Building an EV Emergency Kit: What to Keep in Your Electric Car

Electric cars are reliable, but they don't carry a spare tire, and they still have a 12-volt battery that can leave you stranded even with a full traction battery. A smart EV emergency kit looks a little different from the one you'd keep in a gas car. Here's the practical checklist.

1. A portable tire inflator

Most EVs ship without a spare. A rechargeable inflator with a digital gauge handles slow leaks and lets you top up pressure — which matters more on an EV, where low tires noticeably cut range. Get one that auto-shuts-off at your target PSI.

2. A 12V jump pack

This surprises new owners: the big battery powers the motor, but a small 12V battery runs the computers, door handles, and contactors. If the 12V dies, the car may not "wake up." A compact lithium jump starter gets you going and doubles as a power bank. The NOCO Boost-style jump pack is a popular choice.

3. A tire repair (plug) kit

With no spare, a plug kit and the inflator above can turn a puncture into a 10-minute fix instead of a flatbed tow.

4. Recovery and visibility gear

A reflective triangle or LED flare, a tow strap rated for your vehicle's weight (EVs are heavy), gloves, and a flashlight cover the basics. Heavier vehicles like trucks and SUVs need higher-rated straps.

5. First aid and weather basics

A compact first-aid kit, a foil emergency blanket, and water round it out. In an EV you can run the climate control for a long time on battery, but it's smart to be prepared if the car is disabled.

6. The right charging adapter

Keep a Level 2 charging adapter that fits the connectors you might encounter on a trip. It's not strictly "emergency," but being unable to use an available charger is its own kind of roadside problem.

Build your kit from our safety and roadside gear, and see several of these items demonstrated on the Watch & Learn page.