Can you jump-start a hybrid or electric vehicle?

A customer dropped off a hybrid vehicle that was reportedly working fine, but needed a jump start this morning. This raises a common question: Can you jump-start a hybrid or electric vehicle?

The answer depends on what you are trying to jump. In a hybrid vehicle, the engine is started by the high-voltage battery, which powers the motor generator. This is different from a traditional car with a separate starter motor and a conventional 12-volt battery.

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