Why an EV can’t be towed
When a car is pulled by a tow truck with a regular hook and chain, its wheels are forced to spin. On a regular car, this is fine – as long as the vehicle is in “neutral”, not “park”. With an EV, however, this dragging method can lead to disaster.
Because of regenerative breaking, when an EV’s wheels spin, they generate constant power to charge the battery. If that power has nowhere to go because the car is being towed, the battery and motor are at risk of serious damage. If you tow your EV like this, what could’ve been a simple fix can turn into several thousand dollars’ worth of repairs to crucial parts of your vehicle.
To avoid this, never tow your EV with its wheels on the ground.
How to move a dead EV
Compared to regular cars, EVs don’t break down very often. This is thanks to their simple drivetrain. Despite this, breakdowns aren’t impossible, and your EV is still at risk of other complications, like getting a flat tire (for example). If you’re ever in one of these emergency situations, you’ll be glad you learned how to move your EV safely.
The best way to tow an EV is with a flatbed truck. When you call for roadside assistance, be sure to specify your vehicle is electric and will require this method. Dollies can also be used to tow an EV with a regular tow truck, but a flatbed truck is by far the most ideal approach.
With the vehicle turned off, the truck driver will use pulleys and jacks to lift the vehicle onto the flatbed. Safety chains or cables attached to the main structural members of the vehicle will hold it in place. Exact transport requirements may vary between automakers/vehicle type. Review your owner’s manual to find these details and check if your automaker has a roadside assistance program you can rely on.
Have your EV taken to a dependable mechanic with experience working on EVs.
Towing tips
Learning how to tow your EV can save you thousands of dollars by avoiding damage from regular towing methods. If at any point you notice the tow truck driver positioning the car improperly, ask them to stop and request help from an experienced professional. Before your EV is transported, remember to take out any valuables from the cabin.
Although EVs themselves can’t be towed, many of them can still tow other vehicles and trailers. For guidance on picking an EV to tow with, check out this article.
If you have any questions about towing an EV, visit a NexDrive service centre to speak with an expert.
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