Do Electric Cars Come with a Spare Tyre? (And What to Carry Instead)

If you have switched from a petrol car to an EV and assumed the spare is in the boot, check again. The majority of new electric cars are sold without one. Here is why, what to do in a puncture situation, and what to carry instead.

Why do most EVs not have a spare tyre?

Three reasons: weight, space, and packaging. The spare wheel and jack on a typical petrol car weighs 15–20kg. On an EV, every kilogram reduces range and adds cost in battery capacity to compensate. The space under the boot floor — where a full-size or space-saver spare normally lives — is often occupied by the battery pack or an extension of the under-boot storage area. Many EV manufacturers decided that tyre repair kits, run-flat tyres, and roadside assistance cover were a better weight/cost trade-off than a spare.

How do I know if my EV has a spare?

Look in the boot: lift the floor panel and check if there is a space-saver wheel or a full spare. Also check the car handbook — it lists what is included and where it is stored. If your EV has run-flat tyres (common on BMW iX, Mercedes EQE and some IONIQ models), there is no spare because the run-flat tyre is designed to be driven on for up to 50 miles at 50mph after losing pressure.

What should I carry instead?

For most drivers: foam tyre sealant

Foam sealant (Tyreweld is the UK market leader) is injected through the valve stem and inflates the tyre while sealing the puncture from inside. It handles 80% of road punctures — nails, screws, small objects — quickly enough to get you to a tyre centre. It does not work on sidewall damage, blowouts, or large gashes.

Important: sealant damages TPMS sensors in some EVs. Check your handbook before using. Most modern kits have TPMS-safe formulations.

For more coverage: sealant + electric inflator kit

A combined kit gives you sealant and a 12V electric inflator in one case. Better than a can alone because it can re-inflate a slow-leak tyre on the road and be used for tyre pressure maintenance. The RING kit is well-reviewed and compact enough to live in the EV boot permanently.

For proper puncture repair: AirMan ResQ

The AirMan ResQ is a step up from foam sealant — it uses a proper plugging compound rather than foam, has a better success rate on larger punctures, and does not contaminate the TPMS sensor. It is the kit most recovery services use for on-the-spot repairs.

What about a proper spare tyre?

You can buy a space-saver spare wheel and jack for most EVs aftermarket. Search for your car's make and model — online EV forums often have guides for specific cars. A space-saver for a Tesla Model 3 or Hyundai IONIQ 5 typically fits under the boot floor. The cost is £150–£300 including the wheel, spare, jack, and brace. If you regularly drive on remote roads or take long trips away from motorway recovery infrastructure, it is worth considering.

Does breakdown cover compensate for no spare?

Yes — this is the practical solution most EV manufacturers point to. UK breakdown providers (AA, RAC, Green Flag) will either fix the puncture on the roadside or transport the car to a tyre centre. If you do not have European cover, add it before driving to France.