EV Roadside Emergencies in Minnesota: What to Do When Something Goes Wrong

Scenario 1: Dead 12V Battery

This is the most common EV emergency. Your car won't start, the doors may not unlock electronically, and the touchscreen is dead -- even though the main battery is full.

What to do:

1. 1.Use your portable jump starter on the 12V terminals. Your owner's manual shows where the jump terminals are -- often under the hood/frunk even if the 12V battery is elsewhere in the car. Connect positive to positive, negative to a ground point (bolt on the frame, not the negative terminal).

1. 1.If you don't have a jump starter, you can jump from another car. Same procedure as any car -- connect to the 12V terminals, not the high-voltage system. Wait 2-3 minutes with the donor car running before trying to start your EV.

1. 1.Once the car is running, drive immediately to a shop for 12V replacement. Don't turn the car off until you're at the shop -- it may not restart.

1. 1.If nothing works and you can't access the 12V terminals (car is completely locked): Call your manufacturer's roadside assistance. Tesla: (877) 798-3752. Most other brands: check your app or insurance card. They'll dispatch someone with the tools to access the 12V system.

Prevention: Replace your 12V every 2 years in Minnesota. Test it before every winter. Find a shop: evqualified.com/services/12v-battery-replacement.

Scenario 2: Flat Tire

Most EVs don't have a spare tire. The battery pack takes up the space where a spare would go. Instead, you have three options:

Option A: Tire sealant + compressor kit. Many EVs include this. The sealant temporarily plugs small punctures (nail, screw). Inject the sealant, inflate with the compressor, and drive to a tire shop at reduced speed (usually under 50 mph). This works for small punctures in the tread. It does NOT work for sidewall damage, blowouts, or large gashes.

Option B: Call for a flatbed tow. If the sealant won't work (sidewall damage, blowout), you need a tow. Remember: FLATBED ONLY. No wheel-down towing for EVs. Specify this when you call.

Option C: Roadside tire service. Some roadside assistance programs will bring a replacement tire to your location. Tesla Roadside and some insurance-based programs offer this. Call and ask.

EV tire note: EV tires are heavier-duty than standard car tires due to the vehicle weight. Not every tire shop stocks EV-specific sizes. When you get your replacement, ask for EV-rated tires -- they're designed for the extra weight and instant torque.

For tire service: evqualified.com/services/tire-rotation.

Scenario 3: Running Out of Charge

This is every EV owner's fear, but it's also the most preventable emergency.

If you're getting low:

Slow down. Highway speed is the biggest range killer. Dropping from 70 mph to 55 mph can add 20-30% to your remaining range.

Turn off the heater. Use seat heaters and steering wheel heater instead. This alone can add 10-20 miles of range in winter.

Turn off unnecessary systems. Sentry Mode, music, heated mirrors -- everything draws power. Minimize.

Navigate to the nearest charger. Use your car's built-in navigation -- it factors in your current charge level. Or use PlugShare app for the most comprehensive charger map.

If you actually run out:

The car will go into "turtle mode" first, limiting speed to 25-35 mph. You have a few miles to find a charger or safe place to stop.

When it finally stops, put the car in Park, turn on hazard lights, and get to a safe position off the road.

Call roadside assistance. They'll flatbed tow you to the nearest charger. Some services will bring a portable charger to your location that can give you enough juice to reach a charging station.

Don't try to push an EV. They weigh 4,000-6,000+ lbs. You're not pushing it anywhere.

Scenario 4: Charging Failure Away from Home

You're at a public charger and it won't work:

Try a different cable or stall at the same station. The cable might be damaged.

Restart the session through the app. Some networks (ChargePoint, Electrify America) let you remotely restart a session.

Check your payment method. Expired credit card or empty account balance will kill the session.

Try a different network. If the ChargePoint station is broken, check PlugShare for the nearest Electrify America, Tesla Supercharger (with adapter), or other network.

If NO chargers work with your car, the problem is your car's charging system. Use your remaining charge to get home or to a shop. Don't keep trying stations -- get the car diagnosed. Level 2 charging system repair: evqualified.com/services/charging-system-repair.

Roadside Assistance Numbers

Save these in your phone now:

Tesla Roadside: (877) 798-3752

Chevy/GM EV Roadside: (800) 243-8872

Ford EV Roadside: (800) 241-3673

Hyundai Roadside: (800) 243-7766

Kia Roadside: (800) 333-4542

BMW Roadside: (800) 332-4269

Nissan Roadside: (800) 647-7261

Porsche Roadside: (800) 767-7243

Your insurance roadside: [check your card/app]

When you call, always specify:

1. 1."I have an electric vehicle"
2. 2."I need a FLATBED tow truck" (if towing is needed)
3. 3.Your exact location (share GPS coordinates from your phone)

After the emergency: Find a shop to address the root cause. A 12V battery failure, charging system issue, or tire problem will happen again if not fixed.

Browse shops near you: evqualified.com/directory.