Roadside Assistance for Electric Vehicles: What You Should Know?

As everything goes digital and eco-friendly, many countries are focusing on electric cars for future mobility. Even though electric cars need less maintenance than petrol or diesel cars, they are also machines and are prone to unexpected breakdowns. So, it is important to be prepared and know what to do if you have car trouble in the middle of the road. Learn about electric vehicle roadside assistance to stay ready for any unforeseen issues.

 

Most Cited Reasons for Electric Car Roadside Assistance

Here are the five most cited reasons for electric car roadside assistance:

1. Dead Battery

Electric car lithium-ion battery technology has come a long way in the past few years, but like any other battery, it is still prone to degradation. Though the batteries in the latest electric cars are more powerful than those in the previous models, they will eventually need to be changed.

 

Battery problems are more recurrent in older electric cars that have been driven for a long time, which leads to the battery using less energy and ultimately failing entirely. Unfortunately, this is unavoidable and may occur during a drive, which increases the need for roadside assistance.

 

2. Brake Problems

Regenerative braking, which effectively decreases normal wear and tear on brake pads and rotors, is a most effective breaking feature found in most electric cars. Even with this technology, sudden break problems may happen. If your electric car's brakes are not functioning properly, it is extremely risky to continue driving. When this problem occurs, park your electric car on the side and call roadside assistance right away.

 

3. Flat Tyre

Over time, the continuous stress from electric engines and batteries can cause electric car tire treads to wear. In case of a flat tire without any tools or expertise for replacement, roadside assistance can be of great help. You can get your tyre replaced or get a temporary fix to reach the nearest repair shop.

 

4. Lock-Key Assistance and Towing

Lock-key assistance and Towing services are valuable aspects of roadside assistance. If you find yourself locked out or have lost keys to your electric car, these services can safely unlock your vehicle using specialised tools or methods.

 

In situations where your vehicle is not repairable on-site or cannot be driven safely, you can get a tow truck to transport your vehicle to a nearby repair shop or to your preferred garage. These services ensure that unexpected lockouts or vehicle breakdowns do not leave you stranded on the road.

 

5. Accidents

Irrespective of how cautious you are behind the wheel, accidents can still happen to you. All it will take is to make one mistake, and you will find yourself stranded. In that situation, don't panic, calm down and get in touch with roadside assistance.

 

Things Electric Car Owners Should Know About Roadside Assistance

Regarding roadside assistance for electric cars, there are a few important considerations. Here is what you should know:

 

1. Specific Details of Electric Cars

Roadside assistance for electric cars is included in specialised services personalised to the unique needs of electric cars. Certain EV roadside assistance services offer charging support, arranging a mobile charging unit for a quick charge or towing your vehicle to the closest charging station in case of a low battery. These services are valuable in providing quick solutions to recharge your electric vehicle and keep you on the move.

 

2. Coverage Restrictions

Similar to any roadside assistance program, electric vehicle roadside assistance might have limitations in coverage. These restrictions may include the number of service calls permitted annually, maximum towing distances, and specific geographic boundaries. Thoroughly read the terms and conditions of the program to understand the covered services and limitations.

 

3. Service Providers Networks

Roadside assistance companies collaborate with towing companies and technicians within their network. It is important to ensure that the program offers a strong and reliable network of providers in your surroundings. Also, ensure the company provides skilled professionals knowledgeable about electric cars and capable of addressing any issues.

 

Certain roadside assistance programs for electric cars collaborate with charging networks. This provides added advantages like priority access to charging stations or discounted charging rates.

 

Insurance and Roadside Assistance

Like any petrol or diesel car, it is necessary to have Electric Car Insurance. Roadside Assistance is an Add-on feature in Comprehensive Electric Car insurance that supports drivers when their electric cars break down in the middle of the road.

 

Having roadside assistance coverage offers peace of mind while you are driving. It reduces concerns about being stranded due to an electric car breakdown. This service can also reduce costly expenses related to towing and repairs.

 

The Roadside Assistance Add-on coverage is helpful during minor accidents or repairs, and it ensures a professional mechanic's help at the right time. With Shriram General Insurance, Roadside Assistance Add-on Cover, you can get 24x7 roadside assistance for your electric car.

 

Conclusion

Being prepared for unexpected emergencies is important, as they can occur at any moment. To save you from the inconvenience of being stranded, Shriram General Insurance provides specialised Roadside Assistance for electric cars, an Add-on Cover designed specifically for electric vehicles cars. This coverage offers exceptional support in unexpected situations.

 

FAQs

1. Is maintenance necessary for electric cars?

There are nearly two dozen fewer mechanical components in electric cars than in petrol or diesel cars that generally need periodic service. For this reason, electric cars need very little maintenance.

 

2. How to tow an electric car?

Electric cars lack a neutral gear, causing wheel movement that generate power to an inactive battery. To prevent any damage, always tow your electric car on a flatbed truck, which stops wheel movement.

 

3. What breaks are used in electric cars?

Electric cars use regenerative brake systems that use electric motors for braking. This breaking system improves efficiency of electric cars over traditional friction brakes used in petrol or diesel cars.

 

4. Is it necessary to have a Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate while driving an electric car?

No, as electric cars do not release any harmful gases there is no need to carry a PUC certificate while driving it.

 

5. Is it compulsory to buy Comprehensive Electric Car Insurance?

No, it is not compulsory to buy Comprehensive Car Insurance for electric cars, but it is mandatory to buy at least Third-Party Electric Car Insurance.