Electric vehicle towing requires a different approach compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars. The unique design of an EV’s drivetrain and high voltage electrical system means that incorrect towing methods can cause severe, irreversible damage. Understanding the proper procedures for electric car recovery is essential for every EV owner in the UK. This guide provides detailed information on the correct techniques, the risks involved with improper handling, and how to find a specialist EV recovery service.
Why Do Electric Cars Need Special Towing?
Towing an electric vehicle is not a simple task of attaching it to another vehicle. The core components, including the electric motor and battery, necessitate specific recovery methods to avoid costly damage. The main reasons for this special handling relate to motor design, high voltage systems, and the vehicle’s permanent connection to the wheels.
Preventing Motor Damage from Regeneration
Most electric cars have a permanent live connection between the wheels and the electric motor. When the wheels turn, the motor spins. This is how electric motor regeneration works, capturing kinetic energy to recharge the battery slightly during braking or coasting. However, when an EV is towed with its driven wheels on the ground, this process happens continuously without the vehicle’s systems being active to manage it. This can generate uncontrolled electrical currents, leading to overheating and potentially permanent motor damage or even fire.
High Voltage Safety Precautions
Electric vehicles operate with high voltage DC systems, typically ranging from 400 to 800 volts. In the event of a breakdown or accident, these systems can pose a significant safety risk if not handled correctly. A certified EV technician is trained in high voltage safety and knows how to safely disconnect the battery system before transport. This is a critical step to prevent electrical shocks or fires during the recovery process. Specialist EV recovery UK services ensure their staff have the necessary qualifications.
Protecting the Battery and Drivetrain
The battery pack is often the most expensive component of an electric vehicle. It is typically a large, flat unit integrated into the car’s chassis. Incorrectly lifting or towing an EV can put stress on the chassis, potentially damaging the battery casing or internal cells. A flatbed towing electric vehicle method ensures the entire car is lifted off the ground, placing no strain on the battery, drivetrain, or suspension components. This is the manufacturer recommended method for most EVs.
What Happens if You Tow an Electric Car Incorrectly?
Failing to follow the correct procedures for EV recovery can lead to catastrophic consequences for the vehicle. The financial and safety implications far outweigh any potential convenience of using a traditional towing method.
Irreversible Damage to Electric Motors
Towing an electric car with its drive wheels on the road, a method known as “dinghy towing,” is the primary cause of damage. As the wheels turn, the motor acts as a generator. Without the car’s power management system online to regulate this energy, the motor can quickly overheat, frying its internal windings and electronics. This results in motor damage prevention failure, requiring a complete and expensive motor replacement.
Fire Risk from High Voltage Systems
An uncontrolled electrical charge generated during improper towing can create a significant fire risk. The energy has nowhere to go and can cause short circuits within the high voltage system or the battery itself. Recovery truck capabilities must include equipment and knowledge to mitigate these risks. This is why high voltage safety towing protocols are not just recommendations; they are essential safety measures.
Voiding Your Vehicle Warranty
Nearly all electric vehicle manufacturers explicitly state in their owner’s manuals that the car must be transported on a flatbed truck. Using any other method, such as a tow rope or a two wheel dolly, will likely void the vehicle’s warranty. If the motor or battery is damaged due to incorrect towing, the manufacturer will not cover the repair costs, leaving the owner with a substantial bill.
The Correct Methods for Electric Vehicle Towing
The safest and universally recommended method for transporting a broken down EV is on a flatbed recovery truck. This eliminates the primary risks associated with turning wheels and potential drivetrain damage.
Flatbed Towing: The Gold Standard
What is the best way to transport an electric car after a crash or breakdown? The answer is a flatbed truck. This method involves placing the entire vehicle onto the back of the truck. This ensures that none of the car’s wheels are in contact with the road during transport. It is the only method that guarantees no harm will come to the electric motor, battery, or transmission system. When searching for an electric car recovery near me, always specify that you require a flatbed service.
Wheel Lift Limitations and When They Apply
Wheel lift towing, where the front or rear wheels are lifted off the ground, is generally unsuitable for most electric cars. If the lifted wheels are the drive wheels, the other set of wheels remains on the ground, which could still cause damage on an all wheel drive EV. While some specific models might have a neutral mode that disconnects the motors, it is often unreliable or difficult to engage if the battery is completely flat. Given the risks, flatbed towing is always the superior option.
Can You Tow an Electric Car on Two Wheels?
No, you generally cannot tow an electric car on two wheels using a dolly. Even if the car is front wheel drive and the front wheels are on the dolly, the rear wheels can still be connected to a secondary motor in many models. Furthermore, the electronic parking brake may remain engaged without power, making it impossible to move the vehicle safely. UK laws on towing electric cars with a dolly are complex, but the primary issue is the high risk of vehicle damage.
UK Laws on Towing: Is Using a Tow Bar Illegal?
Is it illegal to tow an electric car with a tow bar in the UK? While not explicitly illegal in all circumstances for all vehicles, it is strongly advised against for electric cars and will void the warranty. The law requires the towed vehicle to have functional brakes and lights, which may not be possible if the EV has lost all power. Given the mechanical risks, using a tow bar on an EV is considered unsafe and negligent.
A Step by Step Guide for EV Breakdown
Experiencing a breakdown can be stressful. Knowing the correct steps to take when your EV stops working can ensure your safety and the vehicle’s integrity.
Your Car Won’t Start or Has Run Out of Charge
If your electric car won’t start or you have run out of charge, the first step is to move to a safe location if possible. Turn on your hazard lights. Many breakdown cover policies offer out of charge assistance. This may involve a mobile EV charging service coming to give you enough power to reach a nearby charging station. However, if the battery is completely flat or there is another fault, towing will be necessary.
Contacting a Specialist EV Recovery Service
Do not call any standard towing company. You need a specialist EV recovery service. When you call, inform them that you have an electric vehicle. Be prepared to provide your location, the make and model of your car, and a description of the problem. This allows them to dispatch the correct vehicle, usually a flatbed truck, and a certified EV technician. An emergency EV towing service London or in any major city will have dedicated EV capable crews.
Preparing Your Electric Car for Flatbed Towing
How to prepare an electric car for flatbed towing:
- Consult the Owner’s Manual: Locate the section on towing instructions. It will provide specific steps for your model.
- Engage Transport Mode: Many EVs have a specific “Transport Mode” or “Tow Mode” in their system settings. This typically disengages the parking brake and puts the car in neutral.
- Ensure Power: Engaging this mode may require some battery power. If the 12V battery is dead, the recovery service may need to jump start it to operate the vehicle’s electronics.
- Inform the Technician: Tell the recovery driver about any issues you had engaging the mode. They have the expertise to handle the situation safely.
Manufacturer Recommendations and Specific Models
Different EV manufacturers have unique procedures for preparing their vehicles for recovery. Always refer to your car’s manual as the primary source of information.
How Do I Put my Tesla into Tow Mode?
For most Tesla models, the process is straightforward. On the touchscreen, navigate to ‘Controls’ > ‘Service’ > ‘Towing’. Once you press and hold the ‘Towing’ button, the vehicle will shift into neutral and release the parking brake, allowing it to be winched onto a flatbed. It is important to note that the Tesla will exit Tow Mode if it is shifted into Park. The Tesla roadside assistance number can provide further guidance.
Can a Nissan Leaf Be Flatbed Towed?
Yes, a Nissan Leaf can and should be flatbed towed. The manufacturer’s instructions for a Nissan Leaf that runs out of battery in the UK state that it must be transported on a flatbed truck to a charging point or a specialist EV garage near me. Attempting to tow a Leaf with its drive wheels on the ground will cause serious damage to the electric motor.
Understanding ‘Safe to Tow’ Electric Vehicle Guidelines
A ‘safe to tow’ electric vehicle is one that has been correctly prepared for transport according to manufacturer guidelines. This means the high voltage system is secure, the vehicle is in a designated transport or neutral mode, and the parking brake is disengaged. Only a trained technician can fully assess if an EV is safe to tow, especially after an accident.
Finding the Right EV Recovery Service in the UK
As EV adoption grows, so does the network of specialised recovery services. However, not all breakdown providers have the right equipment or training.
What to Look for in a Specialist Garage
When selecting a breakdown service or a specialist EV garage near me for repairs, look for certifications in EV and hybrid vehicle maintenance. Technicians should have qualifications for working with high voltage systems. Check electric car recovery UK reviews to see other customers’ experiences. A reputable service will always use a flatbed for electric car recovery.
Breakdown Cover Policies for Electric Cars
Do all breakdown services cover electric cars in the UK? While most major providers like the AA, RAC, and Green Flag now offer EV breakdown cover, the level of service can vary. Check your roadside assistance membership details. Ensure your policy includes flatbed recovery for EVs and specifies out of charge assistance. Some policies may have limitations on towing distance.
The Cost of Electric Car Recovery from a Motorway UK
The cost of electric car recovery from a motorway in the UK can be higher than a standard recovery due to safety regulations and the need for specialist equipment. If you do not have breakdown cover, the one off charge can range from £150 to over £400, depending on the distance and time of day. Having a comprehensive breakdown policy is the most cost effective solution.
24/7 Electric Car Recovery in Major Cities
In urban areas, finding a recovery service is easier. Services like emergency EV towing service London or the best flatbed towing for electric vehicles in Birmingham offer 24/7 electric car recovery UK wide. These services are equipped to handle EV breakdowns in complex urban environments and have faster response times. The emergency EV towing service London price will be competitive but check for call out fees.
Conclusion: Prioritise Safety and Specialist Care
Towing electric vehicles safely is a non negotiable aspect of EV ownership. The technology within these cars demands specialist knowledge and equipment to prevent severe and expensive damage. Always remember that flatbed towing is the only manufacturer approved method for nearly every electric car on the market. Ensure your breakdown cover policy is suitable for your EV and never allow an untrained person to recover your vehicle. By prioritising high voltage safety and correct handling, you protect your investment and ensure a safe resolution to any breakdown situation.
