Can I jump-start a combustion engine with an electric car?

Yes, it is possible to jump-start a combustion vehicle with an electric car. However, this requires caution and a precise procedure to protect both the electric car and the combustion vehicle. You can find instructions in this video from our practical test, for example. We have also provided you with written instructions here.

1. Open the hoods of both vehicles

Make sure that both vehicles are switched off. Open the hood of both the electric car (the donor vehicle) and the combustion engine vehicle (the receiver).

2. Locate the batteries

Locate the 12-volt battery in the electric car and the battery in the combustion engine. If necessary, wear protective gloves to protect yourself from short circuits or sparks.

3. Preparation on the combustion engine vehicle

Here too, open the hood and expose the battery. Make sure that the connections are clean and accessible.

4. Make the cable connections

• Connect the red cable to the positive terminal of the donor vehicle (electric car).
• Connect the red cable to the positive terminal of the receiver vehicle (combustion engine).

5. Attach the black cable

• Connect the black cable to the negative terminal of the donor vehicle (electric car).
• Connect the black cable to a suitable earth point on the receiver vehicle. Look in the operating instructions of the combustion engine for a recommended grounding point. This could be an unpainted metal point in the engine compartment.

6. Starting the receiver vehicle

Start the combustion engine vehicle. When it starts, let it run for a few minutes to recharge the battery. Switch on some electrical consumers in the combustion engine (e.g. heating, lights) to absorb voltage peaks.

7. Let it run

Let the receiver vehicle run for about 5-10 minutes before removing the cables.

8. Removing the cables

Remove the cables in reverse order:

• Remove the black cable from the receiver vehicle.

• Remove the black cable from the donor vehicle.

• Remove the red cable from the receiver vehicle.

• Remove the red cable from the donor vehicle.

9. Covering the batteries

Make sure that all battery covers are securely replaced to avoid short circuits.

We have tested it for you once with our practical electric runabout ARI 902 and a VW Passat. You can find the result, including instructions, in this video!