Warning over EVs as broken-down Tesla sparks NINE hours of traffic after it ran out of charge and couldn’t be moved
ELECTRIC car owners have been given an urgent warning as a broken-down Tesla sparked NINE hours of traffic after it ran out of charge and couldn’t be moved.
The electric car failed at the Lyndhurst Road junction on the A36 in Salisbury, Wiltshire, at 2pm and could not be shifted until 9.30pm.
Matt Grigg, landlord of the family-run pub Landford Poacher, said police and local workmen were unable to move the Tesla.
He claimed that the obstruction caused delays for other road users throughout the day.
Mr Grigg said: “A number of local workmen along with the policeman attempted to push the car to safety, however despite their best efforts they could not move it.
“The obstruction caused delays through-out the rest of the day.”
The EV was eventually put on charge at the pub and reportedly failed even though the gauge showed several miles left.
Mr Grigg said the A36 was not clear of recovery vehicles until 11.15pm on Wednesday.
It comes after drivers were put on alert that Chinese government-linked groups could control EVs (electric vehicles) remotely.
The concerns have been raised in a report by a Chinese surveillance expert who said EVs were especially vulnerable, with cars’ brakes and steering being potential targets.
Christopher Balding fears the threat will only soar as the EV market grows, encouraged by governments intent on hitting green targets.
Mr Balding, founder of non-profit think-tank Kite Data Labs, issued the warning in a report “Chinese Automobile Surveillance Capabilities”.
Can you push an electric car if it breaks down?
You can push an electric car, but you must make sure that you put it into neutral first.
In neutral the motor becomes isolated from the control system .
Pushing an electric car when not in neutral can damage the electric motor.
Not every electric vehicle has a neutral mode. In this instance, it would be best to wait for a tow truck or a repair man.