If you drive an EV, you already know that running out of charge feels different than running out of gas. That’s why understanding electric car roadside assistance is just as important as knowing where the next fast charger is. The good news: modern roadside programs are catching up to EV needs, but the details matter, and small differences in coverage can mean the difference between a quick save and an expensive headache.
EV roadside assistance is not just “gas car rules, copy‑pasted”
Most major providers now support EVs, but policies around out‑of‑charge events, flatbed towing, and battery issues are still evolving. Treat roadside coverage as part of your EV purchase decision, not an afterthought.
Why electric car roadside assistance is different
On the surface, roadside assistance for electric vehicles looks a lot like what you’re used to with gas cars: towing, flat tire help, lockout service, maybe a jump start. Under the hood, though, an EV has a high‑voltage battery pack, a separate 12‑volt system, and a drivetrain that often can’t be towed the old‑fashioned way without risking damage. Add the reality that public charging is still uneven in parts of the U.S., and you can see why EV‑specific roadside policies are critical.
EV breakdown context in the U.S.
Don’t assume “charging is everywhere now”
Charging growth has been strong, but infrastructure is still concentrated near big cities and along major interstates. If you drive rural routes or long distances, your roadside plan is your back‑up charging network.
What electric car roadside assistance typically covers
Core roadside assistance services for EVs
Most major automakers, roadside clubs, and insurers offer some version of these services, evolving quickly for electric cars.
Towing
Towing is the backbone of electric car roadside assistance. For EVs, the expectation is a flatbed or proper wheel‑lift tow that protects the battery and driveline. Many OEM programs tow to the nearest dealer or charging station within a set mileage (often 35–50 miles).
12‑V jump starts
EVs still have a conventional 12‑volt battery that powers computers, locks, and contactors. If it dies, your car may appear “dead” even if the high‑voltage pack is fine. Roadside crews can jump this battery just like on a gas car.
Out‑of‑charge help
This is where policies differ. Some plans include towing if you run the high‑voltage battery to 0%. Others treat it as driver error and may charge extra. A growing number of services can bring mobile EV charging to you as an alternative to towing.
Common extras (and how they apply to EVs)
These look familiar from gas vehicles, but there are EV twists.
Flat tires & wheel damage
EVs are heavier than comparable gas cars, so tire damage is common. Roadside providers will usually change to your spare or tow you if the tire isn’t repairable.
Lockout service
Accidentally lock your fob in the car? Most modern EVs allow remote unlock via the manufacturer app plus traditional lockout tools if needed.
Fuel delivery (for PHEVs)
If you own a plug‑in hybrid (PHEV), many roadside plans still offer a few gallons of fuel delivery. For pure EVs there’s no fuel; you’ll get a tow or, in some markets, a temporary charge.
Example: how automakers are adapting
Ford’s current EV roadside program, for example, will tow an all‑electric Ford up to around 50 miles to a charging station, your home, or an EV‑certified dealer for the first several years of ownership. Other brands offer similar distance‑limited EV towing from day one of the warranty.
Out of charge: what really happens
Running out of charge isn’t the disaster it once was, but it’s still disruptive. In 2025, you’ll generally see three options if your EV battery hits zero and you’re safely off the roadway: a tow, a mobile charge, or, on some premium programs, both, depending on where you are.
1. Traditional tow to a charger
Most automaker plans and many insurance‑based roadside programs will treat a depleted battery like an empty fuel tank: they send a truck and tow you to either:
- The nearest public charging station
- Your home (if within the included distance)
- A brand‑certified EV dealer
Ford, for instance, advertises towing an all‑electric vehicle up to 50 miles to one of these three destinations during the initial coverage period.
2. Mobile EV charging on the roadside
Several providers now run trucks equipped with DC fast chargers or large battery packs. They can give you roughly 25–60 miles of range in 15–30 minutes, just enough to reach a proper charging station.
AAA has piloted this kind of service in select U.S. metros, and dedicated companies now offer mobile EV charging in all 50 states, usually for a flat fee plus distance. It’s essentially a “jump start” for your main battery.
Pro tip: plan for human safety first, charging second
If you run out of charge, focus on getting the car safely off the road and yourself out of harm’s way. Whether you end up with a tow or a mobile charge is secondary to being visible, safe, and well clear of traffic.
Towing an electric car the right way
The wrong tow can do more damage to an electric car than the original problem. Because most EVs use fixed gear reductions and have motors directly connected to the drive wheels, dragging them with the wheels on the ground can over‑spin components and overheat the motor or inverter. That’s why your roadside plan should call out flatbed or EV‑safe towing explicitly.
Safe towing checklist for EV owners
1. Ask for a flatbed or EV‑approved tow
When you call roadside assistance, clearly state that you’re driving an electric vehicle and request a flatbed. Many dispatch systems can flag the EV so the correct truck and procedures are used.
2. Check the owner’s manual before the hook‑up
Most manuals have a towing section with diagrams. Some EVs allow short‑distance tow with the drive wheels lifted; others insist on flatbed only. Having that page bookmarked in your phone or glovebox is cheap insurance.
3. Avoid dragging the car in “Park”
If the 12‑volt battery is dead, the car might default to Park and lock the parking pawl. Explain this to the operator, they may need to power the 12‑volt system or use a manual release to avoid mechanical damage.
4. Turn the car completely off
Before loading, ensure the vehicle is powered down and any tow mode is activated. This can prevent unwanted creep or regenerative braking while the car is being winched onto a flatbed.
Never let someone tow your EV with drive wheels on the road in Neutral (unless OEM allows it)
A short, low‑speed pull might be okay on some models, but a long “rope tow” with the drive wheels rolling can cook motors and power electronics. If a tow operator insists it’s fine, politely push for a flatbed and reference your owner’s manual.
Mobile EV charging vs. towing: which makes sense?
In the early days of EVs, the only realistic answer to a dead battery was a tow. Today, the choice between mobile EV charging and traditional towing is increasingly situational. For some drivers, a quick 20‑minute charge at the roadside is cheaper and faster than a long tow; for others, especially in remote areas, a conventional tow to DC fast charging still makes more sense.
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Mobile EV charging vs. traditional towing
How the two main options stack up when your battery is empty.
| Factor | Mobile EV charging truck | Traditional tow |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | Flat fee (often $150–$200 plus distance) | Tow fee plus mileage, can climb quickly on long hauls |
| Time to get moving | 15–30 minutes of on‑site charging | Hook‑up plus tow time to a station or dealer |
| Range provided | Roughly 25–60 miles of extra range | Full charge once you reach a charger, but you wait longer |
| Best use case | Urban and suburban areas with dense charging nearby | Rural stretches, complex issues, or when a shop visit is needed |
| Impact on car | No additional wear beyond normal fast charging | Safe if flatbed; risky if towed incorrectly |
Use this as a rule‑of‑thumb guide; exact pricing and availability vary by provider and region.
Think in terms of “time to back on the road”
Before you default to towing, ask the dispatcher which option will have you moving sooner, not just which one is technically available. In dense metro areas, a mobile charge plus a short drive to DC fast charging often beats a full tow by an hour or more.
How to choose EV‑friendly roadside coverage
You may already have roadside assistance from several sources at once, your automaker, your insurance company, a credit card, or a membership club like AAA. With an EV in the driveway, it pays to read the fine print and favor coverage that explicitly acknowledges electric vehicles rather than treating them like quirky gas cars.
Where EV roadside assistance can come from
You might have overlapping coverage, understanding the strengths of each helps you decide which to rely on first.
Automaker programs
Most new EVs include roadside assistance for a set term (often 3–5 years) and mileage. The upside: EV‑specific training and policies, like guaranteed flatbed towing to brand dealers and clear support for battery‑related issues.
Insurance & credit cards
Many insurers and premium credit cards sell or bundle roadside plans. They’re convenient, but some still treat running out of charge as a billable event. Verify EV towing rules and out‑of‑charge coverage before you rely on them.
Motor clubs & specialists
Groups like AAA and newer EV‑focused providers are expanding into mobile charging, app‑based tracking, and nationwide coverage. Look for providers that mention EVs, battery support, and mobile charging specifically.
Questions to ask before you count on a roadside plan for your EV
1. Is out‑of‑charge towing included or extra?
Some plans tow you free if you run out of energy; others treat it as preventable and bill additional fees. See whether “towing to nearest charger” is clearly included and if there’s a mileage cap.
2. Do they guarantee flatbed or EV‑safe towing?
You’re looking for language that mentions flatbed, wheel‑lift, or EV‑specific procedures. If the plan is silent, call and ask how they handle electric vehicles.
3. Is there EV‑specific training or certification?
Ask whether dispatchers and drivers are trained on high‑voltage systems and brand‑specific tow modes. That’s especially important for newer platforms that require a specific procedure before winching.
4. What’s the coverage area and response time?
If you routinely road‑trip across states, confirm whether your preferred provider can support you everywhere you drive, not just in big metros.
How Recharged fits into the picture
When you buy a used EV through Recharged, every car comes with a detailed Recharged Score, including verified battery health. That doesn’t replace roadside coverage, but it does reduce your chances of unexpected battery‑related surprises on the highway. Our EV specialists can also help you understand what roadside benefits still carry over from the original automaker warranty.
Road-trip checklist: preparing for an EV breakdown
No one plans to break down. But you can plan for how well it goes if it happens. Think of roadside assistance as a safety net, then layer in a few simple habits to reduce your odds of needing it in the first place.
Simple EV prep steps before a long drive
1. Verify your roadside coverage details
Before you leave, open your provider or automaker app and confirm your membership number, coverage term, and how to request service. Screenshot or print the key details.
2. Map charging, not just the destination
Use tools like PlugShare, your vehicle’s navigation, or charging‑network apps to pre‑plan fast‑charging stops. Aim to arrive with 10–20% buffer, not 1–2% remaining.
3. Pack a portable charging solution if it makes sense
A Level 1 or portable Level 2 EVSE won’t save you on the shoulder of an interstate, but it can be a lifesaver at hotels or friends’ houses that lack dedicated charging.
4. Check tires and load
EV range suffers with underinflated tires and heavy cargo. A quick pressure check reduces the odds of both a flat and an unexpected range hit.
5. Save key numbers in your phone
Store your roadside hotline, your automaker’s emergency number, and any mobile charging providers you might use in a pinch.
Used EV buyers: roadside questions to ask
If you’re shopping for a used EV, roadside assistance isn’t just a line item, it’s part of how you manage risk on an older high‑voltage battery and electronics. You’re juggling three things at once: remaining OEM coverage, any extended protection, and your own third‑party roadside plan.
What to check on a used EV
- Remaining OEM roadside coverage: Many automakers provide several years of EV roadside help from the original in‑service date. Ask the seller, and verify with the brand, how much time and mileage are left.
- Battery warranty status: High‑voltage battery warranties often run 8 years or more. While they don’t cover running out of charge, they do affect how likely you are to see a true battery failure on the road.
- Documented towing history: If the vehicle’s been towed, ask how and why. A history of being pulled incorrectly isn’t a deal‑breaker, but it deserves closer inspection.
How Recharged approaches this
Every EV sold through Recharged includes a Recharged Score Report with verified battery health, fair‑market pricing, and transparent history. That helps you separate normal degradation from red flags that could lead to roadside trouble later.
Our EV‑specialist team can also walk you through:
- Which OEM roadside benefits still apply
- Whether an extended protection plan makes sense for your use case
- How to pair your EV with the right roadside program for your driving pattern
Electric car roadside assistance FAQ
Frequently asked questions about electric car roadside assistance
Key takeaways for EV roadside peace of mind
Electric car roadside assistance has quietly grown up over the last few years. In 2025, you’re no longer an early adopter stranded at the side of the road with no options, you’re a driver with a different set of variables to manage: flatbed towing, out‑of‑charge policies, mobile charging, and battery warranties. Treat your EV roadside coverage as part of the ownership equation, right alongside home charging and public‑charging access.
If you’re considering a used EV, make sure you understand what safety net you’re inheriting and what you need to add. That’s exactly where Recharged can help, by pairing transparent battery health data with expert guidance on warranties, roadside options, and day‑to‑day ownership. Do that homework up front, and the next time you see a tow truck or mobile charger on the shoulder, the odds are much better that it will be helping someone else, not you.
