The Dreaded Zero Charge
Have you ever wondered what happens when your electric car runs out of juice on a road trip? Unlike petrol cars that can sputter and limp, an electric vehicle is at a standstill once the battery is depleted. The dashboard will bombard you with warnings as the charge drops, allowing you to find a nearby charging station.
Range Anxiety: How Far Can You Go?
“How far can I go on a full charge?” The range of electric cars varies widely depending on the make and model. Most modern EVs offer between 150 and 370 miles per charge. However, factors like driving habits, terrain, and weather conditions can affect the distance you can cover. Knowing your car’s range is crucial for planning trips and avoiding that dreaded zero-charge scenario.
Towing Trouble: Can You Tow an Electric Car?
One common concern is whether you can tow an electric car if it runs out of charge. The answer is yes but with caution. Towing an EV requires special care to avoid damaging its electric drivetrain. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for towing, and ideally, use a flatbed tow truck to ensure your car stays in pristine condition.
When the Battery Dies: What to Do
If your electric car’s battery dies, don’t panic. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay Calm and Safe: Turn on your hazard lights and pull over to a safe location if possible.
- Call for Assistance: Contact roadside assistance services that specialize in electric vehicles. Many EV manufacturers offer support services specifically for such situations. (see below our reviews of best EV road assistance)
- Find the Nearest Charging Station: Use your vehicle’s navigation system or a mobile app to locate the nearest charging station.
- Consider a Mobile Charger: Some services provide mobile charging units that give your car enough juice to reach the nearest charging point.
Running Low on Juice: What Takes Place?
As your battery depletes, notifications and warnings will alert you. Most electric cars have an energy management system that optimizes power usage and extends the remaining range. This system might reduce the performance of certain non-essential features, such as air conditioning or acceleration, to conserve battery life.
Low Battery Measures: Actions to Take
If you notice your battery running low, take these actions:
- Reduce Energy Consumption: Turn off non-essential electrical components like the stereo and air conditioning.
- Drive Efficiently: Reduce speed and avoid rapid acceleration to conserve battery power.
- Seek Immediate Charging: Plan your route to include a nearby charging station and avoid further depleting the battery.
Prevention is Key: How to Prevent Running Out of Battery
Prevention is always better than cure. Here’s how you can prevent running out of battery:
- Regular Charging: Make it a habit to charge your electric car regularly, especially if you commute long.
- Monitor Battery Levels: Monitor your battery levels and plan your trips accordingly.
- Use Charging Stations: Familiarize yourself with the charging stations along your route.
- Invest in Home Charging Solutions: A home charger ensures your vehicle is always ready for the next trip.
Best Overall EV Cover: RAC Breakdown Cover
- EV Boost: Provides a 10-mile boost to reach the nearest charge point.
- Rapid EV Recovery: RAC vans can lift all four wheels off the ground, eliminating the need to wait for a recovery truck.
- Products with EV cover: RAC Roadside, RAC Recovery, RAC At Home, and RAC Onward Travel.
- Quote: Get Quote
Most EV Patrols: AA Breakdown Cover
- EV-Trained Patrols: More electric-trained expert patrols than any other provider.
- Specialist Towing: Can tow EVs to the closest charging point.
- Products with EV cover: AA Roadside, AA At Home, AA National Recovery, and AA Onward Travel.
- Quote: Get Quote
Cheapest EV Cover: Cover My Breakdown
- Defaqto Rated 5 Stars: For National and Home products.
- No Hidden Fees: Affordable coverage without additional costs.
- Products with EV cover: Cover My Breakdown National & Home Cover.
- Quote: Get Quote
Important Information
These Editor’s Picks are based on independent reviews by our team. While they represent top choices, they do not encompass the entire market. Providers may pay commissions for referrals, which do not affect your price but help us maintain our service.
What is the breakdown coverage for electric cars?
Electric car breakdown cover offers roadside assistance and EV recovery services tailored to EVs’ unique needs. It includes features like charging point assistance and trained patrols to handle high-voltage systems safely.
Top Electric Car Breakdown Cover Providers 2024
- RAC EV Breakdown
- AA EV Breakdown
- Cover My Breakdown EV Breakdown
- GEM Motoring Assist EV Breakdown
- Start Rescue EV Breakdown
- LV EV Breakdown
- Rescue My Car EV Breakdown
- Green Flag EV Breakdown
- Tesla Road Side Assistance
These providers offer comprehensive services, including charging assistance and specialized recovery for EV drivers.
In-Depth Provider Reviews
RAC EV Breakdown
- Best Overall EV Cover
- Cost: From £7/month
- Features: EV Boost for a 10-mile charge, rapid recovery with four-wheel lift.
- Defaqto Rating: 5 stars
- Max CalloutCalloutsited (except RAC Roadside: 5 callout-callouts).
AA EV Breakdown
- Most Trained EV Operatives
- Cost: From £85
- Features: Comprehensive roadside assistance, High Voltage Awareness trained patrols, and a handy app for charging points.
- Defaqto Rating: 5 stars
- Max CalloutCalloutsited.
Cover My Breakdown EV Breakdown
- Best for Personal & Vehicle Policy Price
- Cost: From £18.86
- Features: No call-oucallout5-star Defaqto rating.
- Max CalloutCalloutsited.
GEM Motoring Assist EV Breakdown
- Best for GEM Club Membership
- Cost: From £91
- Features: Unlimited call-callouts range of EV coverage.
- Defaqto Rating: 5 stars.
Start Rescue EV Breakdown
- Best Range of Cover Options
- Cost: From £19.75
- Features: Unlimited call-oucalloutsent recovery, essential assist.
- Defaqto Rating: 5 and 4 stars.
LV EV Breakdown
- Cost: From £33
- Features: Mobile mechanics, partnership with AFF for roadside charging.
- Defaqto Rating: 5 stars
- Max CalloutCalloutsited.
Rescue My Car EV Breakdown
- Best for Quick Call-Outs
- CalloutsFrom £25
- Features: Rapid charge assistance, recovery vehicle with four-wheel lift.
- Defaqto Rating: 5 and 4 stars.
Green Flag EV Breakdown
- Best for Business Fleets
- Cost: From £39.20
- Features: National recovery, home assistance, extensive network.
- Defaqto Rating: 5, 4, and 3 stars.
Tesla Roadside Assistance
Tesla’s Roadside Assistance offers 24/7 support year-round, dedicated to providing immediate help. For emergencies in unsafe locations, contact emergency services first.
Requesting Assistance
Use the Tesla app to request help:
- Open the app and select ‘Roadside.’
- Choose your vehicle’s issue.
- Add any additional details.
- Select ‘Request help.’
Services Covered
- Breakdowns: Transportation up to 500 miles to the nearest Service Center.
- Flat Tyre: Assistance within 50 miles.
- Lockouts: Help within 50 miles to manually unlock your door.
- Out of Range: Assistance available but not financially covered.
