Have you ever been in the middle of the road and your electric vehicle suddenly stopped, with a warning showing Limp Home Mode? If yes, this article is for you.
In this article, we will discuss limp home mode in electric vehicles, what causes it, and how to get out of it.
What Is Limp Home Mode In Electric Vehicles?
Modern electric vehicles are designed to survive adverse conditions. Unlike older electric cars that do not even have overcharge protections, modern EVs use many technologies to protect the battery and the motors.
Limp Home Mode is one such safety mechanism designed to protect your electric vehicle when something goes wrong. This technology is available for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers.
Though this technology causes inconvenience to the driver and others on the road, it also causes panic, as there is a chance that someone might hit you from the back when your vehicle suddenly goes into limp home mode on the road.

When the limp home mode is activated, the motor loses power (sometimes the engine cuts off the power ), most essential operations are disabled, throttle responses are reduced, speed gets restricted, and you get enough energy to limp close to a safe location.
What Causes Limp Home Mode?
There could be hundreds of reasons why a vehicle goes into the limp home mode. It could be a battery issue, a throttle issue, a sensor issue, or any issue with the car that is outside the vehicle’s operating parameters.
However, the most common issue that causes the limp home mode is the lack of power to maintain the torque. For example, when trying to climb a slope in the economy mode, the vehicle may not have enough energy to climb. In that case, the car goes into the limp home mode.
The other common reason is the throttle issue. When the throttle response is improper, the battery management system gets confused and causes the limp home mode.
Other reasons, like battery and sensor issues, are rare but can cause occasional limp home mode.
Following are the key reasons why electric vehicle goes into limp home mode.
- Improper throttle input ( Sudden acceleration or deacceleration)
- Driving in the wrong mode, like driving on a slope in eco mode
- Sensor issue
- High battery temperature
- Dust on battery terminals
- Moisture on battery terminals
- Faulty braking system
- Electric failure
- Motor malfunction
Impact Of Limp Home Mode?
The primary purpose of the limp home mode is to protect the vehicle. However, in road conditions like those in India, it can be more dangerous for the driver.
Think of a scenario in which your vehicle suddenly goes into a limp home mode in the middle of the road, and you may be hit by the car at the back. Your vehicle may get poorly rammed and may cause serious injury to you.
Companies are aware of this issue and are constantly working to reduce the impact of limp homes. With new updates and technologies, companies ensure that your vehicle does not suddenly stop when it enters limp home mode.
Here is what may happen when your vehicle goes into limp-home mode.
- Reduced power or no power
- Reduced speed
- A sudden drop in performance
- Warning lights and message
- Increased battery consumption
- Key functions are disabled
- Braking may or may not work
What To Do When Vehicle Goes Into The Limp Home Mode
In most cases, if the issue is minor, a vehicle restart will help your vehicle go out of limp mode so that you can continue driving. But it may be just a temporary fix. You need to see a technician if the issue is occurring frequently.
Here is what you can do.
Diagnose The Issue
You must see a technician or connect an OBD sensor to know the error code. With that error code, you can visit a service center and find the details of the error. If the issue is significant, you may need to drop the vehicle for repair. Otherwise, a technician may fix the problem and give you the car immediately.
Inspect Throttle
In most cases, the throttle is the culprit. Do a thorough inspection of the throttle and replace it if it has gone bad. Sometimes, when you drive a two-wheeler in the rain, the throttle may give issues. Try to dry it as soon as possible.
Inspect Wiring And Connectors
Inspect for loose connections or rat bites that may cause the electric system to malfunction. Check for moisture on the connectors. If you see live wires dangling around, try to use sleeves.
Inspect Damage To Batteries And Battery Terminals
Although batteries are protected from minor impacts, you never know what might have gone wrong with them. So, if you see visible damage, replace it as soon as possible. Also, check battery terminals for dust or moisture.
Inspect Mechanical Parts
Mechanical parts like brakes, suspension, and similar parts may also trigger limp home mode. Even a low brake fluid level can cause this issue. Check for all those things periodically so that you don’t face limp home mode.
Consequences Of Limp Home Mode If Not Addressed
Limp Home Mode is just a warning that something is wrong with the vehicle. But if it occurs frequently, it is a matter of concern, and you need to fix it immediately.
If not, your vehicle’s key component may get damaged permanently, cause a severe threat to your life, and other serious consequences.
Your insurance may not honor your claims if your vehicle gets damaged since you do not take any action after repeated limp home mode warnings. So, it’s better to get things fixed than wait for the disaster.
Final Words: Limp Home Mode In Electric Vehicles
Limp Home Mode is a safety mechanism to protect your vehicle, but it is also a warning to fix any issues that your vehicle might be facing.
It also creates a safety hazard for you and others on the road. If not addressed on time, it may cause permanent damage to your vehicle and could be life-threatening at times.