What to Do if Your EV Breaks Down

EV breakdown quick reference

First: get to safety

Whatever the fault, your first job is to make yourself and the car safe. If the car is still moving, ease off the road to a hard shoulder, layby or side street, away from live traffic. Switch on the hazard lights. Where it's safe, get out on the side away from traffic and stand behind a barrier. Put on a hi-vis vest and set a warning triangle at a safe distance (legal in many countries). Only attempt anything else once you're clear of danger.

Then: work out what's wrong

EV breakdowns are usually one of a small number of things, and most are not the high-voltage battery:

1. The car won't power up or 'wake'. The most common EV breakdown — a flat 12-volt auxiliary battery. It powers the computers and charging logic; if it dies, the car won't start even with traction charge remaining.
2. A flat or damaged tyre. Common, and awkward because most EVs carry no spare wheel — you'll need the onboard inflator/repair kit or recovery.
3. Out of charge. Less common than feared if you plan around real range, but it does happen.
4. A warning light with reduced power. A powertrain, battery or thermal fault — pull over and don't drive on.
5. Collision damage. Handled differently because of high-voltage safety.

The 12V battery: try a jump (safely)

If the car is dead, the 12V battery is the prime suspect — and you can often fix it. An EV's 12V battery can be jump-started exactly like a petrol car's, using jump leads or a 12V jump pack. The one critical rule: unplug the car from any charger first. Jump-starting while plugged in risks a damaging short. Once jumped, the car should wake; if it keeps happening, have the 12V battery and DC-DC converter checked.

Call the right recovery

Use an EV-aware roadside provider or the manufacturer's hotline, and give them the details that get the correct help dispatched:

1. Say it's an electric vehicle and the model.
2. Describe the fault (won't power up / flat tyre / out of charge / warning light).
3. Give your charge level and whether the car can roll and steer.
4. Mention any collision damage or exposed orange cabling.
5. Request flatbed recovery — most EVs can't be towed on their driven wheels without risking drivetrain damage.

Why flatbed matters

Most EVs lack a true neutral that disconnects the motor, so towing on the driven wheels spins the motor and can cause heat and damage. A flatbed (or proper axle lift by someone who knows the car) is the safe method. A conventional hook-and-chain tow on the driven wheels can be an expensive mistake — always confirm the operator handles EVs and will use a flatbed.

After a collision: high-voltage rules

1. Get everyone clear of the car and traffic; call emergency services if anyone is hurt.
2. Never touch exposed, damaged or wet orange cabling — it can hold a dangerous charge even with the car off.
3. Don't try to move or inspect the battery yourself.
4. Tell emergency services and recovery it's an EV so they apply the right procedure.
5. Insist on EV-trained recovery rather than a standard tow.

Out of charge

If you've simply run flat, you can't jump the traction pack. Most EV-aware services can bring a mobile charger to give you enough range to reach the nearest charger, or flatbed you there. To avoid it altogether, plan trips around your car's real-world range (not the optimistic figure), build in a buffer, and identify charging stops in advance — especially in cold weather, when range drops.

Should you stay with the car?

On a fast road or motorway hard shoulder, get out and stand behind the barrier rather than sitting in the car, as stationary vehicles can be hit. On a quiet street it's usually fine to wait nearby. Follow local guidance and the recovery operator's instructions, and keep yourself visible and clear of traffic until help arrives.

Be ready before it happens

A little preparation turns a breakdown into a minor inconvenience: carry a 12V jump pack, a tyre inflator/repair kit, a warning triangle and hi-vis vest, your charge cables, and your roadside number. Know whether your cover includes flatbed recovery, mobile charging and home-start. See our EV Roadside Assistance Checklist for the full kit.