What Happens When Hybrid Vehicles Run Out of Gas?

If you’ve ever run out of gas driving a conventional vehicle, you know what a hassle it is. It might have even been the reason why you purchased a hybrid vehicle. It’s commonly thought that hybrid vehicles can continue to operate even after their gas tank runs dry. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Keep reading to find out why.

Here’s What Happens When a Hybrid Vehicle Runs Out of Gas

Exactly what happens when a hybrid runs out of gas depends on the make and model. If you’re driving a Chevrolet Tahoe or Silverado, or if you have a Nissan Altima Hybrid, the engine will shut down when the gas tank runs dry. You can forget about the possibility of simply driving very slowly in an attempt to reach a gas station; the engine will completely shut off. These models are built this way because without gas, the large propulsion battery could sustain damage. Instead of forcing owners to get expensive repairs, the auto manufacturers decided to make the engine shut off without gas.

Here’s What Happens If You Drive a Prius Without Gas 

The Toyota Prius is one of the most popular models of hybrid cars. If you’re the owner of a Prius, you might be able to get away with driving a few miles after the gas tank runs dry. The same is true of the Lexus HS 250 hybrid. However, there’s a catch. If the main battery gets too drained, you won’t be able to restart the car after you add gas. You’ll need to get the car serviced. You should also be aware that driving the car without gas might void your warranty.

If your vehicle—hybrid or otherwise—runs out of gas anywhere in Arizona, you can count on the reliable drivers at Barnett’s Towing, LLC to come to your aid. Get in touch with us at (800) 722-2302 any time of the day or night. Our tow truck drivers can handle any size of vehicle—even commercial big rigs!