EV breakdown and towing: what not to do after the car stops

Start with safety

An EV behaves differently from a combustion car after a breakdown. The first rule is simple: do not force anything and do not improvise if the fault is unclear.

Right after stopping

• switch on hazard lights
• move to a safe position
• note the warning messages on the screen
• stay clear if you smell heat, smoke or burning

What not to do

Avoid these mistakes

1. Do not try to force the car to move.
2. Do not open high-voltage areas yourself.
3. Do not ignore system warnings and keep going.
4. Do not start towing without a proper plan.

With EVs, the wrong first move can cost more than the breakdown itself.

When towing is the right call

Towing is the sensible option when:

• there are HV or system warnings
• the car feels hot or smokes
• the vehicle no longer rolls safely
• the cause is not obvious

On the A2 and around Sollenau or Vienna, that is usually the safer route.

Local context

The better you describe the model, the warning messages and your exact location, the easier it is to dispatch the right help.

Useful links:

• Roadside assistance
• Contact
• FAQ
• Roadside assistance category

FAQ

Can I just push the EV?

Only if it is safe and there are no technical warnings. If in doubt, do not test it yourself.

Does every EV breakdown mean towing?

No, but with system warnings or visible damage, towing is usually the safest option.

Do you need the model name?

Yes. The model and the message on the screen help with correct dispatch.

Closing note

With an electric car, the most important rule is often what not to do. If the situation is unclear, professional transport is usually safer than improvisation.