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.

 

[ging353]

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

Just been caught out this morning with a totally flat 12 volt battery. Got in the car using the key but the door closed behind me and I couldn't get out. None of the internal door catches or windows would work. Sat there for almost an hour in the sun and almost passed out when a neighbour saw me and came to my help opening the driver's door from outside. Called AA and the guy said the 12 volt battery was completely flat. He charged it up and said he didn't think the battery was at fault as it was holding charge, but that some software was draining the 12 volt battery.
Contacted the dealer and they said that the internal door catch should release the door even with a flat battery. Car is now going in to the dealer for investigation.
Can anyone recommend a good battery booster as I'm not getting caught out again like this. It was terrifying !!

 

[Lovemyev]

Just been caught out this morning with a totally flat 12 volt battery. Got in the car using the key but the door closed behind me and I couldn't get out. None of the internal door catches or windows would work. Sat there for almost an hour in the sun and almost passed out when a neighbour saw me and came to my help opening the driver's door from outside. Called AA and the guy said the 12 volt battery was completely flat. He charged it up and said he didn't think the battery was at fault as it was holding charge, but that some software was draining the 12 volt battery.
Contacted the dealer and they said that the internal door catch should release the door even with a flat battery. Car is now going in to the dealer for investigation.
Can anyone recommend a good battery booster as I'm not getting caught out again like this. It was terrifying !!

There is plenty to choose from online, this one is a popular choice just to get you started.
Topdon is popular in the trade.
The capacity is more than you require for you to boost your EV - but it will handle boosting large ICE cars as well.
I keep mine stored under the drivers seat.

TOPDON 1500A Car Jump Starter Pack Booster Battery Charger Power Bank JS1500 UK | eBay

Alongside a UL2734 certification, this car battery jump starter boasts 6 built-in smart protections against reverse polarities, short circuits, over currents, and more. Manufacturer‎TOPDON. You even get a heavy-duty Nylon storage bag as a gift!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[DixieTGS]

Sat there for almost an hour in the sun and almost passed out

It's worth learning how to operate the emergency boot release for this situation. At least 3 of the cars I've had have had a way of exiting the boot from inside, but don't know if it is a requirement on all vehicles.

Look up emergency tailgate opening in the manual. You will need either the key blade hidden inside the fob or a suitable sized screwdriver kept in the vehicle somewhere.

I would practise getting over the seats and into the boot in benign conditions as it is not easy for everybody, and you may prefer to sit it out in a real situation.

 

[DixieTGS]

Contacted the dealer and they said that the internal door catch should release the door even with a flat battery.

The problem here is the MG4 seems to deadlock even when locked from the inside sometimes. When deadlocked I think you are not supposed to be able to open from the inside to meet the Thatcham security requirements - or I might have made that up .

To make it worse I think the alarm goes off if you try and the battery is not flat.