Electric vehicle breakdowns are fundamentally different from petrol or diesel breakdowns. You cannot top up with fuel from a jerry can. You cannot always push-start the vehicle. And critically, most EVs must be recovered on a flatbed — not towed — to avoid serious damage to the drivetrain. This guide covers what to do when your EV stops, whether from battery depletion, a fault, or an accident.
Most electric vehicles cannot be towed with two wheels on the ground (known as a dolly tow or wheel-lift tow). This is because the electric motor is connected to the wheels — towing the vehicle causes the motor to spin and can generate electricity, potentially damaging the battery management system, the motor, or both. Always confirm that your recovery operator will use a flatbed truck. If in doubt, ask explicitly before they arrive.
If your EV's battery depletes completely, the vehicle will stop. Unlike a petrol car that can be push-started or given a jump, an EV with a fully depleted battery cannot be driven until it has been charged. If you are on a motorway or A-road, move to the hard shoulder or ERA before the battery dies completely — most EVs give you several warnings before the battery is fully depleted. Once stopped safely, call for recovery on 0330 520 1620.
If your EV displays a warning light or fault code, do not ignore it. Some faults — particularly those related to the high-voltage battery — can be dangerous. Move to a safe location, switch off the vehicle, and call for recovery. Do not attempt to diagnose or repair high-voltage components yourself — this requires specialist training and equipment. Inform the recovery operator that your vehicle is an EV and describe any warning lights or symptoms.
If your EV breaks down on the motorway, follow the same procedures as for any motorway breakdown: move to the hard shoulder or ERA, switch on hazard lights, exit from the passenger side, and stand behind the barrier. Call for recovery on 0330 520 1620. Inform the operator that your vehicle is an EV so they can dispatch a flatbed-equipped recovery vehicle.
Many EVs do not carry a spare tyre — instead they come with run-flat tyres or a tyre inflation kit. Run-flat tyres can be driven at reduced speed (typically 50mph) for a limited distance (typically 50 miles) after a puncture. However, once the tyre has fully deflated or the sidewall is damaged, the vehicle must be recovered. If your EV has a tyre inflation kit, it can only be used for minor punctures — not blowouts or sidewall damage.
When you call for EV recovery, always confirm: the make and model of your EV; whether it is a pure EV (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV); the reason for the breakdown (battery depleted, fault, accident, tyre); and your location. This allows the operator to dispatch the right equipment and prepare for any specialist handling requirements.
EV broken down? Black Eagle Recovery arranges specialist flatbed EV recovery 24/7 across London and the South East. Call 0330 520 1620 — we understand EV recovery requirements.
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