As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, towing companies are increasingly called upon to handle them. However, EVs come with unique requirements and considerations that make their towing different from traditional gas-powered vehicles. Knowing how EVs need to be handled safely and understanding the precautions involved ensures that they arrive at their destination without damage.
Here’s a look at what makes towing EVs different and why it’s essential to work with towing companies that understand these distinctions.
1. Weight of the Vehicle
Electric vehicles are generally heavier than traditional vehicles due to their batteries, which are large and dense. This added weight can impact towing requirements, as tow trucks need to be capable of handling the extra load.
Specialized Tow Trucks: Many EVs require flatbed towing, and the tow truck used must be strong enough to support the additional weight. Some towing companies use trucks with reinforced flatbeds or specific heavy-duty vehicles to safely transport EVs.
Lifting Capabilities: With heavier EVs, the equipment used for lifting the vehicle onto the flatbed must be rated for high loads. Wheel lifts, hooks, and towing straps also need to be more robust to safely support the EV’s weight without causing damage.
2. Battery Considerations and Fire Safety
EVs run on high-voltage lithium-ion batteries, which introduce safety risks that differ from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
Avoiding Short Circuits: Improper towing or rough handling can potentially damage the battery or its connections, leading to a short circuit or even a fire hazard.
Fire Precautions: Lithium-ion batteries are sensitive to heat and can catch fire if damaged or punctured. Towing professionals are trained to secure and transport EVs carefully, ensuring the battery remains stable and undisturbed.
Thermal Runaway Risks: In rare cases, damaged EV batteries can experience “thermal runaway,” a reaction where battery cells overheat and catch fire. Towing professionals with EV experience are trained to recognize warning signs and handle these situations safely.
3. Requirement for Flatbed Towing
Most EVs require flatbed towing due to their unique drivetrain and powertrain structures. Unlike traditional cars, many EVs don’t have a neutral mode that disengages the transmission, meaning that towing with any wheels on the ground can lead to damage.
Protecting the Drivetrain: EVs often have complex drivetrain systems that should not turn when the vehicle is off, as it can cause overheating and internal damage. Flatbed towing keeps all wheels off the ground, preventing these components from moving.
Eliminating Dragging Risks: For all-wheel-drive (AWD) or rear-wheel-drive (RWD) EVs, flatbed towing is essential to avoid dragging, which can cause strain on the transmission and potentially damage the motor or drivetrain.
Clear Manufacturer Guidelines: Many EV manufacturers recommend or even require flatbed towing in their manuals. Towing professionals familiar with EVs will know to follow these guidelines to avoid voiding warranties or causing preventable damage.
4. No “Neutral” Setting for Many EVs
In traditional cars, the neutral setting disconnects the engine from the transmission, allowing the wheels to spin freely while being towed. However, many EVs lack a true “neutral” mode, which means they cannot be safely towed with their wheels on the ground.
Motor and Transmission Locking: EV motors are often engaged even when the vehicle is off, locking the wheels and making wheel-lift towing or towing with the front or rear wheels on the ground unsuitable.
Flatbed Only: Because of the absence of a neutral mode, flatbed towing becomes the only safe option. Tow operators need to understand this, as attempting to tow an EV by dragging or with a wheel lift can severely damage the powertrain.
Emergency Power Down Options: In some cases, EVs have specific emergency power-down settings that towing professionals can activate to make towing safer, preventing accidental motor engagement during transport.
5. Battery Charging and Depletion During Towing
Some EVs experience battery drain while being towed, especially if the towing process involves any movement of the wheels.
Energy Recovery Systems: Some EVs are equipped with regenerative braking, which recharges the battery slightly as the wheels move. However, if the vehicle is improperly towed with wheels on the ground, this could drain the battery or cause overcharging of certain parts.
Battery Preservation: Flatbed towing prevents unnecessary battery depletion by keeping all wheels off the ground. Additionally, EV-savvy tow operators understand how to prepare an EV to avoid battery drain during longer transports.
Avoiding Power Drain: For some models, it’s best to disconnect the 12-volt auxiliary battery before towing, a step that towing experts may take for extended transports to preserve battery life.
6. Avoiding Damage to Low-Ground-Clearance EVs
EVs often have low ground clearance due to the placement of the battery packs beneath the vehicle. This means they require extra care during loading and unloading to prevent scraping or bottoming out.
Using Ramps and Adjusted Loading Angles: Towing professionals often use extended or angled ramps to load EVs onto flatbeds smoothly, avoiding damage to the undercarriage.
Air Suspension Adjustments: Some EVs, like Teslas, have adjustable air suspension. A knowledgeable towing professional will know to raise the suspension if possible before loading the vehicle to minimize the risk of scraping.
Battery Protection: Low ground clearance makes EV batteries more vulnerable to impacts from rough handling, so experienced tow operators take care to ensure the undercarriage remains unharmed during transport.
7. Understanding EV Technology and Best Practices
Many EV owners may not be familiar with the unique towing requirements of their vehicles. Towing companies with experience in EVs often educate customers on these differences and emphasize the importance of proper towing.
Specialized EV Training: Many professional towing services now train their staff on EV-specific handling, including how to respond to emergencies like battery malfunctions or high-voltage system alerts.
Detailed Knowledge of EV Models: With the diversity of EV makes and models, knowing the specific requirements for each can prevent potential damage. Some tow operators may even have specialized equipment or procedures for popular EV brands like Tesla, Nissan Leaf, or Chevrolet Bolt.
Support in Case of Emergencies: For roadside emergencies involving EVs, trained towing professionals understand how to address challenges like battery fires, which can differ significantly from traditional car fires.
Final Thoughts
Towing an electric vehicle isn’t just about getting it from one place to another; it’s about ensuring that the vehicle’s advanced technology is protected during the process. The need for flatbed towing, awareness of battery risks, and special handling practices make professional towing services with EV experience invaluable. Working with a knowledgeable towing service can ensure your EV is safely transported without damage, giving you peace of mind that your vehicle is in expert hands.
If you are in Glen Waverley, Victoria 3150, Australia and looking for a tow truck service or roadside assistance service, this is the best way to visit us.
Melbourne Towing Guys
12 Esperance Rd
Mount Waverley VIC 3149
(03) 7037 7636
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