It's the nightmare scenario for every electric car and Tesla driver: you've miscalculated the distance and the battery level is approaching zero at an alarmingly rapid rate.
What can you do in such a situation – and how far can you get with the Tesla reserve?
Battery empty: How far can you still go with the Tesla reserve?
The good news: Every Tesla maintains a small reserve even below 0 percent battery charge. However, this range is only between 10 and a maximum of 30 kilometers, depending on the weather and configuration, and sometimes even less. Therefore, you should only continue driving if a charging station is available, or – for owners of a mobile charging station like the [unclear text] – if you have a [unclear text] Juice Boosters – a power outlet is nearby.
Tesla Reserve: Better not to push it to the limit
Otherwise, the rule is: don't test how far you can actually drive; instead, pull over at the next suitable spot and let friends or a tow truck tow you to the nearest charging point. Tow trucks often have suitable electrical outlets on board.
If you push the reserve to its limit and break down, you risk damaging the battery or the 12V battery. If the latter is completely empty, you won't even be able to recharge it, as the charging electronics will fail. In this case, just like with a combustion engine vehicle, you'll need a jump start from another vehicle.
So: It's best not to even try. Getting towed is probably cheaper and less stressful than dealing with a broken battery.
You can also protect your battery by always charging it correctly. This includes maintaining the optimal charge level – 100 or 90 percent?
