Why EV Breakdown Recovery Is Different
Unlike traditional petrol and diesel vehicles, electric vehicles require specialist handling and recovery equipment.
“We are better suited than other providers to recover EVs, as we know straight away that if it’s an EV, what type of recovery vehicle is required – which is usually a low loader,”
explains Shaun Hazelwood.
Electric vehicles are automatic and cannot be towed conventionally.
“All EVs are automatic and therefore their rear wheels cannot be on the road for towing. A full lift onto a low loader is required.”
This is where many standard breakdown providers encounter delays – dispatching unsuitable recovery vehicles that cannot transport EVs safely.
By contrast, Autoguard’s EV breakdown cover ensures:
- Correct EV recovery vehicle dispatched first time
- Low-loader transport as standard where required
- Specialist EV-trained network
EV Recovery Vehicles: Weight Matters
Electric vehicles are significantly heavier than their internal combustion engine (ICE) equivalents due to battery packs.
“The weight of the batteries means a 7.5-tonne recovery vehicle – much larger than a standard recovery vehicle – is required even for a standard-sized EV.”
For EV drivers, this makes choosing a resourceful provider with specialist electric vehicle breakdown support essential.
EV Breakdown Statistics: How Electric Cars Compare to Petrol & Diesel
As more EVs move beyond manufacturer rescue cover and into extended warranty protection, new data is emerging.
Lower Roadside Repair Rates
“The repair rate of EVs is currently much lower than ICE vehicles – 49% compared to 73%.”
This is largely due to:
- Increased vehicle computerisation
- Manufacturer-specific diagnostic requirements
- Greater reliance on main dealer repair networks
For EV customers, this reinforces the importance of seamless recovery-to-repair processes.
Most Common EV Breakdown Causes
- Tyre-Related Issues
“27% of all EV breakdowns are tyre related, compared to 14% for ICE vehicles.”
Battery weight increases strain on tyres, making tyre damage and wear a more common cause of EV breakdown claims.
- Out of Charge Incidents
Unlike “out of fuel” claims for petrol vehicles, EV drivers face “out of charge” events.
“We see more ‘out of charge’ claims than we do ‘out of fuel’.”
Although charging infrastructure continues to improve, operational charger availability remains inconsistent in some areas.
Autoguard’s EV breakdown support benefits from Call Assist’s integrated charging network visibility, allowing agents to:
- Identify nearest available chargers
- Direct customers efficiently
- Recover to rapid chargers where appropriate
- 12V Battery Failures
“The 12v battery charges the main battery system, and if this goes flat, the vehicle won’t start.”
This lesser-known issue is becoming a leading cause of EV-related vehicle fires and immobilisation.
Are EV Recoveries More Expensive?
Yes – specialist equipment increases costs.
“Recovery costs are 16% more expensive for EVs.”
However, Autoguard’s partnership-led approach ensures:
- Controlled recovery costs
- Efficient dispatch
- Reduced misclassification delays
- Fully EV-trained handling
Fire Risk & Safe EV Storage
Electric vehicles involved in collisions must be stored separately due to battery fire risks.
“If an EV has been involved in an accident, it must be stored separately to reduce the fire risk.”
Working with a trained EV recovery network ensures compliance with evolving safety standards.
Why Choose Autoguard for Electric Vehicle Warranty & Breakdown Cover?
As EV ownership increases across the UK, drivers need more than standard roadside assistance – they need specialist electric vehicle breakdown cover built around modern technology.
Autoguard EV warranty benefits include:
✔ EV-trained recovery network
✔ Correct dispatch first time
✔ Low-loader recovery capability
✔ Charging network integration
✔ Seamless recovery-to-repair process
✔ Expertise in EV-specific breakdown trends
The Future of EV Protection
Electric vehicles may have fewer moving parts – but they require smarter support.
Through our partnership with Call Assist, Autoguard Warranties is proud to deliver expert EV breakdown cover designed specifically for electric car drivers across the UK.
