What to do in an Electric Car Emergency

What happens if you face an emergency whilst driving your Electric Car? How to handle emergencies and stay safe.

Electric cars are a convenient and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, but it’s important to know what to do in case of an emergency. From a dead battery to a flat tyre, here’s a guide on how to handle common electric car emergencies and keep yourself and others safe.

Flat Batteries

So, what to do if your battery goes flat while you are on the road? In this situation, it’s important to know what steps you can take to get back rolling on the road as quickly as possible.

The first step in an electric car emergency is to identify the cause of the flat battery. If the battery is flat because of a more serious issue or defect, such as a faulty battery or charging system, you’ll need to get the car to a service centre.

If your EV is equipped with a charging port, the next step is to locate the nearest charging station. There are several websites and apps that can help you find a charging station near you, including Zapmap, PlugShare, ChargePoint, and the Tesla app for Tesla owners. Some EVs, such as the Tesla Model S and Model X, also have a range-extending feature that allows you to use the onboard charger to extend your range.

If you ran out of charge and couldn’t find the nearest charger, your car can drive on reserve power for about five miles, then for about 1/2 miles in turtle power mode at only 20mph, when you will only have the car’s basic features available.

As long as your car’s secondary 12-volt battery remains charged, safety features such as your hazard warning lights will still work.

Roadside Assistance

Different recovery companies offer different EV roadside assistance plans. The Nissan Leaf, for instance, comes with EV Roadside Assistance; other manufacturers may offer similar services. Additionally, AA and RAC offer breakdown coverage for out-of-charge incidents. You won’t be stranded anywhere, whatever you choose.

You will be able to charge up and be on your way once more, whether you’re taken to a charging station on a flatbed or you’re given a small amount of charge in order to drive there yourself.

It is generally not possible to tow electric cars. The wheels of electric cars are attached to the motor and so don’t have a neutral position to allow free wheeling so when the wheels of an EV turn, the motor also turns. Some models can still be towed if the traction motors are not on all the wheels.

Flat Tyre

Having a flat tyre in any vehicle can be a frustrating and potentially dangerous situation, but it can be especially problematic for electric vehicle (EV) owners. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs don’t have spare tyres and the process of changing a tyre can be more complex. However, by following a few basic steps and preparing in advance, you can handle a flat tyre in your EV with confidence.

The first step is to assess the situation. If you’re on the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights and safely move your vehicle off the road. If you’re able to drive the vehicle, carefully drive to a safe location to change the tyre. Before you start changing the tyre, make sure the vehicle is turned off and the parking brake is engaged.

Once you’re in a safe location, locate the tools and equipment you’ll need to change the tyre. This will vary depending on the make and model of your EV, but typically you’ll need a jack, a lug wrench, and a spare tyre if one is provided. If you’re not sure what you need or how to change the tyre, consult your owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Once you have the necessary equipment, start by loosening the lug nuts on the flat tyre. It’s important to do this before you use the jack to lift the vehicle, as it will make it easier to remove the tyre. After you’ve loosened the lug nuts, use the jack to lift the vehicle and remove the flat tyre. Replace it with the spare tyre and tighten the lug nuts as much as you can by hand.

Finally, lower the vehicle back to the ground and use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts as much as possible. Make sure the vehicle is secure before you start driving again. Keep in mind that the spare tyre is not meant for long-term use, so it’s important to have the flat tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

How to deal with an electric car emergency, such as a collision.

In case of an electric car collision, it’s important to follow the same steps as you would for a regular car. If necessary, call the police and any other emergency services. Make sure to exchange insurance information with anyone involved and take pictures of the scene. If the incident is minor, you may continue on your journey, but if not, wait for the authorities to arrive and handle the situation.

Make sure everyone involved is out of harm’s way and call emergency services if necessary. If possible, turn off the power to the vehicle to prevent any electrical hazards. If the vehicle has been damaged, do not touch the high-voltage components, as they can pose a risk of electrical shock.

An accident with an electric vehicle (EV), will be dealt with similarly to that of a combustion-engined car so take the following steps:

Ensure Safety: Check for any injuries and make sure that everyone involved is safe. If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance immediately.
Call the Police: If there is any damage to either vehicle or if anyone is injured, call the police. They will help to assess the situation and provide guidance on what to do next.
Exchange Information: Get the contact and insurance information from the other driver involved in the accident.
Document the Scene: Take photos of the damage to both vehicles and the surrounding area. Make note of the location, date, and time of the accident.
Contact your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company immediately after the accident. They will provide you with further instructions on what to do next.
Report the Accident to the EV Manufacturer: If the accident has caused damage to the EV’s battery or charging system, it is important to report the accident to the manufacturer. They will provide guidance on how to handle the situation, and if necessary, arrange for repairs to be made.

Emergency contact numbers for electric cars. Don’t panic, just be prepared.

Most electric car manufacturers provide roadside assistance services to their customers. You can call this number if you need help with a flat tyre, dead battery, or other road-related issues.

In the event of a collision or other serious accident, you should call emergency services immediately. The emergency services number in the UK is 999.

If you need help with a specific issue related to your electric car, you may want to call the manufacturer’s customer service number. This could include issues with charging, battery performance, or other technical problems. The AA has created a new dedicated service called Electric Vehicle Emergency Response (EVER), which provides support for electric vehicles in the event of a breakdown. If you’re an AA member, you can call this number for help.

Break Downs

If your electric car breaks down, the first step you should take is to safely pull over to the side of the road. If possible, park the vehicle in a well-lit area or close to an emergency phone.

Next, contact the roadside assistance or emergency contact number provided by your electric car’s manufacturer. This number should be listed in your vehicle’s manual or can be found on the manufacturer’s website. Provide the representative with your vehicle’s make, model, and location, as well as a detailed description of the issue.

If you are unable to reach a representative or the issue cannot be resolved over the phone, you can also consider calling a tow truck or using a mobile mechanic service to have your electric car towed to a repair shop for further evaluation.