While running completely out of battery is rare thanks to warning systems and route planning tools, it can happen. The good news is that you have several options to get back on the road, and the process is often simpler than you might think.
Important: Modern EVs provide multiple warnings before running out of battery. If you see low battery warnings, immediately search for the nearest charging station or pull over in a safe location before the battery depletes completely.
An EV with a low battery warning on the dashboard, with icons showing different emergency services: a tow truck, a mobile charging unit, and a roadside assistance van. The scene shows a highway with a charging station visible in the distance. Reassuring, helpful illustration style with warm orange and blue colors.
What Happens When Your Battery Hits 0%
When your EV's battery reaches 0%, the vehicle will gradually lose power and eventually come to a stop. Here's what to expect:
- Progressive warnings: You'll receive multiple alerts starting at 10-15% remaining
- Reduced power mode: Some EVs enter a "turtle mode" with limited speed to conserve energy
- Final reserve: Many EVs keep a small buffer (1-2%) for essential systems
- Complete shutdown: The vehicle will stop, but basic electronics (hazard lights, door locks) typically still work
- No damage: Running to 0% once won't damage your battery, though it's best to avoid making it a habit
Safety First: If you realize you won't make it to a charger, safely pull over to the side of the road or into a parking area before the battery completely depletes.
Emergency Options in North America
1. Manufacturer Roadside Assistance
Most EV manufacturers include complimentary roadside assistance for several years.
- Tesla: 4 years/50,000 miles of roadside assistance included. Can arrange flatbed towing to nearest Supercharger
- Ford: 3 years/36,000 miles with Ford Roadside Assistance. Mobile charging service in select areas
- GM (Chevrolet, GMC): 5 years/60,000 miles. Will tow to nearest charging station
- Rivian: Unlimited mileage roadside assistance for 5 years
- Hyundai/Kia: 5 years/unlimited miles with complimentary towing to nearest charger
- Nissan: 3 years/36,000 miles of roadside assistance
Pro Tip: Save your manufacturer's roadside assistance number in your phone before you need it.
2. AAA and Auto Club Services
Traditional auto clubs now offer EV-specific services.
- AAA: Offers towing to the nearest charging station (up to your plan's mileage limit)
- Emergency charging: Some AAA locations offer mobile charging units that can add 3-15 miles of range
- Flatbed towing: Many EVs require flatbed towing (not dolly towing) to avoid damage
- Cost: Included with AAA Plus or Premier membership ($60-120/year)
3. Mobile Charging Services
Emerging services that bring charging to you, similar to fuel delivery for gas cars.
- SparkCharge: On-demand mobile EV charging service available in select US cities. Can add 10-30+ miles in 30-60 minutes
- Urgent.ly: Mobile charging service integrated with some manufacturers and insurance companies
- Blink Mobile Charging: Available through Blink network in some areas
- Cost: Typically $20-50 for emergency charging session plus possible service fee
Availability: Mobile charging services are currently limited to major metropolitan areas but are expanding. Check if they operate in your region before relying on them.
4. Standard Towing Services
Any towing service can help, but make sure they're equipped for EVs.
- Flatbed required: Most EVs must be towed on a flatbed to avoid drivetrain damage
- Destination: Request towing to the nearest fast-charging station
- Cost: $75-200+ depending on distance and service
- Find services: Use apps like Honk, HONK, or Urgently to find EV-capable tow trucks
Warning: Never let a tow service drag or dolly-tow your EV with the wheels on the ground. This can severely damage the electric motor and drivetrain.
5. Ask Fellow EV Owners
The EV community is known for helping stranded drivers.
- EV forums and apps: Post your location on PlugShare or local EV Facebook groups
- Portable chargers: Some EV owners carry portable Level 2 chargers and may help you get enough charge to reach a station
- Nearby homes: If near a residential area, politely ask homeowners if you can use a standard outlet (120V) for 30-60 minutes to gain 3-5 miles
Emergency Options in Europe
1. Manufacturer Roadside Assistance
European EV manufacturers typically offer comprehensive roadside assistance packages.
- Tesla: 4 years of roadside assistance included across Europe
- Volkswagen Group (VW, Audi, Porsche): 3-4 years of mobility service with priority charging access
- BMW/MINI: 3 years of BMW Roadside Assistance with mobile charging in select areas
- Mercedes-Benz: 3 years of Mercedes-Benz Assistance with EQ-specific services
- Renault: Z.E. Ready program with emergency charging and towing
- Polestar: Roadside assistance included for 3 years
2. National Auto Clubs
European auto clubs provide extensive EV support services.
- ADAC (Germany): Offers mobile charging units (E-Charge) that can add 10-20 km of range. Available 24/7
- AA and RAC (UK): Both offer EV breakdown services including mobile charging vans
- Touring Club Suisse (Switzerland): Emergency charging and recovery for EVs
- Automobilclub (Netherlands - ANWB): "Stroomwacht" mobile charging service
- ACI (Italy): Emergency assistance with EV towing to charging points
- Europ Assistance: Pan-European coverage with EV-specific services
3. Mobile Charging Services
Europe has more established mobile charging infrastructure than North America.
- Charge Wizard (UK): Mobile rapid charging bringing 50-80 miles of range in 30 minutes
- E-Gap (Italy, France, Spain): On-demand mobile charging service via app
- Electric Blue (UK): Mobile charging for emergencies and events
- mobi.E (Portugal): National network includes emergency mobile charging
- FreeWire (Netherlands, UK): Mobile fast-charging units
4. Charging Network Emergency Services
Major European charging networks offer emergency support.
- IONITY: 24/7 customer service hotline for emergencies across their pan-European network
- Fastned: Customer support can guide you to nearest available charger
- EnBW: HyperNetz coverage with emergency support line
- Allego: Emergency assistance available through their app
5. Standard Towing Services
European towing services are generally well-equipped for EVs due to higher EV adoption rates.
- Flatbed towing: Standard for EVs across Europe
- Coverage: Most towing companies are familiar with EV requirements
- Cost: Varies by country (€50-200+ depending on distance)
- Insurance coverage: Many European auto insurance policies include roadside assistance
How to Avoid Running Out of Battery
⚡ Trust Your Range Meter
Modern EVs provide accurate range estimates. If it says 20 miles remaining and the charger is 25 miles away, don't risk it—find a closer option.
🗺️ Use Route Planning Apps
Apps like A Better Route Planner (ABRP) and PlugShare show real-time charger availability and plan charging stops automatically.
🔋 Charge Before 10%
Make it a rule to never let your battery drop below 10-15% when away from home. This gives you a safety buffer for unexpected detours or charger outages.
📍 Know Backup Locations
When planning trips, identify multiple charging options along your route, not just one. Chargers can be occupied or broken.
💾 Download Offline Maps
Save charging station locations offline in case you lose cell service in a low-battery situation.
🏠 Maximize Home Charging
Leave home with a full charge whenever possible. Most running-out-of-battery situations happen when starting a trip with insufficient charge.
What NOT to Do
Don't Attempt to Dolly Tow
Never allow the drive wheels to spin while towing. This can cause severe damage to the electric motor.
Don't Push or Neutral Roll
Unlike gas cars, pushing an EV or rolling it in neutral won't charge the battery in a meaningful way and could damage systems.
Don't Panic About Battery Damage
Running to 0% once won't ruin your battery. It's not ideal, but modern battery management systems protect against serious damage.
Don't Disconnect the 12V Battery
Some guides suggest "jump-starting" an EV by charging the 12V battery. While this can power on electronics, it won't move the car if the main battery is at 0%.
The Reality of Running Out of Battery
Running completely out of battery is extremely rare among EV drivers. A 2023 study found that less than 1% of EV owners have ever fully depleted their battery while driving.
Why It's So Rare
- Multiple warnings: EVs start warning you at 15-20% remaining charge
- Range buffer: Displayed range is conservative; you usually have more than shown
- Navigation integration: Car will automatically show nearby chargers when low
- Reduced power mode: "Turtle mode" gives you extra miles to reach safety
- Daily charging habit: Most EV owners charge at home nightly, starting each day with full range
Compare to Gas Cars: Running out of gas is actually more common than running out of EV battery charge. Gas cars don't have the same constant charging routine, and gas gauges can be less accurate than EV battery monitors.
Quick Reference: Emergency Numbers
North America
Europe
Pro Tip: Add your manufacturer's roadside assistance number and your auto club number to your phone contacts right now. You don't want to be searching for numbers when you're stranded.
