Electric Car Broken Down or Out of Charge? What to Do
By Cheap Car Recoveries · Updated
Quick answer
If your electric car breaks down or runs out of charge, get it somewhere safe, switch on the hazard lights and request recovery on a flatbed truck. Most EVs shouldn't be towed with their driven wheels on the ground, because turning the motor can damage it — so always tell the recovery company it's electric and give the make and model.
Why most EVs need a flatbed
In an electric car the wheels are connected directly to the electric motor. Towing it with the driven wheels turning can make the motor generate electricity and overheat or damage parts of the drivetrain. That's why most manufacturers say EVs should be transported on a flatbed (or with the driven wheels lifted). Your owner's manual will say what's allowed for your model.
Ran out of charge?
- Pull over safely as soon as the car warns you the range is very low — don't wait for it to stop completely.
- Note the nearest public charger in your car's navigation or a charging app.
- Ask about mobile EV charging — a short top-up can be enough to reach a charger.
- If not, a flatbed recovery takes the car to a charger, your home or a garage.
What to tell the recovery company
- That the car is electric (or a plug-in hybrid), plus the make, model and registration.
- Whether it will go into neutral or a 'transport' / 'tow' mode — many EVs have one.
- Whether it has power at all, and any warning messages on screen.
- Where it needs to go — home, a charger or a dealer.
EV recovery in Birmingham and the West Midlands
Our agents recover electric cars on flatbeds across Birmingham and the West Midlands, 24/7, and can arrange mobile charging. Choose 'Mobile EV Charging' or 'Breakdown' in the quote form and enter your reg so we know exactly which car it is.
