Has your electric car broken down? Here's what you need to know.
Who do you call?
If you are on the motorway or in a dangerous situation, call 112.
Otherwise, call your insurer's towing service.
Services such as Touring or VAB can be reached 24/7, even if you are not a member.
Keep your insurance details to hand and always say that you drive an electric car.
Towing
An EV may only be towed with a special tow truck that lifts the car completely, so the wheels don't touch the ground. An ordinary tow truck can damage your battery and electronics.
An EV has no neutral gear: when the wheels turn, the motor turns with them, like a bicycle dynamo. Towing your EV on its wheels can seriously damage your battery.
Some models have a transport or tow mode for loading the car onto a flatbed. That does not mean your car may be towed on its wheels.
Emergency charging
Touring has a special 'booster' vehicle that charges just enough to reach a nearby charge point, about 1 km of range per minute of charging. This is handy if you are still 5 to 20 km from your destination.
Preventing breakdowns
Keep an eye on your battery level, charge regularly and plan your route with charging stops.
Emergency kit
Tools, a portable charger, a warning triangle and a high-visibility vest.
In winter, a blanket, as you may have to wait outside for help.
A list of charge points and towing services, and a navigation app such as Waze or Google Maps to find charge points.
Read the full article on our blog: SOS: has your electric car broken down? Solutions and tips
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