Had a similar close call myself—ended up stuck at this sketchy rest stop with a charger that looked like it hadn't been touched since the early 2000s. No pancakes or chili fries, sadly, just overpriced vending machine snacks. Since then, I've started scoping out backup charging spots ahead of time and downloaded a couple apps to cross-check charger reliability. Still keep beef jerky in the glovebox though—lesson learned from melted chocolate disasters here too...
"Still keep beef jerky in the glovebox though—lesson learned from melted chocolate disasters here too..."
Haha, been there with the chocolate mess myself... never again. Learned my lesson after a roadside meltdown in July heat. Now it's strictly granola bars and trail mix. Also, I started keeping an old-school printed map handy. Apps are great till your phone battery decides to join your car battery in solidarity. Call me paranoid, but better safe (and snack-ready) than sorry.
"Apps are great till your phone battery decides to join your car battery in solidarity."
Exactly why I invested in a portable jump starter and a power bank combo. Might seem excessive, but when you're stranded at night, practicality outweighs minimalism every time. Also, speaking as someone who just navigated insurance policies for the first time—make sure your roadside assistance covers EV-specific issues. Learned that one the hard way... granola bars won't recharge your battery.
"Might seem excessive, but when you're stranded at night, practicality outweighs minimalism every time."
Couldn't agree more with this. Honestly, there's no such thing as "too prepared" when it comes to being stuck somewhere unfamiliar, especially at night. I've seen plenty of clients who thought their roadside assistance covered everything—until it didn't. EV-specific coverage is still a bit of a gray area for some insurers, so it's great you're highlighting that point. And hey, granola bars might not recharge your battery, but they're definitely good for recharging your patience while you wait for help to arrive... been there myself, haha.
Also, quick tip: if you're ever unsure about what's covered, don't hesitate to call your provider and ask directly. Policies can be confusing, and it's always better to double-check beforehand than find out the hard way later. Glad you got through it safely though!
Good points here, especially about coverage confusion. I've had more than a few clients surprised by what's NOT covered when it comes to EV assistance. Policies are still catching up, and some providers haven't fully adjusted yet. Best bet is always to get clarity upfront—no one likes surprises when they're already stranded.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned much is tire repair kits or portable inflators. Everyone talks about battery issues, but flat tires happen just as often, if not more. Had a client last month who waited over two hours because the roadside assistance dispatched wasn't equipped for EV tire changes (something about weight distribution or special jacks needed?). He ended up wishing he'd just carried his own kit.
Also, curious if anyone's had experience with those portable battery packs specifically designed for EVs? I've heard mixed reviews—some say they're lifesavers, others claim they're overpriced and barely give you enough juice to limp to the next charger. Are they worth the trunk space or just another gimmick?
