A Tesla driver has shared how a series of unfortunate events left her stranded on the side of the road.
The Model 3 driver was left stuck when the EV label — a blue triangular badge — fell off her license plate and punctured the rear right tyre.
The label serves as a safety measure for emergency responders in the event of an accident involving an electric vehicle, ensuring the appropriate steps are taken to prevent any potential hazards due to the car’s large battery.
However, the driver not only suffered a flat tyre from her car’s EV label but also had to call a tow truck because Tesla vehicles are not fitted with a spare wheel.
‘What are the odds. I vote for circular, EV number plate badges,’ she wrote on social media.
The driver explained this was the second time she needed to have her EV towed due to a flat tyre.
‘I needed to get two new rear tyres last time and arrange overnight accommodation as they couldn’t match the originals unless I wanted to wait three days in Bairnsdale on a trip back from Melbourne. An expensive exercise,’ she wrote.
Many Aussies slammed Tesla for not providing a spare tyre with all its models.
‘Crazy that these have to be towed due to no spare – I know that most modern cars are doing this, but it’s actually just nuts,’ one said.
‘They should give a spare tyre for such instances. So you can just change the tyre and be on the way.’
Other social media users explained Tesla provided a roadside service that assisted them when they suffered a flat tyre.
‘Recently had a flat, the car recognised it right away and contacted Tesla service,’ one said.
‘They sent out a tow truck with a spare. Took about 40 min for them to get there and put it on.’
The majority of EVs do not come with spares due to extra weight they add to the vehicle and amount of space the tyre takes up.
‘The reason is that it’s hard to get enough physical clearance over the brake to fit a spare wheel. These big and huge spare wheels are also very heavy – and extra weight costs range in an EV,’ explained Tom Baker, editor of ChasingCars.com.au.
‘For people based in metropolitan areas, within easy reach of roadside assistance and replacement tyres, that isn’t necessarily a major problem.’
Mr Baker suggested that one solution is to purchase a spare tyre through an electric vehicle dealer.
‘This set can then be placed in the boot of your vehicle – but this takes up a lot of space, and can be a major hazard if not tied down adequately,’ he said.