Range anxiety. Even the phrase sounds like something an electric car manufacturer would pay to erase from collective memory. But is the fear of being stranded with a dead battery on the roadside in your EV justified, or is it more myth than reality? Thanks to a recent ADAC test, it turns out the answer is a bit more optimistic (and a lot less dramatic) than you might expect. Let’s take a closer look at what really happens when your EV’s battery hits zero percent—and how far you can actually keep going.
Modern EVs Take “Zero” with a Grain of Salt
Ever glanced nervously at your dashboard as the battery gauge teeters toward that dreaded 0% mark? You’re not alone. For many drivers, the idea of an electric vehicle coasting silently to a halt the moment the battery taps out is enough to keep them firmly in the petrol-powered world. But, as recent testing across a range of modern EVs shows, those fears might be misplaced.
During the ADAC test, several popular models were put through their paces, including:
- VW ID.3
- Tesla Model Y
- Kia EV6
- Volvo EX40
- BYD Seal
- Nio EL6
All of these vehicles had a similar approach to signaling impending battery doom. First, a visual warning lights up the dash; next, you’ll be serenaded by sound alerts. Ignore those (hey, we’ve all lived on the edge), and you’ll begin to notice the car slowing down and putting out less power. Interestingly, these warning signals begin popping up anywhere between 21% and 7% battery remaining—plenty of time to plan your next charging stop, unless you’re plotting a one-way trip across the desert.
Zero Isn’t the End—Meet Your EV’s “Secret” Reserve
Here’s the plot twist: Even after the dashboard reads 0%, none of the tested cars stopped dead in their tracks. Instead, each model provided drivers with a concealed “emergency reserve”—enough juice, on average, for 15 to 20 extra kilometers. During this phase, top speed is capped, acceleration turns glacial, and some cars even flash a turtle icon to communicate that you’re limping along in a kind of mechanical survival mode. It’s usually sufficient to get to a nearby charger in town—though if you find yourself on the highway at this point, best to start picking out a good book for the wait.
How far can you really stretch those last invisible drops? The ADAC measurements showed:
- VW ID.3: 15 km after 0%
- Tesla Model Y: 20 km
- Kia EV6: 19 km
- Volvo EX40: 21 km (the ironman of the bunch)
- Nio EL6: 16 km
- BYD Seal: 18 km
So yes, the meter hitting zero is more of a stern warning than a death sentence. Still, this little bonus is meant for emergencies. Treat it like the leftover chocolate in the cupboard—nice to have, but not something you should rely on regularly.
The Fine Print: When Not to Count on Your EV’s Hidden Reserve
Now, before you start challenging your friends to “EV distance on empty” contests, a word of caution: Experts emphasize you shouldn’t make a habit of banking on those last few kilometers. Your real-world mileage may vary (cue the disclaimers)—and sometimes by a lot:
- In cold weather, expect less. Batteries don’t enjoy the chill.
- If your battery is aged, its secret reserve can be much smaller—or gone entirely.
- Lots of hills? More strain, less spare range.
- Below 50 km/h, the car might switch off suddenly (because even EVs know when it’s time to call it a day).
Also, if you do end up completely immobilized, it’s time to call a charging service or a tow—don’t try towing an EV yourself. Dragging it along could damage on-board electronics, since the electric motor might act as a generator (and not the helpful kind).
What Should Drivers Really Expect? Stay Calm, Plan Ahead
Let’s bust a myth while we’re here: The image of an EV heartlessly abandoning you by the road is outdated. Modern electric cars warn you early, gradually cut back on power, and almost always stash away a few final kilometers for emergencies. Still, the key to trouble-free EV driving isn’t reckless optimism, but common sense: plan your trips, know your battery’s quirks, and don’t play chicken with that last sliver of the gauge.
In summary: If you treat your EV’s battery gauge less like a deadline and more like a gentle nudge to recharge, you’ll likely never have to worry about being stranded. Just remember—while your electric car will do its best to save you from your own forgetfulness, it won’t reward willful neglect. Plan ahead, charge smart, and you’ll leave range anxiety in the dust.
Iveta is an aspiring journalist with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for coffee. Always curious and creative, she dreams of sharing stories that inspire, inform, and connect people around the world
