Roadside information for electric vehicles works differently than it does for gas cars, mainly because of the battery and high-voltage systems that most tow operators aren't trained to handle safely

When your EV breaks down on the road, you cannot straightforward call any tow truck. Standard tow operators risk electrocution or fire if they handle the vehicle incorrectly—they may not know how to safely disconnect the battery, move the car without activating the motor, or avoid the high-voltage cables running through the frame. Many roadside information programs now offer EV-specific coverage, but the coverage varies widely. Some cover only battery-related failures; others cover mechanical breakdowns but require you to call a network-approved tow service that knows how to handle electric powertrains. A few still treat EVs like any other car, which can put both you and the operator at risk.

The real difference shows up when your battery dies. With a gas car, roadside information can tow you to a station and you're back on the road in minutes. With an EV, a dead battery usually means a long tow to a dealer or a charging station—sometimes 50 miles or more—because a standard roadside charge takes hours and may not fully restore range. Some programs now offer mobile charging units that can add 20 to 40 miles of range at the roadside, but these are still uncommon outside major cities.

Key Takeaways

  • Most standard roadside information programs do not train their operators to safely handle electric vehicle batteries and high-voltage systems, so you need to confirm EV coverage before you need it.
  • EV-specific roadside programs often cover towing to a charging station or dealer, mobile charging at the roadside, and battery-related failures, but coverage limits and network size vary by provider.
  • Many EV manufacturers include roadside information as part of the warranty or purchase agreement, so check your paperwork before paying for a separate plan.
  • If your battery dies far from a charger, a standard tow truck can move your car, but you should call ahead to confirm the operator knows how to handle EVs safely.

What EV manufacturers include in their roadside programs

Most EV makers bundle roadside information into the warranty or purchase agreement. Tesla includes roadside information for eight years or 120,000 miles (whichever comes first) with every new vehicle; the service covers lockouts, flat tires, jump-starts, and towing to the nearest Tesla service center. Chevrolet includes OnStar for six years with every Bolt EV and Bolt EUV, which offers roadside help, emergency services, and remote diagnostics. Ford includes roadside information with every Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning for three years or 36,000 miles. BMW, Audi, and Mercedes include their own programs as well, though the length and scope vary by model year and region.

The catch is that manufacturer programs often tow only to their own service centers, not to independent shops or charging stations. If you break down 100 miles from the nearest Tesla Supercharger but 10 miles from a third-party charger, Tesla's program will tow you to the Supercharger. If you prefer an independent mechanic, you may have to pay out of pocket or use a separate roadside plan. Check your purchase agreement or warranty booklet to see exactly what your manufacturer covers and where they will tow you.

Third-party roadside information programs that cover EVs

If your manufacturer's program does not cover what you need, or if you own an older EV without built-in information, third-party providers offer EV-specific plans. AAA now offers EV-specific roadside coverage through its Plus and Premier memberships; the service includes towing to a charging station, a dealer, or a repair shop of your choice, plus mobile charging in some markets. Better World Club, which focuses on environmentally conscious members, offers roadside information specifically designed for EVs and includes towing, lockout service, and fuel delivery (for hybrid models). Roadside information USA and several regional providers also advertise EV coverage, though the scope and network size vary.

The cost of third-party plans ranges from about $50 to $150 per year, depending on the provider and the level of coverage. Some plans charge per incident instead of an annual fee. Before you sign up, ask the provider three things: whether their tow operators are trained to handle high-voltage systems, whether they can tow to any shop or only network-approved locations, and whether they offer mobile charging or only traditional towing. A plan that sounds cheap may not help you if the nearest tow truck in your area is not trained to move your EV safely.

What happens when your battery dies far from a charger

If your battery runs out of charge and you are stranded miles from a charging station, a standard tow truck can still move your vehicle—but you need to call ahead and confirm the operator knows how to handle an EV. The operator should not attempt to jump-start the car, push it, or tow it by the front axle (which can damage the motor). The safest method is a flatbed tow, which lifts all four wheels off the ground and carries the car without engaging the drivetrain. This takes longer and costs more than a standard tow, but it eliminates the risk of accidentally activating the motor or damaging the battery.

Once the car is at a charging station or service center, the battery can be charged. A Level 2 charger (the kind found at many public stations and homes) will restore a full charge in 4 to 10 hours, depending on the vehicle. A DC fast charger can add 200 miles of range in 20 to 30 minutes, though charging speed slows as the battery fills. If you are towed to a dealer, they can often charge the vehicle while you wait, though you may be charged a fee. Plan for the tow to take 1 to 2 hours, plus charging time, so you should have a way to get home or to your destination while the car charges.

How to prepare your EV for roadside emergencies

Before you need help, take three steps. First, review your manufacturer's roadside program and write down the phone number and coverage limits. Second, if you want additional coverage or coverage that goes beyond what the manufacturer offers, research third-party programs and confirm they have trained operators in your area. Third, read the charging network apps for the chargers you use most (Tesla, Electrify America, EVgo, Chargepoint, and others), so you know where the nearest charger is if your battery runs low.

Keep a printed copy of your roadside information details in the car, along with your vehicle identification number (VIN) and a list of nearby charging stations. If you break down, you can hand this information to a tow operator or police officer, which speeds up the process. Many EV owners also keep a portable Level 2 charger in the trunk, which can add 2 to 3 miles of range per hour if you are stranded near a standard outlet—not enough to get you far, but enough to reach a public charger in some cases.

The difference between towing an EV and charging it on the road

Roadside information for an EV can mean two different things: towing the car to a charger or service center, or charging it where it sits. Towing is the standard option and works like any other vehicle—a truck picks up your car and carries it to a destination. Charging on the road is newer and less common; it involves a mobile charging unit (usually a van or truck equipped with a DC fast charger) that pulls up to your location and adds 20 to 40 miles of range in 15 to 30 minutes. Mobile charging is faster than towing and gets you back on the road sooner, but it is only available in some cities and through certain providers.

If you are choosing between roadside programs, ask whether they offer mobile charging in your area. If they do, it may be worth paying a bit more for the plan, because it can save you hours compared to a traditional tow. If mobile charging is not available where you live or travel, a standard tow to a fast charger is the next best option. Avoid programs that only tow to Level 2 chargers, because a full charge can take 8 to 10 hours and leave you stranded overnight.

What to do if a standard tow operator shows up unprepared

If you call for roadside information and a tow operator arrives who does not know how to handle an EV, do not let them tow the car. Politely explain that the vehicle has a high-voltage battery system and ask whether they have been trained to tow electric vehicles. If they have not, ask them to contact their dispatcher and request an EV-trained operator, or ask for a different company. This may add 30 minutes to an hour to your wait time, but it protects your car and the operator's safety.

If you are on a highway and a state trooper or police officer arrives first, tell them the same thing: your car needs an EV-trained tow operator. Most states now have a list of certified EV tow services, and police can call dispatch to find one. If you are in a rural area and no EV-trained operator is available, ask the dispatcher whether a flatbed tow is possible, because that is the safest method for any tow operator to use. Document the situation (take photos, note the time and location, and save the dispatcher's name if possible) in case you need to file a claim with your roadside information provider later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my EV warranty include roadside information?

Most new EVs come with roadside information as part of the warranty or purchase agreement, but the coverage length and scope vary by manufacturer. Check your warranty booklet or contact your dealer to confirm what is included and how long it lasts. If you bought a used EV, the original warranty may have expired, so you may need to purchase a separate plan.

Can a regular tow truck tow my electric car?

Yes, but only if the operator is trained to handle high-voltage systems and uses a flatbed tow (not a hook-and-chain tow). A standard tow operator who is not trained risks damaging the battery or motor, or putting themselves at risk of electrocution. Always confirm the operator knows how to tow EVs before you let them touch your car.

What if I run out of battery in the middle of nowhere?

Call your roadside information provider and request a flatbed tow to the nearest charging station or service center. If mobile charging is available in your area, ask whether they can send a mobile charger instead, which may be faster. Expect the tow to take 1 to 2 hours, plus charging time once you arrive at the destination.

Is mobile charging faster than being towed to a charger?

Mobile charging can add 20 to 40 miles of range in 15 to 30 minutes, which may be enough to reach a public charger without a tow. A traditional tow to a DC fast charger takes longer overall (including wait time for the tow truck), but gets you to a full-service charging location. Mobile charging is faster if it is available in your area; otherwise, a tow is your best option.

What should I keep in my EV in case of a breakdown?

Keep a printed copy of your roadside information phone number and coverage details, your vehicle identification number (VIN), and a list of nearby charging stations. read the apps for the charging networks you use most, so you can find the nearest charger if your battery runs low. Some EV owners also carry a portable Level 2 charger, which can add a few miles of range if you are near a standard outlet.