Electric Cars Rarely Used Can Cause Problems, Here's Why

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Electric cars are often considered to require less maintenance compared to conventional cars. However, this does not mean that the vehicle can be left parked for too long without attention. This is because electric cars that are rarely used are at risk of experiencing problems, especially with the 12-volt battery which functions to support the vehicle’s electronic systems. A depleted 12-volt battery in an electric car can cause various vehicle features to malfunction, ranging from the electronic shifter and locking system to making it difficult to start the car. “If an electric car is left for too long and the 12-volt battery is depleted, all electronic systems can shut down completely. As a result, the car cannot be operated as usual,” said Gofar to Kompas.com recently. He explained that the 12-volt battery in an electric car has an important function to activate various vehicle systems, including the electronic shifter used to shift the transmission. Therefore, when the battery is completely drained, the car will not only be difficult to start, but it can also be locked in park and cannot be moved easily. “Because the transmission system is electronic, shifting to the neutral position also requires power. So if the battery is completely dead, the car may be difficult to move,” he said. However, Gofar said that most modern electric cars are actually equipped with a smart system to maintain the battery’s condition. This system allows the main battery to automatically recharge the small battery when needed. “Some EVs can even activate themselves when the battery condition starts to drop, and then automatically recharge so that the battery does not drain,” he said. However, this feature does not mean that users can completely ignore the condition of the vehicle. According to Gofar, cars that are not used for too long still need to be monitored periodically. He advises vehicle owners to occasionally check the battery condition through the indicators available on the vehicle’s screen or dashboard. In addition, the car should also be started or used periodically so that the charging system continues to work optimally. “Basically, it’s the same as a regular car, the battery still needs to be taken care of. Don’t let the car sit for too long without checking,” he said. KOMPAS.com is committed to providing clear, trustworthy and balanced facts. Support the sustainability of clear journalism and enjoy the convenience of reading without ads through Membership. Join KOMPAS.com Plus now