Can You Tow an Electric Car if it Runs Out of Charge?
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Can You Tow an Electric Car if it Runs Out of Charge?

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As more and more drivers favour electric over traditional ICE-powered vehicles, we’re learning more about how the EV experience differs from driving a traditional petrol or diesel car. With differences come uncertainties, and there’s one question in particular that continues to attract much discussion: “Can you tow an electric car if it runs out of charge?"

With an expanding national charging infrastructure and advancing onboard technology, the real likelihood of an EV running out of charge and leaving you stranded is very slim. However, it’s still important for EV owners to understand the implications of having a battery with no electric charge. At Kia, we know that switching to electric is a big change, so we’ve compiled a guide to help you understand the electric range and what happens to electric car batteries when they run out of charge.

What happens when electric car batteries run out of charge?



Like any other kind of battery, if you don’t recharge an EV battery , it will run out. As EVs are powered solely by their electric battery, the vehicle won’t be able to operate if the battery runs out of charge. While the idea of being stranded with no electric power may be a bit scary, it’s actually incredibly unlikely to happen. Nowadays, all electric cars are fitted with technology that monitors the status of your battery and will alert you when it’s starting to run low.

At Kia, we’ll always keep you in the loop, as our onboard Kia Connect services will give you constant visibility of your battery’s status, charging percentage and health – all via your dashboard. Kia Connect also provides a comprehensive directory of all public EV charging stations , including availability information and live fuel prices, so you can easily plan your next charging stop. Even better, when you download the Kia Connect App , you can view your battery status via your phone and remotely start, stop and schedule charging.

With the rising popularity of electric cars, EV charging infrastructure is also rapidly expanding. Kia Charge has its own network of over 40,000 charging stations in the UK alone and over 630,000 across Europe.

With accessibility to an expansive network of public charging stations and exclusive home charging tariffs, as well as intelligent battery technology and updates, there’s no need to worry about your Kia running out of charge.

What to do if your electric car battery dies



If your electric car battery runs out while you’re on the road, it can be an inconvenience, but it's manageable. Here's what to do:

- Pull over safely : As soon as you notice you're out of power, find a safe place to stop, preferably off the road.
- Turn on hazard lights : Let other drivers know you're experiencing an issue.
- Switch off the vehicle : Power down your EV to avoid draining any remaining auxiliary systems.
- Call Roadside Assistance : Many providers, including Kia's partnership with the RAC, can dispatch support with portable chargers or flatbed recovery trucks.
When you buy a new Kia, you receive our unique and comprehensive roadside assistance package, free for the first 12 months. Designed for Kia owners and provided by the RAC, our cover includes other exclusive benefits, such as 24-hour roadside and at-home rescue, as well as recovery if we cannot repair your vehicle at the roadside.

If you’re ready to make the switch, explore our award-winning range of electric cars and get to know how we guarantee ultimate convenience with roadside assistance, Kia Charge and Kia Connect.

What to do if your electric car battery is running out of charge



If your electric car battery is running low on charge, it's important to avoid getting stranded. Here are some proactive tips to follow:

- Plan your route ahead of time : Use navigation systems or the Kia Connect app to locate public charging stations along your journey.
- Find your nearest charging stops : Monitor your battery status and use Kia Charge to locate over 40,000 charging points across the UK, or over 630,000 in Europe.
- Charge at home when possible : Set a regular charging routine using home charging stations and smart tariffs to keep your battery sufficiently charged for the distance you intend to travel.
- Drive efficiently : Reduce speed, avoid rapid acceleration, and minimise the use of electrical systems, such as air conditioning, when your charge is low.
- Activate Eco Mode : Most Kia EVs include an Eco Mode that optimises energy usage and can help extend your range in situations when you're low on charge.

Can you tow an electric car if it breaks down?



If you run out of fuel on a motorway in a petrol or diesel car, your car would usually be towed. While electric cars can be towed, it’s not quite as simple as towing an ICE-powered vehicle.

When you tow a petrol or diesel car, they are put into neutral and dragged behind the tow truck. Because EVs don’t have a neutral gear, trying to tow them in drive or reverse will create a build of kinetic energy that will damage the battery. For this reason, electric cars can only be towed on flatbed trucks, where they sit on the body of the truck rather than being dragged behind it.

Can you jump start an electric car?



While it might be tempting to treat an electric car in the same way as a petrol or hybrid vehicle, the reality is more nuanced.

Fully electric cars cannot and should not be jump-started in the traditional sense. Many EVs have high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack, typically between 400V and 800V, that powers the drivetrain and a separate 12-volt battery for auxiliary functions, such as lights and infotainment.

The safest course of action is to consult your EV's manual or contact Roadside Assistance, as improper handling of a high-voltage battery could be dangerous.

Can you push an electric car?



Trying to push an electric car to safety may seem like a logical move, but it’s not recommended or an effective way to get it off the road. This is due to the way the motor and battery are connected to the wheels and pushing an EV can potentially cause serious damage.

If your electric car breaks down, it's best to contact Roadside Assistance or follow the manufacturer's guidelines for safe towing.

How many miles does an electric car last?



The range of EVs varies depending on the battery voltage and technology of the specific model and manufacturer. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the average EV range in the UK is currently 300 miles on a single charge. This figure is up from 210 miles in 2020 and is nearly three times the weekly distance driven by an average UK driver.

At Kia, we pride ourselves on building electric cars that deliver ultimate convenience and driving pleasure, with an electric range that goes the distance. Our industry-leading models are some of the longest-range electric cars currently available on the UK market, with the EV6 boasting a range of up to 328 miles and the EV9 offering up to 349 miles on one charge.

It’s important to note that EV range can also be impacted by external factors, such as weather, driving style, use of other electrical components, the vehicle’s current load and the condition of the tyres. While some of these factors are out of your control, there are numerous things EV drivers can do to maximize the range of their electric cars. Read our blog to find out more about how to increase your electric car’s range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be to full UK specification. Features shown are not standard across the Kia model range and availability will vary dependant on model. For further details please refer to the individual model specification sheets.

 

Product availability varies by models. To find out which products are available for your vehicle, please contact your Kia dealer.

 

1All Niro EV and EV6 models have the capability to provide vehicle-to-load. Adapter is not standard on all grades, but it is available to purchase as an accessory.

The EV driving range for EV6 & EV9 was determined according to the standardised EU measurement procedure (WLTP). The individual driving style and other factors, such as speed, outside temperature, topography and the use of electricity-consuming devices/units, have an influence on the real-life range and can possibly reduce it.

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