New figures from SOS International show that electric cars need roadside assistance more often than both petrol and diesel cars. There are several explanations for this.
Electric cars need towing more frequently than both diesel and gasoline cars, statistics from SOS International show.
This is not only due to the reasons that one would immediately associate the electric car and its problems with. When a car breaks down, it is always an unexpected situation.
For electric cars, it can be more difficult. And many of the problems cannot be solved by the driver themselves.
It can be anything from getting the car started to technical conditions that mean it cannot be moved when the battery is flat, says Kristin Charlieson, a specialist at SOS International AB.
– The new technology has created a knowledge gap, more and more people are calling about simpler problems that you can often fix yourself if you have a traditional petrol or diesel car. Not many people are calling about starting or lack of fuel if you are near a petrol station.
Flat tires and battery problems are typical reasons for the need for towing. Electric cars are generally heavier, which causes more and faster wear on the tires.
However, it is difficult to say exactly how big the difference is, as drivers who drive petrol and diesel cars often change their own tyres when they get a flat tire.
When it comes to batteries, the difference is more significant. A gasoline car can usually continue driving if it has some gasoline in it.
But an electric car with a flat high-voltage battery is immediately more difficult to move. Kristin Charlieson explains:
– If you can refuel yourself, you don't need to call for towing, but you can't even move an electric car that has an empty high-voltage battery yourself.
According to SOS International's figures, electric cars account for approximately 12 percent of all cases requiring assistance, even though they only account for approximately 8 percent of all registered cars in Sweden, where the figures come from.
As more electric cars hit the roads, it is important that drivers familiarize themselves with how their cars work and how they can avoid problems.
SOS International also has some advice for the car trip:
- Plan your route: There may be a lot of traffic at the charging stations during the holidays. Make sure to charge in good time.
- Be aware of the cold: Low temperatures may mean that you cannot drive as far. The heater also uses a lot of electricity.
- Drive economically: If you drive slower, you can drive further. Research how cold weather affects your car model.
- Keep the battery going: If the car is parked for a long time, you should take a trip of at least 30 minutes to prevent the 12-volt battery from discharging.
- Bring emergency equipment: Warm clothing, food and drinks are important if you get stranded.
SOS International is experiencing more calls after bad weather. Even after the bad weather has stopped, roads can still be slippery.
