Choosing Breakdown Cover for an Electric Vehicle (EV) | Is Breakdown Cover Worth it for EVs?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly more popular in the modern age. With more incentives offered to drives, as well as the environmental benefits, more drivers are taking steps to go greener. However, there is still the concern about whether extra policies, such as breakdown cover, may cost more for an EV.

In our complete guide, we will discuss breakdown cover for EVs, if there are any differences between standard breakdown cover EV breakdown policies, and how you can attempt to avoid breakdowns in the first place. We will also discuss the cost of EV breakdown policies, and how our coverage at ALA can help.

What is Breakdown Cover for and Electric Car and How Does it Work?

Breakdown cover is a type of protection that gives you peace of mind when you’re out on the road. If your car breaks down, you can call your breakdown provider for assistance.

For electric cars, it works in exactly the same way as it does for petrol or diesel vehicles. If your EV won’t start, develops a fault, or you get stuck for another reason (like a flat tyre), a recovery team will be sent to help. Depending on your policy, they might:

• Fix the issue at the roadside (for things like punctures, minor faults or electrical glitches).
• Tow your car to a local garage if repairs can’t be done there and then.
• Take you and your passengers to a destination of your choice or back home.
• Offer onward travel solutions if you’re far from home.

For EV drivers, there’s also the added concern of running out of charge. While most breakdown companies can now provide roadside charging or tow your car to the nearest charging station, it’s worth double-checking what’s included in your policy.

You can view our breakdown coverage options here.

Are There Any Differences Between Standard Breakdown Cover and EV Breakdown Cover?

It depends on who your breakdown cover is with. If you choose ALA, there are no differences between breakdown cover for a petrol/diesel car and an EV.

Electric vehicles might be newer on UK roads, but the same principles of breakdown cover apply. Whether you’re driving a diesel SUV, a petrol hatchback, or a fully electric car, cover ensures you won’t be stranded if something goes wrong.

At ALA, there’s no special category for EV breakdown cover because you don’t need one. Our breakdown policies are designed to cover all types of vehicles, including electric cars, hybrids, and standard petrol or diesel models. This means you won’t pay extra just because your car is electric, and you’ll still get the same support if you’re stuck at the side of the road.

Want to know how much you could be paying. Start building your bespoke breakdown coverage quote here.

How Can I Help Prevent Breakdowns in My Electric Car?

Electric cars are generally considered more reliable than their petrol or diesel counterparts. With fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and less wear and tear, there’s less that can go wrong. However, EVs aren’t immune to breakdowns. Here are some ways you can reduce the risk:

• Keep your battery charged: running out of power is one of the most common issues EV drivers face. Always plan your journeys, especially longer ones, and make use of apps that show you where charging points are located.
• Look after your 12V battery: alongside the main high-voltage battery, EVs still use a smaller 12V battery (like traditional cars) to power things like lights, locks and infotainment systems. If it fails, your EV might not start, so it’s worth having it checked regularly.
• Regular servicing: even though EVs don’t need oil changes or exhaust repairs, they still require servicing. Brakes, tyres, suspension and software updates all need attention to keep your car in top condition.
• Tyre care: EVs are usually heavier than petrol or diesel cars, which can put more strain on tyres. Regularly check tyre pressures and tread depth to avoid unexpected blowouts or punctures.
• Software updates: many EVs receive over-the-air software updates that improve performance or fix minor issues. Make sure your car is updated to avoid glitches that could leave you stranded.

Is Breakdown Cover for Electric Vehicles More Expensive?

No, at least not with our policies here at ALA.

Some people assume EV breakdown cover must cost more because recovery teams might need special training or equipment to handle high-voltage vehicles. While that may have been true in the early days of EV adoption, it’s no longer the case. Breakdown providers are now fully equipped to deal with electric cars, and the process of recovering or repairing one isn’t significantly more complex than with petrol or diesel vehicles.

That’s why we don’t charge extra for EV breakdown cover. Our breakdown cover prices are based on factors such as its age and mileage, not the type of car you own. You can start building your breakdown cover quote here.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Breakdown Cover at ALA

Even though electric vehicles are less likely to break down than petrol or diesel models, they’re not immune to problems. Whether it’s a flat tyre, a drained battery, or an unexpected fault, having cover in place ensures you’re never left stranded.

With ALA, you don’t have to worry about paying more just because you’ve chosen to drive electric. Our breakdown policies are designed to give you complete peace of mind, so you can enjoy your EV without the “what ifs”. You can find out more about our breakdown cover policies here.