Can Electric Cars Be Towed?
If you’ve ever seen what it takes to charge one up, you might wonder, “Can electric cars be towed??”
It’s a good thing to know when yours runs out of juice or breaks down. With the technology’s current limitations, you might also want to know this if you’re suddenly stranded in a faraway location without a recharging option.
As the speedy towing service Tucson locals trust, Formula 1 Collision Center knows how to handle various vehicle types safely – including towing electric cars. Keep reading to learn more.
Is Towing Electric Car Models Possible?
Yes, but the process is a little more complicated than a regular car.
Most EV models have no gearbox, which means you can’t just slide them into neutral to disengage the power source. If you tow them, you would need to do it while the electric vehicle is in drive or reverse, but that could engage the electric components and cause serious damage to the battery and motor.
Towing by dragging won’t work for an electric vehicle!
What about towing hybrid car designs? While they usually have neutral gear, dragging these cars may also affect their electrical elements, so experts don’t advise it.
Some Towing Solutions for Electric Vehicles
What are the options for safe electric car transport when towing? Let’s go over the options.
Wheel Lift Tow Trucks
Can electric cars be towed? with wheel lifts? A hydraulic yoke holds two of the vehicle’s wheels while the other two stay connected to the ground or attached to a tow dolly. Wheel lifts aren’t ideal for EVs, as two wheels can still engage the motor.
Hook and Chain Trucks
The smaller size of these trucks compared to other tow vehicles means easier maneuvering. They latch onto the car and drag it away. However, with two wheels on the ground, it’s also not the best choice for EVs.
Flat Towing
Surprisingly, this is probably the least safe option for an electric vehicle tow. It’s the go-to choice for RVs and conventional campers. Bear in mind that this towing method can damage an EV’s components.
Flatbed Trailer
Lastly, many people mistake this method for flat towing, but flatbed trailers winch onto a vehicle so that none of its wheels touch the ground. You won’t have to worry about its components wearing down, but these trailers are also pricey to rent, take longer to set up than your standard tow, and may struggle to handle private property towing with tight spots.
Consult the Source – EV Manufacturer Guidelines
With new and improved models released each year, it’s smart to check with your electric car’s manufacturer for the most up-to-date advice. They know their designs best and give EV towing guidelines. Some Tesla and Nissan models already have a Transport Mode (like neutral) to load your EV onto a flatbed trailer.
Safely Flatbed Towing EV Models in Tucson
Can electric cars be towed?? If you need assistance, leave it to Formula 1 Collision Center. Dial (520) 369-4291, or read more on our blog about the legalities of calling a tow truck on someone and more.