Flat 12-volt battery on electric cars ‘less likely than ICE’

Electric cars are less likely to suffer from a flat battery call-out than petrol or diesel cars, according to new data from Start Rescue.

Plug-in cars accounted for 23.7% of call-outs compared to 29.7% for petrol and diesel.

The findings come in the wake of a warning to fleets over 12-volt batteries on electric vans suddenly draining. 

The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) says that fleets are reporting they have experienced battery drain across a number of key electric vans. In some cases, the battery died even when tethered to a charge point.

The 12-volt battery powers the same functions as petrol and diesel cars, such as the dashboard which enables the vehicle to start, as well as lights and wipers.

Regular use keeps the 12-volt battery in good condition and avoids breakdown call-outs as electric vehicles (EVs) still need this system to open the doors and start.

Start Rescue also found that EVs are 59% less likely to require a breakdown call-out than ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicles.

“Our figures show electric cars ranging from new to 10-years old are 59% less prone to breakdowns than ICE cars,” said Lee Puffett, managing director of Start Rescue.

“This might surprise some motorists, but with more than a million EVs now on the UK’s roads it shows drivers can choose an EV confident that they are less likely to be stranded at the roadside.”

However, he added: “You still need to look after the 12-volt battery to avoid one of the most common causes of call-outs.”

Separate data from The AA shows that over the past year there have been more 12v battery faults on electric vans compared to diesel vans.