Worried about your EV running out of juice on the road? We spoke to the RAC about what to do if your electric car battery dies – and how to stop it from happening in the first place.
You’re cruising down a quiet country road, the sun’s setting, and your favourite song is blasting through the car’s speakers. Then it happens. That dreaded warning flashes across your dashboard: low battery. You pull over safely, check for the nearest charging station on your app – it’s miles away. No charger in sight, no plan B.
Running out of charge in an electric car might feel like a nightmare, but it doesn’t have to be. We spoke to RAC’s head of policy, Simon Williams, to walk through exactly what drivers should do when charge is low – and how the RAC is helping EV owners stay safe and get moving again.
Don’t panic, plan ahead
The best way to avoid running out of charge is to prevent it altogether. “It’s just like managing fuel in a petrol or diesel car,” Williams says. “But because EVs typically have a shorter range, and charging takes longer than refuelling, planning is more important.”
Before setting off, especially on long journeys, map out where public charge points are along your route. The UK now has around 80,000 public chargers – including over 8,000 ultra-rapid ones (150kW+) – so help is rarely far away. Still, topping up when you can (rather than waiting until you must) is a smart rule of thumb.
Running low? Safety first
If your battery starts getting low and there’s no charge point in sight, your priority should be to get somewhere safe.
“If you’re on the motorway, aim to exit as soon as possible,” Williams advises. “Many motorways – especially smart motorways – don’t have a hard shoulder anymore. You really don’t want to stop in a live lane.”
If exiting isn’t possible, pull over as far left as you can, switch on your hazard lights, and follow standard motorway safety procedures: exit the car from the passenger side if it’s safe, and wait behind the safety barrier.
What happens when an EV battery hits zero?
It’s not as sudden or dramatic as you might expect. Most EVs will gradually reduce power output as they near zero charge. You’ll get plenty of warnings – at 20%, 10%, and often even lower – before the car finally slows to a halt.
“There are even videos online showing exactly how this plays out,” Williams reassures. “It’s a controlled shutdown, not a surprise stop.”
Carwow has conducted numerous range tests to see how far electric cars can go on a charge, and find out exactly what happens when they stop. Even when a car hits zero range, much like a petrol car, you still have a few miles in reserve for emergencies – but don’t push your luck!
Our latest EV range test shows the Carwow team taking out six of the latest all-electric SUVs: the Audi Q4 e-tron, Ford Explorer, Kia EV6, Polestar 4, Porsche Macan, and the Tesla Model Y.
Can you move an EV with no charge?
Many EVs come with a ‘neutral’ or ‘towing mode’ that lets you move them a short distance – say, onto a recovery truck or away from a blind bend. “It’s not designed for long-distance towing,” says Williams, “but it can be a real help in the right situation.”
That said, traditional towing methods can damage EVs due to how their motors and gear systems are designed.
What charging help is available if a driver gets stranded?
For drivers stuck without charge, RAC patrol vans now carry RAC EV Boost – a first-of-its-kind mobile charging solution in the UK. “It’s alternator-powered and doesn’t rely on onboard batteries,” Williams explains. “We can give you about 45 minutes of charge – enough to get to the nearest working charge point or even home.”
This innovative tech means you don’t always need a full recovery just because you’ve run out of charge. The RAC’s engine-driven system eliminates the need for heavy, bulky batteries that require recharging after each use. In early 2022, the RAC began rolling out a faster 5kW charger to enhance this mobile charging service.
If charging isn’t possible, there’s another solution
Some EVs can’t be charged roadside due to battery faults or unsafe locations. That’s where RAC’s All-Wheels-Up rapid recovery comes in.
“Traditional two-wheel towing isn’t suitable for most EVs,” Williams notes. “Their motors can generate electricity while being towed, potentially damaging the system. Our All-Wheels-Up kit lifts all four wheels off the ground, effectively giving our vans the functionality of a flatbed truck.”
The All-Wheels-Up recovery system means the RAC can now recover more SUVs, 4x4s, pick-ups, vans, automatics, hybrids as well as EVs with a standard patrol van. They can also recover cars with faults that make towing impossible, like multiple punctured tyres, handbrake or transmission failures and many breakdowns caused by potholes.
Why it’s best to avoid a full drain
Modern EVs are designed to protect themselves, with built-in systems to prevent battery damage. But keeping the battery at a very low state of charge regularly can affect its long-term health.
“Most EVs give you plenty of warning before they stop,” Williams explains. “Some also recommend keeping the charge between 20% and 80% for everyday use, depending on the battery chemistry.”
The bottom line is keep calm and charge on
For daily driving and short trips, range anxiety is becoming a thing of the past – especially with home charging. But if you’re venturing beyond your car’s range, planning is crucial.
With the UK’s charging infrastructure expanding rapidly and breakdown services like the RAC innovating EV recovery, EV drivers can hit the road with peace of mind. Because with the right preparation, running out of charge doesn’t have to leave you powerless.
The RAC recommends using the Zapmap app to find your nearest charging station when you’re on the road. Carwow also has an interactive EV charging stations map for you to take advantage of.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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