Interesting point about roadside assistance trucks—I hadn't really thought about that. I'm actually shopping around for my first EV insurance policy right now, and this whole discussion has me wondering: do most insurance companies automatically include coverage for EV roadside assistance, or is that something you usually have to add separately? I mean, it sounds like a lifesaver if you're stuck somewhere remote, but I bet it's not standard everywhere yet.
Also, about the solar chargers...I get they're slow, but maybe they're still useful as a backup for smaller stuff like phones or flashlights during emergencies? Like, maybe they're not ready for cars yet, but could still be handy to have around just in case. Has anyone here actually had a good experience with portable solar gear, or is it pretty much always disappointing?
Most insurers I've dealt with lately do offer roadside assistance as an add-on rather than standard, especially for EVs. It's worth double-checking your policy details—better safe than sorry, right? As for portable solar gear, I once took a small solar charger camping thinking I'd be the hero charging everyone's phones... ended up barely getting enough juice to power my own flashlight. Handy in a pinch, sure, but definitely manage your expectations!
"Handy in a pinch, sure, but definitely manage your expectations!"
Haha, I feel this. Took one of those solar chargers on a road trip once thinking I'd be all eco-friendly and prepared... ended up chasing sunlight around parking lots like some kinda desperate plant. 😂 Anyway, speaking of roadside assistance add-ons, anyone ever actually had to use theirs for an EV? Curious if the response times differ much from regular gas cars.
Had to use mine once when my EV battery dropped faster than expected on a cold day. Honestly, response time wasn't noticeably different from when I had a flat tire in my old gas car—maybe 30-40 mins tops. But the real issue was the tow guy wasn't familiar with EV specifics, so I had to walk him through the towing mode setup. So yeah, roadside assistance is fine, but make sure you're comfortable explaining your car's quirks...
"But the real issue was the tow guy wasn't familiar with EV specifics, so I had to walk him through the towing mode setup."
That's a fair point, but honestly, I'm not sure it's reasonable to expect every roadside assistance operator to be familiar with all EV models, given how many variations there are now. A better solution might be manufacturers providing clearer instructions in the manual or even a quick-reference card for towing scenarios. I've seen some brands doing this already—might save drivers from having to give impromptu tutorials on the roadside...
