Today in Australia, most electric vehicle batteries can generally allow you to travel at least 300 kilometres on a single charge.1 That’s enough to last the average Aussie electric vehicle (EV) driver 10 days.2 Some EV models can go as far as 600 kilometres on a single battery charge.2
Modern EVs not only offer extended driving range but can also intelligently alert drivers to low EV battery levels and preserve any remaining power,3 buying us time to reach an EV charging station.
And let’s not forget one of the most convenient features of EV vehicles – that any EV battery can be recharged – albeit very slowly – using any regular power point.4
Even so, “range anxiety” persists. Transport experts have even dubbed the fear of being stranded in an EV a psychological phenomenon.5 Not every EV owner has easy access to a home charger either, say if they routinely park their car on the street or live in an apartment.
Because we know life happens, and that even the most organised drivers can still get caught with a flat car battery, we’ve put together this guide to help reassure you – whether you’re a new EV owner, planning a long road trip shortly, or searching for in-the-moment guidance.
In this article, we explain how long electric car batteries last, how to spot the warning signs when yours is running low, and what to do if your EV car battery does go flat. We’ll also go into how car insurance – and particularly EV car insurance and how EV roadside assistance – can help you out of this tricky spot.
How long do electric car batteries typically last?
The capacity of an EV battery can be measured in two ways: its lifespan overall, and how far it will allow a vehicle to travel after being recharged.
The average electric vehicle in Australia has a lifetime of about 15 years – or 180,000-200,000 kilometres – which is similar to petrol and diesel vehicles,6 according to the Electric Vehicle Council.
By that stage, the battery of an EV will be at about 75% of its original driving capacity.6 Replacing the battery can extend the life of the vehicle itself.6 Modern EV batteries have a lifespan of 15-20 years and once removed from an EV, can serve a second life powering homes, buildings and the grid.6
But what about your day-to-day use? How long will your EV battery last after it’s been fully charged?
In Australia, the driving range of EV batteries varies from at least 250 kilometres at the lower end of the market, up to more than 600 kilometres at the top end. The battery on an average EV model should last more than 300km.1
Bjorn Siem, Senior Policy Manager at the Electric Vehicle Council, says driving style, terrain, and use of accessories such as heating and air-conditioning, can all affect EV battery range.
“The main factors are speed and elevation,” says Siem.
“Going fast uphill will drain your battery quicker. And keep in mind that EVs, unlike internal combustion cars, will generally use more energy at highway speeds, and less around town.”
Signs your electric vehicle battery is about to go flat
Just like petrol and diesel vehicles, EVs let their drivers know when their power source is running low.
Motoring journalist David Morley says that while “different manufacturers have different protocols”3 there are common features:
- Warning light – displays on dashboard when the EV battery drops to 10% of capacity.
- Preservation or “wind back” mode – this kicks in when there’s still about 30-40 kilometres of driving range left, reducing power and turning off non-essential functions such as air conditioning.3
Siem says that some EVs can also feature in-built mapping systems that may alert drivers to nearby charging stations.
What happens if your EV runs out of battery?
If your EV battery does go completely flat while you’re out on the road, you’re likely to have a lot of questions – especially if you’re new to EVs. We’ve rounded up some answers for you below.
Can you jump-start an EV?
As motoring journalist David Zalstein explains, the answer is yes, and no.7
While lithium-ion batteries are the main source of power behind the average electric vehicle, EVs also need a 12-volt auxiliary battery – like the kind that gets the motor turning in a regular car – to help power vehicle accessories and electronics.7
“In short, technically, if it’s only the 12-volt battery that’s flat, you most definitely could [jump-start it],” says Zalstein. “If it’s the car’s main battery, then no.”7
Can you tow an EV?
Yes, electric vehicles can be safely towed using a flatbed tow truck, says Siem. Flatbed tow trucks allow an EV to rest on all four wheels and can help prevent damage to the sensitive electronics and regenerative braking system of EVs.8
“And [your EV] can usually even be charged a little bit on the way and then driven off the tow truck,” Siem adds.
For when you get there, you can read our expert tips on using electric car charging stations.
Can one EV charge another?
Some EVs, such as the Hyundai Ioniq, are capable of providing charge for another stranded (rechargeable) EV, and can also accept charging from another EV.3
However, other models, such as the Tesla Model 3, for example, can’t be used to jump start another vehicle, and risk being damaged if attempted.7
Car-to-car charging is possible through what’s known as vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, which allows one EV to charge another EV, or appliances such as fridges or power tools.9
Is it harmful for your EV to let the battery go completely flat?
If your EV battery goes flat, there won’t be any lasting damage “as long as you charge it back up shortly afterwards”, says Siem.
“What may be harmful, over time, is leaving a battery flat or at 100% for long periods.”
Siem says that the common recommendation of keeping your EV battery charged between 20-80% capacity is less important now than with earlier EV models.
“That was more in the early days, when batteries weren’t as robust,” he explains. “The 20-80% (guide) is still a good direction for battery health overall, but battery degradation these days is very low.”
Immediate steps to take when faced with a flat car battery
If your EV battery goes flat and your car breaks down while driving, taking care of yourself and your passengers is the first priority.
South Australia’s Department of Infrastructure and Transport offers the following advice for keeping safe after a breakdown:10
- Be vigilant – assess the area for risks and hazards.
- Find a safe spot to pull over.
- Make sure you can be seen – turn on your hazard lights or parking lights, or raise your bonnet.
- If you have to stay in your car, move to the passenger seat if possible and put on the seatbelt.
- If it’s safe to leave the car, try to exit from the left passenger side.10
It can be hard to think clearly when you’re under pressure, so we’ve created a downloadable breakdown action plan to help you know what to do in the moment. You might want to print it out for your glovebox.
Preventing a flat car battery: Tips for EV owners
When you get the keys to your first EV, it’s generally advisable to read up on the key features and specifications, including battery range.
Your vehicle’s manufacturer will be the best source of this information.11 Bear in mind though that the advertised range and the distance you’ll actually get out of your EV can differ.12
Whatever the range of your EV battery, experts say there are several things you can do to get the most value out of each visit to a charging station.
Dr Adam Best, Principal Battery Researcher at CSIRO, recommends treating your EV battery like your phone battery, and taking active steps to conserve battery life:13
- Turn off power-hungry accessories such as air conditioning, heating and heated seats.
- Use “eco mode” or similar driving modes – these maximise vehicle efficiency – just like “low power mode” on mobile phones.
- Drive smoothly – hard acceleration and braking drain the battery quickly.13
Siem says driving speed is particularly important. “If you’re on a highway, travel at 90km/h or even 70km/hr, instead of 100km/h – that significantly reduces consumption.”
EV roadside assistance: Can car insurance help if your EV runs out of battery?
Whether you drive a fully electric car or a hybrid model, there are three main categories of car insurance available to EV drivers: Comprehensive car insurance, Third Party Fire & Theft and Third Party Property Only.
Car insurance on its own does not cover breakdowns, no matter if they’re caused by flat car batteries, flat tyres, an empty fuel tank, or mechanical or electrical faults.14
However, Youi Roadside Assist – a 24/7 service that comes standard with all Youi Comprehensive car insurance policies – can help drivers out of a range of tricky situations, including flat EV batteries.15
“For EV drivers, this entails a tow to the nearest charging station, or to a place of safety, if your car battery runs out of charge and you’re left stranded,” says Marni Jackson, Youi’s Head of Product – Vehicle and Lifestyle.15
“Just be aware that you’ll likely still have to pay the charging station fee.”
For more information about owning and insuring an EV vehicle, read our guide on everything you need to know about electric car insurance.
If you’re new to the world of EVs, you might also be thinking about finding the right car insurance for your planet-friendlier wheels. For EV cover that’s a bit more you-shaped, consider starting a quote with Youi today.
1 Source: Australian Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Electric vehicle facts, 2024
2 Source: Electric Vehicle Council – How far can electric vehicles go on a single charge?
3 Source: CarsGuide – What happens if your EV runs out of battery power?, January 2023
4 Source: Electric Vehicle Council – Can I charge an electric vehicle at home using a regular power outlet?
5 Source: ScienceDirect – More than just miles: range anxiety unplugged, October 2025
6 Source: Electric Vehicle Council – What happens when a battery is no longer fit to power an EV?
7 Source: Drive – How do you jump start a car?, July 2023
8 Source: Melbourne Towing Guys – How to Tow Electric Vehicles Without Causing Damage, September 2025
9 Source: Australian Government, Department of Climate Change – Vehicle-to-everything opportunities, 2024
10 Source: SA Government, Department for Infrastructure and Transport – Safe driving tips – Breakdown Safety, 2026
11 Source: Australian Government, Department of Climate Change – Electric vehicle batteries and motors, 2024
12 Source: Australia Automobile Association – New real-world tests will help overcome EV range anxiety, August 2025
13 Source: CSIRO – Unlocking electric vehicles, September 2024
14 Exclusions, limits and additional fees may apply. See the Car PDS for full details.
15 Available with Comprehensive policies. Exclusions, limits and additional fees may apply. Cover not available within the first 24 hours of taking out, or upgrading to, Comprehensive cover. For full details, see the T&Cs and Car PDS.
