AAA has tested mobile EV charging in some regions, but it is not a standard service everywhere. For most members, roadside help for an electric car with an empty battery means a tow to the nearest charging station. Rules and coverage differ between AAA clubs and between other roadside programs, so check your own plan before you rely on it.
Why Mobile Charging Is Rare
A mobile charging unit is essentially a large battery or generator on a truck. It needs a lot of energy to add meaningful range: an EV uses roughly 0.25–0.35 kWh per mile, so 10 miles needs around 3 kWh delivered on site. AAA’s own research on mobile charging, published in 2023, looked at how such services could work and what they cost. Towing to a charger is usually faster and cheaper to provide.
What Roadside Help Usually Covers
- Towing to a charger, often the nearest compatible public station, within your plan’s mileage limit.
- Flatbed transport, which many automakers recommend for EVs instead of wheel-lift towing.
- Automaker assistance: many EV makers include roadside assistance for the warranty period, sometimes with a free tow to a charger.
How to Avoid Needing a Tow
- Use navigation that plans charging stops and shows live charger availability.
- Arrive at fast chargers with a buffer of 10–20% rather than near zero.
- Carry a portable charging cable so you can use a regular or 240 V outlet at a hotel, campground or friend’s home. A cable is not a battery, but it turns any suitable outlet into a charger; see is there a portable EV charger.
- Carry the right adapter so more public stations work with your car.
Recommended Kit
A portable charger such as the EVDANCE EV-ACS4005T 40A NACS portable charger or EVDANCE EV-AC04001U 40A J1772 portable charger for NEMA 14-50 outlets at campgrounds, and for NACS cars an adapter like the EVDANCE JT02 NACS-to-J1772 adapter to use J1772 stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AAA charge my electric car?
Some AAA clubs have offered or tested mobile charging, but most EV roadside calls end with a tow to a charging station. Check with your local club.
Can a tow truck charge an EV?
Only trucks fitted with a mobile charging unit, which are uncommon.
Is running out of charge bad for the battery?
Occasionally reaching a very low state of charge is not harmful in itself, but avoid leaving the car at 0% for long periods.
Related Reading
- Can You Charge an EV With a Portable Battery?
- Where to Find EV Charging Stations
- Portable EV Charger Buying Guide 2026
Key Takeaways
- Mobile EV charging from roadside services is limited and not available everywhere.
- Most roadside help for a flat EV battery is a tow to a charger.
- Route planning, a charging buffer and a portable cable prevent most problems.