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How to Tow an Electric Vehicle Safely
Angelo's Towing Team
EVs can't always be towed the way gas cars are. Here's what owners should know before the tow truck arrives.
Electric vehicles are towed differently from most gas cars. Many EVs have motors connected directly to the wheels, so towing with the drive wheels on the ground can damage the drivetrain. A little preparation protects your car and makes the tow go smoothly.
Check your owner’s manual first
Every manufacturer publishes towing instructions. Look for the section on towing or transport. It will tell you whether the car must ride on a flatbed, whether it has a tow or transport mode, and where the tow points are.
Why a flatbed is usually the safest choice
A flatbed (rollback) carries all four wheels off the ground, so the motors don’t turn during the tow. Most EV makers recommend this method. When you call, ask for a flatbed and tell the dispatcher the car is electric.
Use tow or transport mode if your car has one
Some EVs have a tow mode or transport mode that releases the parking brake so the car can be winched onto a flatbed. The steps are usually on the touchscreen or in the manual. If the car is completely dead and won’t enter this mode, tell the driver so they can plan for it.
What to tell the dispatcher
Make, model and year.
That the car is electric.
Whether it powers on, or is fully dead.
Whether it can be put in neutral or tow mode.
Where you want it taken, such as a dealer service center or your home.
If the battery ran out of charge
A flat battery pack is a common reason EVs need a tow. Your manual or the manufacturer’s roadside line can tell you the nearest place to charge. A flatbed tow to a charger or service center is often the simplest fix.
