Jump Start

[APH]

Maybe a daft question, and most likely been asked before…….. can you use your MG4 EV to jump start another car (standard petrol) Which has a flat battery.

 

[Lovemyev]

I would say in theory - Yes .
As you are simply using one standard 12 volt battery from one car, to jump start another 12 volt battery on another car ( be it a ICE car).
However, give some consideration to the fact that your EV may not be so tolerant in receiving a power spike from the ICE car when it jumps in to life.
Also, turning over a very cold heavy ICE unit from the battery in your EV could leave you with a flat battery yourself very easily !.
I would steer away from getting into this type of situation personally myself.
I would favour purchasing a 12 volt jumper pack and store it under the drivers seat of your car.
It is then on hand to use on your own car or other people’s car, without compromising your situation.

 

[mtmg]

I jumped one yesterday with no issues. A 1.6 diesel ford focus. I’d be a bit apprehensive to jump anything over 2 litre though.

 

[Rolfe]

Nooooooo! The manual specifically says Do Not Do This. The 12v battery of an EV isn't rated to turn over an ICE and it could be damaged.

 

[dsimpkins]

I would say in theory - Yes .
As you are simply using one standard 12 volt battery from one car, to jump start another 12 volt battery on another car ( be it a ICE car).
However, give some consideration to the fact that your EV may not be so tolerant in receiving a power spike from the ICE car when it jumps in to life.
Also, turning over a very cold heavy ICE unit from the battery in your EV could leave you with a flat battery yourself very easily !.
I would steer away from getting into this type of situation personally myself.
I would favour purchasing a 12 volt jumper pack and store it under the drivers seat of your car.
It is then on hand to use on your own car or other people’s car, without compromising your situation.

Yes, I keep a jumper pack in the car, bought one after seeing a few people have 12v battery problems. Managed to get one while they were on offer.

 

[Chequers]

Disconnect the +ve on the EV otherwise the voltage drop on the EV's 12V battery will most likely start up the DC-DC converter when the BMS senses the sudden voltage drop.
This could damage the DC-DC converter and possibly other components in the circuit.
It's not like jump starting an Ice to Ice car where you would have your engine running backing up the 12V via the alternator.

 

[APH]

Thanks everyone, im not going to risk it… i will buy one of the Halford Smart Chargers to get the wife’s petrol car started.

 

[Lovemyev]

I guess you are intending to buy a booster pack ?.
You can use this on all 12 volt battery systems on EV and ICE.