🔋 Introduction
Jumpstart an electric vehicle correctly in 2025 and avoid the risks many EV owners unknowingly face. Whether you’re driving through the streets of Toronto, London, or Los Angeles, knowing how to handle a dead 12-volt battery can save time, stress, and costly repairs.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are dominating the roads across the US, UK, and Canada thanks to their efficiency and eco-friendliness. However, even high-tech EVs can become completely unresponsive due to a drained 12V battery — a common issue that many drivers still overlook.
Fortunately, you can safely jumpstart your EV without damaging its sensitive electrical systems — but it must be done the right way
In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:
- ✅ Which EV battery can be safely jumpstarted
- ✅ A complete, step-by-step jumpstarting procedure
- ✅ Crucial safety practices and recommended tools
- ✅ When not to jump your EV and what to do instead
Table of Contents
⚠️ Safety First: Read Before You Jump
Jumpstarting an electric car isn’t the same as jumpstarting a gas-powered vehicle. You must understand the difference:
❌ Never attempt to jump the high-voltage battery (orange cables).
✅ Only jump the 12-volt auxiliary battery — this powers systems like door locks, infotainment, and cabin lights.
🔍 Always consult your EV’s manual for model-specific instructions.
Supported EVs for 12V Jumpstarting (2025 Models):
- Tesla Model 3, S, X, Y
- Nissan Leaf
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Ford Mustang Mach-E
- Kia EV6
- Chevrolet Bolt EV
📌 Pro Tip: Confirm battery location and jumpstart permissions in your owner’s guide.
🧰 What You Need Before You Begin
Gather these essential items:
- 🔋 A fully charged 12V donor battery or jump starter
- 🔌 Jumper cables or a lithium jump pack made for EVs
- 🧤 Safety gloves and goggles
- 📖 EV manual or battery diagram
✅ Recommended: Use a lithium-ion jump starter designed for EVs. They’re compact, reliable, and safer than traditional jump cables.
🪫 How to Jumpstart an EV in 2025 (Step-by-Step)
✅ Step 1: Locate the 12V Battery
Depending on your EV model, the 12V battery could be:
- Under the front hood (Tesla, Kia)
- Beneath the trunk floor (Nissan Leaf)
- Under a rear seat (Hyundai, Ford)
🚨 Avoid touching orange-colored cables — these are high-voltage lines.
✅ Step 2: Power Down Everything
- Turn off both vehicles (or jump starter device)
- Engage the parking brake
- Open access to the 12V battery
✅ Step 3: Connect the Jumper Cables Properly
- 🔴 Red → EV’s positive (+) terminal
- 🔴 Red → Donor’s positive (+) terminal
- ⚫ Black → Donor’s negative (−) terminal
- ⚫ Black → Unpainted metal surface on the EV chassis
🛑 Do not connect the black clamp to the EV’s 12V battery negative terminal.
✅ Step 4: Start the Donor or Jump Pack
Start the donor vehicle or activate your lithium jump starter. Allow 5–10 minutes to pass while energy transfers to the EV’s 12V battery.
✅ Step 5: Power On the EV
- Press the brake pedal
- Hit the power/start button
- Look for dashboard lights or sounds
🕒 If nothing happens, wait a few more minutes and retry.
✅ Step 6: Disconnect the Cables (Reverse Order)
- Remove black clamp from EV
- Remove black clamp from donor
- Remove red clamp from donor
- Remove red clamp from EV
⚡ Be sure cables don’t touch each other or exposed metal surfaces.
🚔 Safety Tips When You Jumpstart an Electric Vehicle
- 🧤 Wear insulated gloves at all times
- ☔ Avoid jumpstarting in wet or rainy conditions
- 📞 Call professional help if you’re unsure
- ⚠️ Never touch or tamper with high-voltage systems
🚫 When You Should NOT Jumpstart Your EV
Avoid jumpstarting if:
- 🚿 The vehicle was recently flooded or submerged
- ⚠️ The dashboard shows high-voltage system errors
- 🔥 The 12V battery is swollen, leaking, or emitting odors
- 🔒 Your EV restricts manual jumpstarts (e.g., certain Tesla models)
👉 In these cases, contact your vehicle’s support line or a certified EV mechanic.
🔧 Best Emergency Tools to Jumpstart an Electric Vehicle (2025 Picks)
If you’re looking to jumpstart an electric vehicle reliably and safely, these tools are must-haves in your EV emergency kit:
🔋 NOCO Boost Plus GB40 – This compact and powerful lithium jump starter is ideal to jumpstart an electric vehicle. It’s lightweight, EV-compatible, and holds a charge for extended periods. With 1,000 amps peak current, it can bring most 12V EV batteries back to life in minutes.
🔧 TOPDON JS2000 – A heavy-duty smart starter made for larger EVs and SUVs. It features smart clamps and over-voltage protection, making it one of the most secure ways to jumpstart an electric vehicle without harming its sensitive electronics.
💡 Imazing 2000A Jump Starter – Perfect for EV owners on a budget. Despite its affordability, this device offers enough peak power to jumpstart an electric vehicle with ease. Its compact size makes it ideal for glovebox storage.
🔍 FOXWELL BT705 – A professional-grade 12V battery tester that helps you assess battery health before deciding to jumpstart an electric vehicle. It’s a diagnostic tool every EV driver should keep handy.
📱 EVNotify App – An advanced monitoring app that tracks your EV’s 12V battery in real-time. Knowing when your battery is low can help prevent the need to jumpstart an electric vehicle in the first place.
📌Related Guide: Explore our EV Fire Extinguisher Comparison 2025 →
📘 EV Jumpstart FAQs
❓ Can I jumpstart an EV using another EV?
✅ Yes — as long as both vehicles have accessible and safe 12V terminals. If done correctly, it’s one of the safest ways to jumpstart an electric vehicle without external tools.
❓ What if my EV doesn’t show a 12V battery?
🔍 Some EVs have hidden 12V compartments. Always check the manual before you try to jumpstart an electric vehicle in these models.
❓ Does jumpstarting void my EV warranty?
✅ No — if done properly using recommended steps to jumpstart an electric vehicle.
❌ Yes — if you jump the wrong battery or damage components during the process.
❓ How long does a 12V battery last in EVs?
🔋 Usually between 3 to 5 years, depending on climate and usage.
❓ How long does a 12V battery last in EVs?
🔋 Usually between 3 to 5 years, depending on climate and usage. A weak battery is one of the most common reasons to jumpstart an electric vehicle.
❓ Can I jump an EV with a gas car?
✅ Yes — for the 12V battery only. Never connect a gas car to the high-voltage system when you jumpstart an electric vehicle.
❓ How do I jumpstart a Tesla with no power?
🔌 To jumpstart an electric vehicle like a Tesla with a dead 12V battery, use the emergency front access point to power the frunk, then connect a lithium jump starter to the 12V terminals following your Tesla manual.
❓ Can you use jumper cables on an EV?
✅ Yes, but only for the 12V system. Never attach jumper cables to the high-voltage EV battery. Use extreme caution when you jumpstart an electric vehicle this way.
❓ What happens when EV 12V battery dies?
🔋 If the 12V battery fails, your EV may not unlock, power on, or shift into gear. You’ll likely need to jumpstart the electric vehicle to regain access and functionality.
❓ What is the best jump starter for electric cars in 2025?
🛠️ Based on safety, power, and size, the NOCO Boost Plus GB40, TOPDON JS2000, and Imazing 2000A are top-rated choices to safely jumpstart an electric vehicle in 2025.
✅ Final Thoughts: Jumpstart Smarter, Drive Safer
Knowing how to jumpstart an electric vehicle is an essential skill in 2025. It gives you peace of mind and prevents unexpected breakdowns from turning into emergencies. The tools and steps outlined in this guide make the process simple and safe.
Whether you’re driving through Los Angeles, London, or Toronto, make sure you’re always prepared.
💡 Pro Tip: Bookmark or print this guide and store it in your glovebox.
📥 Download Your Free 2025 EV Jumpstart Checklist (PDF)
What’s Inside:
- ✅ EV-compatible jump starter list
- ✅ Jumper cable connection diagram
- ✅ Battery health tracking app guide
- ✅ Safety gear checklist
- ✅ Owner’s manual notes
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