What happens when an EV battery hits 0%? Real-world tests reveal the truth
Testing EV battery life beyond 0%: How far can electric cars go?
What happens when an EV battery hits 0%? Real-world tests reveal the truth
Discover what happens when an EV battery hits 0%. Real-world tests with Tesla and Renault show extra range, risks, and tips to protect your battery.
2026-01-27T03:23:29+03:00
2026-01-27T03:23:29+03:00
2026-01-27T03:23:29+03:00
Electric vehicle owners often find that their fear of letting the battery drop below 20% fades over time. However, hitting that "0%" mark still triggers panic—it feels like the car could shut down at any moment. To see what really happens, Autoplus.fr tested a Tesla Model Y and a Renault 5 by running them until they completely powered off.Field Testing Shows 0% Isn't the EndThe test took place on the Montlhéry track, maintaining a steady 70 km/h with heating, seat warmers, and other power-draining features turned off. The goal was to determine how far each vehicle could travel after the battery indicator hit zero.The Tesla Model Y managed seven laps, covering an extra 24 kilometers beyond its stated range. It only shut down after displaying a "Park with caution" message. Even then, the electronics remained functional enough to access menus and activate towing mode.The Renault 5 went a shorter distance—17 kilometers. Power began to drop before shutdown, with a "Limited performance" warning appearing on the screen and acceleration noticeably weakening. The air temperature was lower during this test than during the Tesla trial, which may have influenced the results.Other Tests Confirm the PatternEarlier, ADAC tested six electric vehicles at a constant 50 km/h, with similar outcomes:Volvo EX40 — 21 km after 0%Tesla Model Y — 20 kmKia EV6 — 19 kmBYD Seal — 18 kmVW ID.3 — 15 kmThe takeaway is clear: in economy mode with gentle acceleration, EVs can cover additional distance even after the gauge reads empty. Manufacturers build in this reserve to prevent sudden roadside breakdowns.Risks, Limitations, and Battery ImpactDraining to 0% and then recharging won't harm the battery if the car isn't left in that state for long. However, repeated deep discharges are best avoided, as they accelerate cell degradation.The main concerns are power loss and unpredictability. The range after "zero" varies with temperature, driving style, and vehicle model. That's why keeping a 10–20% buffer remains sensible—especially in areas with sparse charging infrastructure.
EV battery 0%, electric vehicle range, Tesla Model Y test, Renault 5 battery, EV battery life, electric car range test, EV battery reserve, EV driving tips
2026
Michael Powers
news
Testing EV battery life beyond 0%: How far can electric cars go?
Discover what happens when an EV battery hits 0%. Real-world tests with Tesla and Renault show extra range, risks, and tips to protect your battery.
Michael Powers, Editor
Electric vehicle owners often find that their fear of letting the battery drop below 20% fades over time. However, hitting that "0%" mark still triggers panic—it feels like the car could shut down at any moment. To see what really happens, Autoplus.fr tested a Tesla Model Y and a Renault 5 by running them until they completely powered off.
Field Testing Shows 0% Isn't the End
The test took place on the Montlhéry track, maintaining a steady 70 km/h with heating, seat warmers, and other power-draining features turned off. The goal was to determine how far each vehicle could travel after the battery indicator hit zero.
The Tesla Model Y managed seven laps, covering an extra 24 kilometers beyond its stated range. It only shut down after displaying a "Park with caution" message. Even then, the electronics remained functional enough to access menus and activate towing mode.
The Renault 5 went a shorter distance—17 kilometers. Power began to drop before shutdown, with a "Limited performance" warning appearing on the screen and acceleration noticeably weakening. The air temperature was lower during this test than during the Tesla trial, which may have influenced the results.
Other Tests Confirm the Pattern
Earlier, ADAC tested six electric vehicles at a constant 50 km/h, with similar outcomes:
Volvo EX40 — 21 km after 0%
Tesla Model Y — 20 km
Kia EV6 — 19 km
BYD Seal — 18 km
VW ID.3 — 15 km
The takeaway is clear: in economy mode with gentle acceleration, EVs can cover additional distance even after the gauge reads empty. Manufacturers build in this reserve to prevent sudden roadside breakdowns.
Risks, Limitations, and Battery Impact
Draining to 0% and then recharging won't harm the battery if the car isn't left in that state for long. However, repeated deep discharges are best avoided, as they accelerate cell degradation.
The main concerns are power loss and unpredictability. The range after "zero" varies with temperature, driving style, and vehicle model. That's why keeping a 10–20% buffer remains sensible—especially in areas with sparse charging infrastructure.
