. In the Model S you have to look for cutouts in the carpet under the seat, and in the Model X you have to remove the speaker grilles to find the cable that opens the door.
Other manufacturers also have unique solutions. The Ford Mustang Mach-E has a mechanical release located in the armrest on the door panel, but this does not work for the rear doors. On Lucid vehicles, the door handle must be pulled harder than normal to unlock the door mechanically.
Knowing these details is very important for quick rescue in an emergency situation. If you drive a car with power locks and don't know where the mechanical lock is located, consult your manual or ask your dealer. This information is important not only for getting yourself out, but also for telling passengers how to get out.
Charging your electric vehicle's 12-volt battery will also help restore access in the event of a power outage. For example, on older Tesla models, the battery terminals can be accessed by removing the nose cone or wheel fairings. On newer models, the terminals are accessible through removable covers. Other brands, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, have a similar solution that allows you to charge the 12-volt battery and quickly restore access.
If you find yourself locked out of an electric vehicle without a power door opener, such as early Cadillac Lyriqs or Teslas, charging the 12-volt battery is often the only solution. In the new BMW and Volkswagen ID, the mechanical devices are integrated into the door handles.
Overall, the process of charging the low-voltage battery and opening the car should be similar for most electric vehicles, especially those made by older automakers. They often use a physical key to open at least the driver's door, allowing access to the hood and 12-volt battery.
