What to Do in an EV Breakdown

Breaking down in an electric car is a different experience from breaking down in a petrol vehicle, but the core rule is the same: get yourself to safety first. Many EVs cannot be flat-towed without damaging the drivetrain, so standard recovery trucks may not be suitable. You'll almost certainly need a flatbed or a recovery service that explicitly handles EVs. Before that moment arrives, it pays to know what steps to take. Our EV guides cover the full picture of EV ownership, including what to do before, during, and after a breakdown.

What should you do the moment your EV breaks down?

Get off the road and into a safe position as quickly as you can. Switch your hazard lights on immediately. If you are on a motorway or dual carriageway, aim for a slip road, hard shoulder, or emergency refuge area. Once stationary and safe, put on a high-visibility jacket if you have one, stay behind the barrier where possible, and call your breakdown provider. The same common sense that applies to any road breakdown applies here: do not stand behind or in front of the car in a live lane.

Can an EV be towed or tow-started?

Most EVs cannot be flat-towed (all four wheels on the road) without causing serious damage to the electric drivetrain, because the motor is mechanically linked to the driven wheels. Tow-starting, which works on some older petrol and diesel cars, is not possible with an EV at all. This means a standard recovery van with a hook and tow-bar is not appropriate for most EVs. You need a flatbed truck or a recovery operator trained in EV handling. Always confirm this when you call your breakdown provider, and check your vehicle handbook for the specific towing guidance for your model.

What happens if you simply run out of charge?

If you run low on charge, pull over somewhere safe before the battery hits zero: EVs give increasingly urgent warnings as charge drops, and the car will typically slow to a crawl or stop driving well before it completely cuts out. Once stopped, call your breakdown provider. Not all recovery vehicles carry mobile charging units, so the most common outcome is a flatbed to the nearest rapid charger. A portable EV charger won't help you roadside unless you can reach a household socket, but it's still worth keeping one in the car for situations where a nearby property can offer a plug.

What if the car won't start or won't enter ready mode?

If your EV appears completely unresponsive, the culprit is often the 12V auxiliary battery rather than the main drive battery. All EVs carry a separate 12V battery to power the electronics, locks, display, and safety systems. If this smaller battery goes flat, the car may behave as if it is entirely dead, even with a full main battery. Check your owner's manual for the jump-start procedure for the 12V system: most models allow a conventional 12V jump from another vehicle or a jump-start pack. If a soft reset and a 12V jump don't resolve the issue, call your breakdown provider for professional diagnosis.

Does your breakdown cover actually cover an EV?

Not all breakdown policies treat EVs the same as petrol cars. Some older or cheaper policies may not include flatbed recovery, which is often essential for an EV, or may not have agreements with EV-trained recovery agents. Before you need it, check your policy explicitly for EV coverage and flatbed recovery as standard. Several major UK breakdown providers have updated their policies to handle EVs properly, and some now offer specific EV add-ons. If you are unsure, call your provider and ask directly. Switching policies before you break down is far easier than arguing roadside.

What should you keep in the car for a breakdown?

A small kit makes a real difference in an EV breakdown. Consider keeping the following:

• A high-visibility jacket, reachable from the driver's seat without leaving the car
• A warning triangle (required in some European countries; useful in the UK too)
• Your breakdown provider's number saved in your phone, not just in the car's system
• A portable EV charger or granny charger, in case you can reach a domestic socket
• A portable 12V jump-start pack, which can revive a flat auxiliary battery
• A torch and a first-aid kit

None of these items are EV-specific apart from the charger and the jump pack, but the charger and jump pack address the two most common EV-specific scenarios.

Frequently asked questions

Can I push my EV if it breaks down?

Pushing an EV short distances is generally possible, but most manufacturers advise against it because the motor's regenerative system creates resistance. On a flat surface for a very short distance it may be manageable, but never push an EV onto a road or into traffic. Call for recovery rather than risking injury or drivetrain damage.

Will my EV break down more often than a petrol car?

EVs have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, which generally means fewer mechanical failures over time. The components most likely to cause a breakdown are tyres, the 12V auxiliary battery, and software faults, rather than engine or exhaust failures. Running out of charge is the most distinctly EV-specific cause of a roadside stop.

What if my EV breaks down in a tunnel or underground car park?

Stay calm, switch hazards on, and call for help. In an enclosed space, ventilation concerns around a damaged high-voltage battery are more significant, so follow any instructions from tunnel operators or emergency services. Do not attempt to inspect high-voltage components yourself. Alert other road users if it is safe to do so.

Is it safe to stay in an EV during a breakdown?

On a motorway or fast road, official guidance is to exit the car quickly and get behind a barrier. On a quieter road, staying in the car with seatbelt on and hazards running may be safer than standing outside. Use your judgement based on traffic speed and the space available. Follow any instructions from emergency services.

Do I need to tell my insurer about a breakdown?

You do not usually need to notify your insurer about a breakdown unless there has been an accident or damage involved. If the car was in a collision, or if the recovery process caused damage, contact your insurer as soon as possible. Keep a note of any recovery details and receipts in case you need to claim.

Will breakdown recovery damage my EV's battery?

A properly handled flatbed recovery should not damage the main battery. The risk comes from improper towing, where rotating wheels can back-drive the motor and potentially cause harm. This is why flatbed is the recommended method. If you are concerned about the battery's condition after a breakdown, ask a dealer or approved technician to run a diagnostic check before driving long distances.

Being prepared is the best way to handle an EV breakdown with minimal stress. Make sure your breakdown policy explicitly covers EVs and includes flatbed recovery, keep a portable EV charger in the boot for opportunities to top up, and bookmark our EV guides for more practical advice on ownership, charging, and keeping your car on the road.