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There are roadside assistance services for electric vehicles all over the country, and they’re getting more sophisticated as more drivers switch to EVs.
Many roadside services are the same whether you’re in a gas-powered car or an EV. Flat tires and accidents can happen to anyone. Likewise, if the 12-volt battery dies, the car will need a jump to start. Winching a car out of a ditch or unlocking a vehicle after the keys have been forgotten inside is going to be a similar process, regardless of what’s powering the engine. Any company offering roadside assistance should be able to help you out of these common situations.
Where EVs are Different
When you call your preferred roadside assistance service, you’ll want to let them know you’re driving an EV, since there are certain complications that only apply to electric powered vehicles. For example, most electric vehicles don’t have a true neutral position in their transmissions. Because of this, moving the wheels can cause the motor to turn as well, which can damage the engine. EVs generally require flatbed towing to prevent this type of damage.
Rather than requesting a tow, you can ask for charging trucks from many companies these days. AAA, one of the largest motor clubs in the U.S., is now offering mobile electric vehicle charging in 15 cities across the country. The mobile charging service comes at no additional cost to AAA members and AAA is hoping to expand to more cities as demand grows.
Roadside Assistance from Car Makers
Vehicle manufacturers also offer roadside assistance for their cars. Check the warranties and agreements for your vehicle and always consult your vehicle’s manual to learn what options and solutions might work best for you.
- Tesla provides roadside assistance for their drivers (but be warned - help with a dead battery will cost extra).
- Nissan offers out-of-charge service for their LEAF vehicles for up to 36 months.
- Some companies, like Chevrolet, partner with OnStar to help EV drivers keep track of their battery range and come to the rescue if plans go awry.
- Audi will dispatch a mobile charging vehicle to give their vehicles enough power to make it to a charging station within 10 miles. If there isn’t a charging station close enough, drivers can elect to have their vehicle towed to an Audi dealership or another location within 100 miles to recharge.
- BMW offers roadside assistance coverage for 4 years (6 years for certified pre-owned vehicles).
- Hyundai includes 5 years of roadside assistance with every new vehicle, including towing to the nearest Hyundai dealership or charging point.
- Rivian offers roadside assistance for repairs covered under their vehicle warranty, for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. They also offer assistance for non-warranty repairs, at the owner’s expense.
- Ford also offers roadside assistance for the first 5 years or 60,000 miles, and will tow your vehicle to the nearest charging station, Ford dealership, or your home (if your home is within 50 miles).
Fortunately, EV drivers aren’t likely to need roadside assistance due to a drained battery. Less than 4% of EV breakdowns are due to an empty battery. You’re much more likely to need help with a flat tire. With expanding access to portable fast chargers, range anxiety will soon be a thing of the past. Regardless of your problem, you should have no trouble getting roadside assistance for your EV.
