Electric car broken down - what really helps now

Breakdown with the electric car – the most important facts

Whether you've overestimated the range of your electric car or a long traffic jam has drained the battery – a breakdown is annoying. What you can do if your electric car has broken down and why it is better not to tow it, you can find out in this guide.

The most common causes of broken down electric cars

Battery empty, nothing works anymore - for broken down electric cars, this is actually the most common cause. According to breakdown statistics, e-cars are relatively rarely stranded on the side of the road, but a defect or other problems cannot be completely ruled out. The electric motor and the built-in charging technology are rarely the reason for broken down e-cars. It is much more common for the electric car's 12-volt battery to be empty or broken – it is installed in the vehicle as a "starter battery" in addition to the high-voltage battery. According to ADAC breakdown statistics, the second most common cause is a puncture on the car. In third place among the reasons for breakdowns are defects in the on-board electrical system or lighting.

Empty battery in an electric car - what's the reason?

An empty battery on your electric car can have various reasons - for example, it can discharge when heating in winter. Some vehicle owners also accidentally drain the battery of the e-car when they get into a kilometer-long traffic jam - or do not get to the charging station in time. And some simply forgot to turn off their headlights, which empties the electric car's 12-volt battery particularly quickly. The age of the battery also affects its storage capacity.

By the way: You can find out how to make the most of your car's range in sub-zero temperatures in our guide "Driving an electric car in winter".

That's why you can't just tow an electric car

Unfortunately, it is not possible to simply attach a rod or cord to the vehicle in front of you and tow the electric car. The reason for this is that because of their recuperation system, electric cars also generate electrical energy when braking. This is practical for a roadworthy car, but a risk when towing an electric car with an empty battery.

The resulting induction currents can damage your car's control electronics when the on-board system is switched off. In some electric cars, the lubrication of the transmission also fails when they are towed away with the engine switched off. This also threatens damage.

Electric car broken down: How to behave correctly

No matter how annoying a breakdown with the car is, thefirst thing you should do is take care of your safety and that of your passengers. So turn on the warning light and put on your safety vest. Then set up a warning triangle and go behind the crash barrier before taking any further action.

Unfortunately, a mobile power bank for e-cars like smartphones or tablets does not yet exist. Although the ADAC and other breakdown services are currently testing the possibility of getting broken down electric cars roadworthy with mobile charging stations, these projects are still in the pilot phase. If the battery of your electric car is empty, it is therefore best to pick up the phone: experts will then help you on the service hotline of your car manufacturer or a breakdown service.

Important to know: Indicate during the phone call that it is an electric car that has broken down. This is because the breakdown service must first load an electric car in order to transport it safely. If the emergency service is informed in time, it can arrive immediately with the appropriate vehicle.

Frequently asked questions and answers on the topic of "broken down electric car"

The battery of my e-car is suddenly empty, what can I do?

First of all, secure yourself, your passengers and the vehicle - then call the breakdown service.

Can you tow electric cars?

Usually not, at least not in the traditional sense. Under certain circumstances, towing may be permitted, which are then explained in your car's owner's manual.

What can break in an electric car?

One of the most common causes of breakdowns in electric cars is empty or defective batteries. Tire damage is also more common. In addition, problems with the electrical system or lighting of the electric car are typical reasons for breakdowns.

Many manufacturers therefore prohibit the conventional towing of electric vehicles. In a few models, it is allowed under certain conditions defined in the operating instructions. However, you should also avoid towing over longer distances here.