Can you jump start hybrid cars?
All cars have batteries. The 12V battery provides the initial ignition in a petrol or diesel car. With a flat battery, the car won’t start. The same is broadly true in an electric car, where the 12V battery allows you to turn the vehicle on before the high-capacity batteries take over.
Electric cars come in several forms, from purely electric Battery EVs (BEV) to a variety of hybrids, including:
- Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEV), which recharge from the mains.
- Mild Hybrids (MHEV), where the electric motor and combustion engine operate together.
- Full Hybrids (FHEV) can run in either mode, but always recharge from the internal combustion engine (ICE) and cannot be plugged in.
Jump starting a BEV is generally not advisable. It can damage the circuitry, especially in the vehicle’s charger, and may put you at risk of coming into contact with high-voltage components in the battery, motor, or powertrain.
But the same is not true on hybrid cars — so if you drive one of the top makes and models of hybrid electric cars and find yourself with a flat battery, you may be able to get it running again.
However, the first point of call should always be to call your breakdown provider (included as part of your optional maintenance pack with a lease car) to avoid invalidating your warranty or causing unintentional damage, which may then not be covered by your maintenance plan or insurance policy.
How To Jump Start A Hybrid Car
First, let’s clarify what we mean by ‘jump starting’ a hybrid car. We are NOT talking about recharging the main EV batteries, which should only be charged via an appropriate charging point.
But because any hybrid (by definition) contains an internal combustion engine, it should be possible to jump start the 12V battery and get the ICE running, if your battery is flat, or you left your car parked with the lights on.
Can You Jump Start From An Electric Car?
You should not use a fully electric car as the ‘supply’ vehicle when jump starting, as this can damage the vehicle’s electronics.
In an emergency, you may be able to use another hybrid as the source of battery power, but always check this won’t invalidate your warranty or violate your leasing agreement.
You can use an ICE to jump start a hybrid. Because a conventional ICE does not have delicate EV electrical systems onboard, this is generally the preferred option.
What To Do To Jump Start A Hybrid Car
The process to jump start a hybrid is the same as for a conventional ICE. Just be aware of any of the EV systems under the bonnet, and stay clear of any bright orange protective shields.
- Park both cars engine-to-engine, turned off, handbrake applied, and bonnets open.
- Attach a red jump lead to your car’s 12V positive terminal.
- Attach the other end of the red lead to the 12V positive terminal on the ‘supply’ vehicle.
- Attach a black jump lead to the negative terminal on the ‘supply’ vehicle.
- Attach the other end of the black lead to an unpainted metal part of your car to act as a ground/earth connection.
- Turn on the ‘supply’ car and wait for several minutes.
- Attempt to start your car.
If you drive an FHEV or MHEV and its battery runs flat, this is likely to be the first method you use to get it started, but there are some alternatives no matter what type of hybrid car you drive.
Alternatives To Jump Starting A Hybrid
Not keen on opening the bonnet of your hybrid car and connecting to the battery terminals you find there? If you want to keep the hood closed, here are some options:
Push Starting A Hybrid Car
If your hybrid has a manual gearbox, it MAY be possible to push start it in the old-fashioned way. Put the car into second gear with the clutch pressed down, push it to about 5mph, and then release the clutch to engage the engine.
Be very careful if doing this to a hybrid car. The vehicle may have regenerative braking, which can make pushing more difficult, and you could damage the EV side of the electronics.
Dashboard Chargers
An alternative is to use a dashboard charger. This is a standalone 12V battery that plugs into your cigarette lighter and charges the vehicle’s 12V battery that way.
These ‘trickle’ chargers can take longer, potentially needing to be connected overnight, but in the first instance, they’re a good, safe way to try to start a flat battery.
Plug It In
Finally, if you drive a PHEV, simply plugging it in via its charger can also put some charge into the 12V battery, while also juicing up the high-capacity EV batteries.
If in doubt, check the operator’s manual or the vehicle manufacturer’s website, or call on your leasing provider — if your lease includes breakdown cover, it might be safer to leave it to the professionals to get you back up and running.
