How EV breakdowns differ
The big drive battery is rarely the fault. The most common EV call-outs are the 12-volt auxiliary battery (which runs the car's electronics and can strand an EV just like a petrol car), tyres, and running out of charge. Software faults and charging-port problems make up most of the rest.
Towing an electric car
Most EVs must not be towed with the driven wheels on the ground, because the motor generates current and can be damaged. That means a flatbed, not a tow bar or a dolly. All major providers now run flatbed-equipped operators, but in remote areas there may be a longer wait. Check that your policy does not restrict EV recovery or charge extra for a flatbed.
Running out of charge
Some policies treat running out of charge as the equivalent of running out of fuel — a chargeable or excluded event. Others will recover you to the nearest charge point as a standard call-out. The AA and RAC have both deployed vans with mobile charging units that can add a few miles of range at the roadside; availability depends on area. Read the wording for "lack of charge" before you buy.
Home start matters more
Because the 12-volt battery is the leading cause of an EV refusing to start, and it fails most often after sitting overnight, home start is a sensible add-on for EV owners even if they rarely travel far.
European trips in an EV
European cover applies to EVs in the same way as other cars, but charging-network coverage varies by country and the "lack of charge" exclusion may apply abroad too. Plan charging stops conservatively and confirm that repatriation of an EV is covered: some older wordings exclude vehicles that need specialist transport.
Which providers are best for EVs
The patrol operators, RAC and AA, have invested most visibly in EV training, mobile charging and flatbed capability. Contractor-based providers rely on their local operators having the right kit, which is fine in cities and patchier elsewhere. If you drive an EV in a rural area, that is the deciding factor.
Common questions
Can an electric car be jump-started?
The 12-volt battery can be jump-started in most EVs, and this is a routine roadside repair. The high-voltage drive battery cannot be jump-started; if it is flat, the car needs recovery to a charger or a mobile charging unit.
Does breakdown cover include running out of charge?
It varies. Some providers treat it as a standard recovery to the nearest charge point; others class it with running out of fuel and may charge. Check the policy wording for 'lack of charge' or 'depleted battery'.