How the AA is keeping EVs on the move
With a growing number of EVs on UK roads, breakdown support is evolving. We explore what The AA is doing to cater for electric vehicles...
EV ownership is on the rise in the UK. In fact, around 1 in 4 vehicles sold in 2025 was electric. So with an ever-increasing number of battery-powered vehicles on UK roads, what happens when one of those EVs breaks down? And what do you do if an electric car runs out of charge?
Well, UK breakdown providers have been busy preparing their patrols to deal with those exact scenarios. The AA, for example, has been adapting its services and training in a number of ways to deal with the unique challenges posed by electric vehicles. So how does breakdown cover work if you drive an EV?
Are all breakdown patrols able to help EVs?
Electric vehicles work quite differently to petrol or diesel cars, so supporting them requires specific knowledge and safety procedures. That means dedicated training is needed. The AA has the largest dedicated patrol force of around 2,700 experts that are trained to work with EV systems, including high-voltage components and common EV faults. As a result:
- Patrols can assess whether an EV can be safely repaired at the roadside or needs recovery
- EV drivers can also receive roadside assistance in many locations without needing specialist call-outs
Visit theAA.com/Best to find out more about The AA’s breakdown cover
Which EV faults most commonly require roadside assistance?
Electric vehicles actually have significantly fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, but they can still break down. Many of the more common issues can be fixed at the roadside. To help get EVs back on the road as quickly as possible, The AA provides support for issues such as:
- 12-volt battery failures
- Tyre-related faults
- Software updates
- Warning lights or system alerts that prevent driving
Where possible, The AA will repair at the roadside. If that’s not practical, recovery can be arranged. Which in itself requires a special solution for EVs.
What if your EV runs out of charge?
It’s a very rare occurrence, but still a common fear among new EV drivers in particular. If an electric vehicle cannot continue due to a depleted driving battery, The AA can provide recovery rather than a roadside restart.
This may include:
- Transporting the vehicle on a flatbed or appropriate recovery vehicle
- Taking the EV to a compatible charging point, the driver’s home, or another suitable destination, depending on cover
The recovery arrangements will depend on vehicle type, location, and policy terms.
Visit theAA.com/Best to find out more about The AA’s breakdown cover
How quickly will they arrive, and will they fix your EV?
A breakdown is far from ideal, so the priority is getting back on the road quickly. But how long does it take a breakdown provider to arrive? And can they fix your car at the side of the road?
- The AA’s average arrival times are around an hour
- A majority of vehicles attended are repaired at the roadside, including electric vehicles where appropriate
Actual arrival times and repair outcomes can vary depending on the nature of the EV fault and local conditions.
Visit theAA.com/Best to find out more about The AA’s breakdown cover
Is there any benefit to using The AA App to report EV breakdowns?
Opening an app might not be your first thought when breaking down, but there are actually some quite helpful benefits. The AA’s mobile app includes a number of helpful features, such as:
- Reporting a breakdown online in under 3½ minutes
- Automatic sharing of location data when using the app
- Live tracking of the assigned patrol’s progress
- The ‘Find a charger’ tool to make public charging easy
These tools are designed to support quicker and clearer communication during an EV breakdown.
Trust and independent reviews for EV drivers
A breakdown can be rather stressful, so having a trustworthy and well-regarded breakdown provider can make things feel a bit less overwhelming. Independent reviews are a great way to verify the experience of other customers, and can help you make an informed decision about your cover provider. For example, The AA has an “Excellent” rating on Trustpilot as well as a 5-star rating from Defaqto (Ratings are based on published criteria and customer feedback).
Visit theAA.com/Best to find out more about The AA’s breakdown cover
FAQs
Yes. The AA offers breakdown cover that includes electric vehicles, with roadside assistance and recovery available subject to policy terms.
The AA has more EV-trained patrols than any other UK breakdown provider, trained to handle common EV issues safely.
If the main battery is depleted, The AA can arrange recovery to a charging point or another appropriate destination.
The AA typically arrives in around an hour, though this can vary by location and demand.
Many EV issues can be resolved at the roadside, such as 12-volt battery problems or minor faults. Other issues may require recovery.
Yes. EV drivers can use The AA app to report a breakdown, share their location automatically, and track the patrol in real time.
Yes. The ‘find a charger’ tool in the AA app shows you where you can find nearby EV charging points and gives you real-time availability.
