Electric vehicles (EVs) are common on roads today, but many drivers still don’t know that these vehicles need special care when they break down, especially when it comes to towing.
Towing an EV the wrong way can seriously damage its battery, electric motor, or internal electronics, which are all very different from the parts in a regular petrol or diesel car.
Calling a tow truck service that understands how EVs work and how to tow them safely will save you a lot of trouble, and Benny’s Towing Service has the experience plus tools to move them without causing harm.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to tow an EV safely, what towing mistakes to avoid, and how to stay prepared if your electric car ever breaks down.
Why Towing an EV Is Different
Towing an electric vehicle (EV) is not as simple as pulling it like a regular petrol or diesel car because EVs are built differently. Unlike traditional vehicles, most EVs don’t have a gearbox or a true neutral gear, as the wheels are always connected to the electric motor, even when the car is off.
When you tow an EV with its wheels on the ground, the spinning wheels can force the motor to turn. If the car’s systems are powered off, this motion can damage key components like the electric drivetrain or the regenerative braking system, which is designed to capture energy while slowing the car down.
EVs are also different because some are front-wheel drive, others are rear-wheel drive, while others use all-wheel drive. This makes a difference during towing because the type of drivetrain affects how the car must be lifted or moved to avoid harm.
How to Tow an Electric Car Safely
The safest way to tow any electric vehicle is by using a flatbed tow truck, which lifts the entire car off the ground so that no wheels touch the road or spin during transport. This method prevents any damage to the car’s drivetrain, battery, or sensitive electric systems, all of which can be harmed if the wheels turn while the vehicle is powered off.
When towing an EV, professional tow truck companies like Benny’s Towing Service will follow these key steps to protect an EV during towing:
- Turn off the car completely to avoid accidental power surges or system errors.
- Activate “Transport Mode” or “Towing Mode” if the EV has it, which safely prepares the car by disabling certain functions that could be damaged.
- Use proper straps and secure the car carefully to the flatbed to prevent scratches, bending, or stress during loading and transport.
Towing Mistakes That Can Damage Your EV
Many drivers and inexperienced tow truck operators make common mistakes when towing electric vehicles, which can cause serious damage.
Here are some of the most frequent errors:
● Towing with the wheels on the road causes the wheels to spin and can harm the electric motor or drivetrain.
● Pulling the car with a rope or chain puts uneven stress on the vehicle and can damage the body or internal parts.
● Ignoring the manufacturer’s towing instructions puts the entire vehicle at risk.
These mistakes cause real problems for electric cars. For example, the electric motor can overheat when the wheels spin without power, leading to costly repairs. The battery can also receive back-feed electricity, which may cause short circuits or permanent damage. Some expensive parts, like the battery or motor, might get damaged beyond repair if towed incorrectly.
Repairs for electric vehicles are costly and often not covered under warranty if the damage happens because of improper towing. This means that a small mistake during towing can lead to thousands of dollars in repair fees, leaving you with a big, unexpected bill.
What to Do When Your EV Breaks Down
If your electric vehicle breaks down, you must stay calm and follow a simple action plan to keep yourself and your car safe.
- Pull over safely: Move your car off the road to a safe spot as soon as possible.
- Turn on hazard lights: Make sure other drivers can see you clearly by turning on your hazard lights.
- Power off your vehicle properly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to switch off your EV safely and protect its systems.
- Don’t push or tow the EV yourself: Avoid trying to push or tow the car independently because improper handling can cause serious damage to the battery, motor, or other parts.
Instead of handling the situation yourself, call an experienced towing team like Benny’s Towing Service to help you whenever needed.
Read Your Owner’s Manual First
Every electric vehicle has an owner’s manual with specific towing instructions, which can vary greatly between different models.
The manual tells you exactly what type of drivetrain your EV has and how the car should be towed to avoid damage. It also shows the correct and safe places to attach hooks or straps so you don’t accidentally damage the battery or sensitive parts of the vehicle during towing.
Here is a simple checklist to help you tow your electric vehicle safely and avoid costly damage:
● Always choose flatbed towing because it lifts the entire car off the ground, keeping the wheels from spinning and protecting the drivetrain and battery.
● Never let the drive wheels touch the road unless your owner’s manual says it is safe, as spinning them can seriously damage your EV.
● Always call a tow truck service that understands electric vehicles, not just any regular towing company, since EVs need special knowledge and equipment.
Your EV Deserves the Best Care
Towing an electric vehicle is very different from towing a traditional gas car, and using the wrong method can cause serious and expensive damage to your battery, motor, or electronics.
If you ever feel unsure about how to tow your electric vehicle or need help during a breakdown, trust Benny’s Towing Service, a trusted tow truck service, to get the job done right, protecting your car and giving you peace of mind.