Why EVs Need Special Towing

Electric vehicles don’t work the same as regular petrol or diesel cars, so you can’t always use the same towing methods. You need to know these differences to protect your EV if it ever needs roadside assistance.

How EV drivetrains differ from petrol cars

EVs have far fewer moving parts than cars with combustion engines. Unlike regular cars with manual transmissions and traditional gearboxes, most EVs use a direct drive system without a neutral gear. That means you could seriously damage your EV’s parts by forcing its wheels to turn while connected to the motor.

The electric motors in these vehicles give maximum torque right away, making them quick off the mark, but also creating special challenges when they need towing. The smart motor control systems in EVs don’t work well when wheels spin without driver control.

Why flat towing can damage your EV

Pulling an EV with all wheels on the ground, also known as flat towing, can wreck your vehicle. The battery packs sit along the underside of most EVs, which means less ground clearance, and regular towing hooks and chains can damage the battery frame easily.

Flat towing your EV can cause several big problems:

• You might damage the electric motor assembly and powertrain parts
• The battery system could overheat or wear down
• Electronic systems might fail because they think there’s an emergency
• Repairs could get pricey

Car makers tell you to keep all four wheels off the ground during transport, even for front-wheel or rear-wheel drive EVs.

What about regenerative braking?

The biggest worry with wrong EV towing comes from regenerative braking. This smart system, found in most electric vehicles, saves energy that you’d normally lose while braking and puts it back in the battery.

Your EV’s wheels turning during towing might make the regenerative braking system charge the battery, but unexpected charging can hurt the power cells and might make them overheat or wear out faster. The heavy weight of a towed vehicle can also create too much kinetic energy, which could overwhelm both the electrical system and powertrain.

Safe Towing Methods for Electric Vehicles

If your electric vehicle needs roadside assistance, and you need to understand the right towing methods to prevent further damage. The right procedures will prevent damage to your EV’s sensitive components, and keep your wallet happy too. 

Flatbed towing: the gold standard

Flatbed towing is easily the safest way to transport electric vehicles. This method lifts all four wheels off the ground and eliminates risks to the drivetrain or electrical systems. Your EV’s specialised low-resistance tyres and delicate underbody components stay safe with this method, which is why Tesla and most other EV manufacturers recommend flatbed towing in their owner’s manuals. 

When dolly wheels are used

Dolly wheels are an alternative solution in an emergency if a flatbed truck isn’t immediately available. A jigger lifts either the front or rear wheels while others rest on a dolly to avoid ground contact. This method needs extra care to work safely. Front-wheel-drive EVs can be towed with dollies that lift the front wheels if there’s no active rear-wheel regenerative braking system. Always check your vehicle’s manual before you agree to this method.

Why skilled tilt tray operators are essential

Tilt tray operators get special training that helps them handle high-voltage vehicles safely. These experts know how to:

• Position EVs onto flatbeds with ramps or winches
• Use soft straps instead of chains to secure vehicles
• Keep attachments away from control arms or axles
• Use wheel skates to stop rotation during winching

How to prepare your EV for towing

Here’s what you should do before the tow truck arrives:

1. Put your vehicle in neutral if possible
2. Disengage the parking brake
3. Switch off the engine to prevent airbag deployment during tilting
4. Let your tow service know you have an electric vehicle
5. Check your owner’s manual for specific instructions
6. Remove all your belongings from inside the vehicle 

Common Mistakes

No matter how careful you are, breakdowns can happen to any driver. But as an EV driver, it’s important to know all the common mistakes to avoid. 

Assuming your EV can be towed like a regular car

Wrong towing methods like dragging wheels on the ground can damage your car’s motor, drivetrain, and high-voltage battery system. Your EV doesn’t have a traditional neutral mode to disengage the transmission, which makes standard towing risky.

Not informing the towing company it’s an EV

You need to tell the towing company right away that you have an electric vehicle. If you don’t, they might send the wrong equipment. Many manufacturers also require specific towing methods to keep your warranty valid.

Trying to push or jump-start the vehicle

EVs are different from gas cars, which means you can’t push them unless they have a neutral gear. A dead main battery won’t respond to jump-starting. Your manufacturer likely prohibits using your EV to jump-start other vehicles, and doing so could void your warranty.

Calling a general tow service without EV experience

Regular towing services might lack proper EV training and equipment. Your car needs special handling to avoid costly repairs. Make sure you find certified professionals who know EVs well and have good customer reviews.

What to look for in a professional EV towing provider

Getting help from towing professionals can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and an eye-watering repair bill. But choosing the right towing service for your electric vehicle takes more than a quick call to the nearest tower. Before you book a tow, look for these essential features:

• Flatbed trucks with non-conductive materials
• Technicians with proper EV handling certification
• Emergency service available around the clock
• Good feedback from EV owners who’ve used their service
• Your chosen service must know your EV model’s specific towing requirements.

Why Harvey’s Towing is trusted across SE Queensland

Here at Harvey’s Towing, we’ve been delivering quality service throughout Brisbane and South East Queensland for over 40 years. We’ve seen the rise of EVs first-hand, and we’ve adapted our methods to keep your electric vehicles safe. Our fleet can get your EV where it needs to go safely and securely, providing extra special care during breakdowns. 

We’ve got plenty of strategic locations across South East Queensland, so you can relax knowing we’ll get there fast. If you’re stuck with your EV, call us right away to move your car safely.