Does Tesla Have Backup Batteries?

Tesla’s electric cars have been dominating the EV market for years. These sleek and high-tech vehicles have captured the hearts of drivers worldwide with their impressive performance, advanced features, and environmentally friendly power sources. However, as with cutting-edge technology, there are always questions and concerns about range anxiety. One such question that often arises is whether Tesla has backup batteries. After all, the thought of being stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery is a nightmare for any driver.

No, Tesla cars currently do not offer the added feature of backup batteries since it will likely lead to higher production costs, decreased efficiency, poor handling, and bad space management within the cabin.

Reasons Why Teslas Do Not Have Backup Batteries

• Cost: Adding a backup battery to an electric car would increase the cost of the vehicle, making it more expensive for consumers to purchase. Such batteries are, unfortunately, notorious for being very expensive (you can expect to pay up to $15,000 for a battery replacement in your Tesla! due to the costly material involved in manufacturing. Hence, it is far more logical to leave the added-batteries option aside.
• Weight: Electric car batteries are no joke—they are heavy! In fact, batteries make up around 25 percent of an electric vehicle’s overall weight. Adding a backup battery will reduce the efficiency and potentially impact the handling and performance. A heavier car requires more energy to accelerate and maintain its speed, reducing its efficiency and shortening its range. Similarly, a heavier car may not handle as well as a lighter car. This is because the added weight can increase the car’s momentum and make it more difficult to change direction quickly. This can impact the car’s overall stability and safety, particularly at higher speeds.
• Space: Electric cars are designed with limited space for components, and adding a backup battery would take up valuable space that could be used for other components, such as the motor or charging system. Tesla cars have their floors already covered with batteries underneath them.

Then, Why Does Tesla Have Two Batteries?

The second battery in Tesla cars is not meant to boost the range—it is a 12 volts battery that is there only to power the onboard electronics, circuitry, and computer. The main battery, aka the ‘Traction Pack’, is meant to drive the motors and hence the car only. Tesla cars are full of additional components that require only 12 volts. These include ABS electronics, power brakes, wipers, lights, etc., to name a few. But why would Tesla add another battery and simply not downgrade the volts coming from the Traction Pack? There are some pretty good reasons for that:

• Avoiding Fire: As per the law, you need to turn the hazard lights on if your car has faced an accident and cannot move as a result. But Tesla shuts off the main battery in case of a collision to avoid short circuits and eventual fires. In that case, the 12 volts battery comes into action and keeps the main electronics running and other features running.
• Human Safety: It is safer to interact with 12 volts rather than touching the Traction Pack. In case of any exposure of the current to the people inside the vehicle through the electronics systems, the 12 volts battery will not cause any harm. However, if such instances occur when the electronics are powered directly by the Traction Pack—a huge reserve of electric power—the chances of electrocution will increase manifold.

What to Do If Your Tesla Runs Out of Battery

• Check the Range: Tesla display dashboards display the current range based on the remaining battery charge. If you are running low on the range, use the display to find the nearest charging station or other safe location where you can recharge. You can engage the Trip Planner feature for this purpose.
• Call for Assistance: If you are unable to find a charging station or other safe location, contact a roadside assistance service for help. The service providers may be able to provide a tow or other assistance to get you to a charging station. You need to be familiar with the towing feature provided in your Tesla car to make sure you use it properly and does not cause any damage.
• Portable Power Banks: Fortunately, several portable EV chargers are available on the market. They work in a similar way as the power banks for mobile devices do. Keep them charged and store them in the trunk. Connect it with your Tesla if it runs out of range in the idle of the road. It will provide you with ample miles to reach the nearest charging station.

How Long Can a Tesla Travel With a Full Charge?

Teslas are one of the leading electric vehicles when it comes to range. You will get an awesome number of miles if you opt for a Tesla. As per the general rule, the batteries in any Tesla model can last up to 267 miles at least. 

Does Any Electric Vehicle Come With Backup Batteries?

Luckily, some electric vehicles come with additional mechanisms to help generate extra charging for the battery when it is drained. A cool example is that of the Ford F-150 Lightning Pickup Truck. It contains a generator called the Intelligent Backup Power. It outputs electricity to various outlets; however, if it is connected to the car’s charger, it will start replenishing the battery.

Concluding Remarks: Does Tesla Have Backup Batteries?

Added backup batteries are not available on Tesla vehicles. If added, the feature will negatively impact the overall cost, performance, and handling. Electric cars are leading innovation and change when it comes to range enhancement. Instead of adding extra batteries, it is much wiser and more effective to boost the performance of the existing power sources. And the trends over the past decades suggest that electric vehicles are going in the same direction. As technology continues to evolve, the limitations of backup batteries will become a thing of the past.