Guide to Towing Electric Vehicles Safely

A disabled EV is not a vehicle to pull with a rope, tow strap, or standard two-wheel dolly. This guide to towing electric vehicles explains why the right equipment matters, what drivers should do at the roadside, and how trained operators protect the vehicle, its battery system, and everyone nearby.

Electric vehicles can be exceptionally reliable, but a flat tire, collision, drained battery, damaged wheel, or electrical fault can still leave one unable to move. When that happens, the towing method must match the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. A mistake can damage the drive motors, high-voltage components, suspension, or underbody battery pack - and may create a costly repair that a proper tow could have avoided.

Why EV Towing Requires a Different Approach

Many gasoline vehicles can be towed with the drive wheels off the ground. That rule does not automatically apply to electric vehicles. EVs use electric motors, regenerative braking systems, electronic parking brakes, and high-voltage batteries. Some models have a motor on one axle, while all-wheel-drive models may have motors at both ends.

If powered wheels rotate while the vehicle is off, the motor can generate electricity. Depending on the design, that electricity may not have a safe place to go. The result can be damage to the motor, inverter, or related electronics. A vehicle that appears to be in neutral may still have towing restrictions.

Battery placement is another concern. Most EV battery packs sit low in the floor of the vehicle. They are protected, but they can be damaged by improper lifting, dragging over debris, or a recovery hook attached in the wrong location. An EV also weighs more than a comparable gas-powered car, so the tow truck, loading angle, tie-down points, and straps must be selected accordingly.

The Preferred Method: Flatbed Towing

For most electric vehicles, a flatbed or wheel-lift truck with dollies is the safest choice. A flatbed keeps all four tires off the road and avoids turning the drive wheels during transport. It also gives the operator better control when loading a vehicle that cannot shift, has locked wheels, or has suffered collision damage.

The operator should use the manufacturer-approved recovery or tow-eye attachment point, not suspension components, control arms, or random points under the body. Once the EV is on the deck, it must be secured with proper wheel straps and positioned to distribute its weight safely.

There are exceptions. A few EVs allow limited-distance towing under specific conditions, such as placing the vehicle in a designated transport mode. Some may permit wheel-lift towing only when the non-driven wheels remain on the road. Those details vary by make, model, drivetrain, and year. The owner’s manual is the authority, but in an emergency, a professional towing operator should verify the correct procedure before moving the vehicle.

What to Do Before the Tow Truck Arrives

Your first job is safety, not diagnosis. If the vehicle is stopped in traffic, move it only if it can be done safely and without further damage. Turn on hazard lights, keep passengers away from moving traffic, and contact emergency services if there are injuries, fire, smoke, or an active collision scene.

If possible, take these steps before assistance arrives:

• Put the vehicle in Park, set the parking brake if appropriate, and power it off.

• Move the key fob away from the vehicle so it cannot unexpectedly enter a drive-ready state.

• Tell the dispatcher the vehicle is electric, provide the make and model, and describe whether it has collision or underbody damage.

• If the vehicle was charging, disconnect the cable only when it is safe to do so. Do not handle damaged charging equipment.

Do not try to jump-start or force an EV into neutral unless you understand the manufacturer’s process. A low 12-volt battery can prevent the vehicle from releasing the electronic parking brake or selecting a transport mode, even when the high-voltage battery has plenty of charge. This is a common roadside issue, and it is one reason experienced EV handling matters.

EVs After a Collision Need Extra Caution

A collision can turn a standard tow into a recovery situation. Damage beneath the vehicle, a crushed rocker panel, fluid leaks, warning messages, unusual odors, smoke, hissing sounds, or visible battery damage all require a more cautious response.

High-voltage battery packs can be compromised without obvious exterior damage. A damaged pack may develop heat later, including after the vehicle has been loaded and transported. That is why the operator needs clear information about the impact, whether the airbags deployed, and any warning lights displayed before the incident.

Stay back from an EV that is smoking, burning, or producing a strong chemical odor. Do not open the hood, touch orange high-voltage cables, or attempt to access the battery area. Call emergency services immediately. Fire crews determine when the scene is safe; towing should begin only after they authorize vehicle removal.

For a collision-damaged EV, the destination matters as much as the tow. The vehicle may need to go to a qualified repair facility, dealership, or secure storage area where it can be inspected and monitored. It should not simply be parked in a crowded garage or next to other vehicles without guidance from emergency personnel or the manufacturer.

Can You Tow an Electric Vehicle With Another Vehicle?

In most cases, no. Using another personal vehicle to pull an EV with a rope, chain, or strap is risky and generally not recommended. It can damage the EV drivetrain, put excessive force on the recovery points, and create a serious traffic hazard. The added weight of an electric vehicle can also exceed what the pulling vehicle can safely control or stop.

A tow strap may have a limited role in a controlled recovery, such as moving a vehicle a few feet out of an immediate danger zone. Even then, the correct attachment point, angle, traction conditions, and vehicle condition are critical. It is not a substitute for professional towing.

The same caution applies to tow dollies. Unless the manufacturer specifically permits the configuration, avoid them. On an all-wheel-drive EV, leaving either axle on the road can rotate a motor and cause damage. A flatbed remains the practical default when the vehicle cannot be driven.

Information That Helps a Tow Operator Arrive Prepared

When calling for assistance, identify the vehicle as an EV right away. Give the exact make, model, year, and current location. Explain whether it is in a garage, parking structure, ditch, driveway, highway shoulder, or charging station, since access can affect which truck is required.

Describe the problem clearly. Is the battery depleted, or is the vehicle displaying a fault? Are the wheels locked? Can it shift into neutral or transport mode? Has it been in a collision? Is there underbody damage, smoke, a leak, or a flat tire? These details help the dispatcher send the right equipment instead of losing time at the scene.

For drivers in the Niagara Region, Regional Towing provides 24/7 roadside assistance and professionally handled towing for vehicles that need careful transport. Calling an established local operator is especially valuable when an EV is disabled after hours, on a busy roadway, or following an accident.

Choosing the Right Destination

A depleted battery does not always mean an EV must be towed to a dealership. If the vehicle has no warning signs, no collision damage, and can be safely charged, a suitable charging location may be enough. However, a vehicle with repeated charging failures, drivetrain alerts, reduced power warnings, or inability to enter drive mode should be evaluated by a qualified service facility.

If your EV is under warranty, roadside coverage or manufacturer requirements may influence the destination. Ask whether it should go to an authorized dealer, a specific repair center, or a storage facility. A good towing operator can transport the vehicle safely, but the owner or insurer should confirm where it needs to go.

The safest choice is simple: treat an EV tow as a specialized transport job, not a quick pull off the road. Give the dispatcher accurate details, keep clear of traffic and damaged high-voltage components, and let properly equipped professionals move the vehicle the way its manufacturer intended.