Can an Electric Vehicle Be Towed? Straight Answers

Written by

CarParts.com Research Team

Automotive and Tech Writers

Updated on February 2nd, 2024

Reading Time: 4 minutes
Summary
  • Electric vehicles can be towed the same as any other vehicle. However, some types of towing are not recommended.
  • Flat towing and wheel lift tow trucks are not advisable for electric vehicles because they can cause significant damage.
  • Flatbed trailers and hook and chain trucks are effective at towing electric vehicles.

Yes, electric vehicles (EVs) can be towed much like conventional gas-powered vehicles. However, there are certain factors that all drivers have to consider before getting their EVs towed because the wrong towing method can potentially lead to severe damage. Here are a few things that you should know when it comes to towing an EV.

Reasons for Towing an Electric Vehicle

Some drivers might forget to fully charge their electric batteries before a trip, resulting in a dead battery. In this scenario, the driver is likely to call a towing service to pick up their EV. The same solution applies if the EV suddenly breaks down and stops working. Just like conventional vehicles, EVs can also develop problems with their powertrain, steering, suspension, and brake systems. All of these can compromise a driver’s safety on the road. If you find yourself in this situation, pull over and call the nearest towing company.

Yes, EVs can be towed but there are certain factors that all drivers have to consider because the wrong towing method can potentially lead to severe damage.

Are you moving to a different state with your EV? You can request a shipping company to securely transport your EV to your new address. As much fun as it might sound to drive cross-country in your electric roadster, there may not be enough charging stations in some parts of the country to keep its battery charged throughout the journey. Getting your EV shipped is the most practical option.

Different Types of Towing

You might find yourself in a situation where you need to call a towing service. If you know which towing method is best for your EV, you can keep your EV’s components protected from wear and tear.

Flatbed Trailer

Flatbed trailers winch onto a vehicle so that none of its wheels are on the ground. This ensures no wear and tear to the EV’s components during towing.

Hook and Chain Trucks

These trucks are smaller than other tow trucks but their size allows them to maneuver around tight spaces better. They hook onto the vehicle and drag them away. Vehicles towed by hook and chain trucks always have two wheels on the ground, which means they are not good for EVs.

Using a flatbed trailer ensures no wear and tear to the EV’s components during towing.

Wheel Lift Tow Trucks

These trucks tow vehicles using a hydraulic yoke, which holds two of the vehicle’s wheels. The other two wheels will either be on the ground or connected to an electric car tow dolly. This method is not ideal for EVs.

Flat Towing

Flatbed towing involves pulling a vehicle with all of its four wheels on the ground. This method of towing is common for conventional campers or RVs, but it can damage your EV’s components.

It might be possible to tow some EVs that aren’t all-wheel drive with two of their wheels on the ground. However, most vehicle manufacturers recommend towing an EV with all four wheels off the ground, which means using a flatbed trailer.

Potential Dangers of Flat Towing an Electric Vehicle

EVs have different components that can be damaged as a result of flat towing. The electric motor assembly and other parts of the powertrain might get damaged if the towed EV has all four wheels on the ground. Flat towing is only recommended for conventional vehicles that have a manual transmission and a neutral gear. Though some Tesla and Nissan models have a transport mode that acts like a neutral, this option should only be used to load an EV onto a flatbed trailer. Most vehicle manufacturers recommend having all four wheels off the ground, even when an EV is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.

Where to Get Quality Electric Batteries

If your EV needs to be towed regularly despite your vigilant charging efforts, chances are there’s something very wrong with its battery. This can lead to you frequently getting stranded and increased towing costs, so it’s best to buy a new battery as soon as possible. Thankfully, CarParts.com has just what you need.

Finding a new battery for your EV should be straightforward using the easy-to-navigate CarParts.com website. First, guarantee the battery’s fit by using our built-in vehicle selector. Then, choose from our array of quality aftermarket batteries. Finally, use our convenient and secure checkout to finalize your purchase. We offer fast shipping and should have your new battery at your door in as fast as two business days. For any questions or concerns, reach out to our friendly and helpful customer service team. We’re available around the clock.

Order your new electric battery on CarParts.com today.

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