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Can Electric Cars Be Towed?

Published by Joe Webster.

Can Electric Cars Be Towed?

Electric cars are becoming more efficient, faster, and, most importantly, cheaper in recent years. This is alluring drivers to buy an EV for the first time. However, what happens when your EV breaks down? Can you tow it?

While towing electric vehicles is technically possible, there are a few factors to remember.

This article will outline the factors you should consider before towing your electric vehicle, the equipment you'll need, and what you should expect from a professional service.

Everything You Need to Know About Towing an Electric Car

Pulling an EV differs slightly from moving a conventional gas-powered car. Because batteries power vehicles, they don't have the same engine as gasoline-powered vehicles.

When towing an electric vehicle, you need to exercise particular caution.

The first step is to confirm that the tow truck driver is familiar with the vehicles and is skilled in correctly attaching and securing the tow bar. Before attempting to tow the car, it's crucial to ensure the battery is unplugged.

The manufacturer will have guidelines for speed limitations or other restrictions while moving, so check the manual for specifics.

a vehicle plugged in and charging
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Reasons Why You Would Haul an EV

Several scenarios may call for towing an EV:

  • The safest and most effective approach to get your car to the closest repair facility if it develops a flat tire or loses its battery is to tow it
  • Brake problems may also result in the need to be pulled because they might be dangerous
  • The best approach to moving a car without increasing wear and tear is to tow

These vehicles are becoming increasingly common, but they are susceptible to problems like flat tires or running out of power from being unable to find a charging station.

In these circumstances, the ideal approach to tow this car is with flatbed tow trucks, automobile carriers, or car haulers. These services ensure your vehicle gets to its destination safely and reliably.

Can you jumpstart an EV?

In contrast to conventional gas-powered, electric vehicles contain two distinct kinds of batteries: a 200+ volt engine battery and a 12-volt battery akin to those found in other cars.

Like any other automotive battery, the 12-volt battery can be jumpstarted with jumper wires if it is dead. However, ensure it is unplugged and not charging before attempting to jumpstart it. Doing so could cause a short circuit and total the vehicle.

Although some types of cars can be severely damaged from a jump start with cables, it can harm the electronics on board.

As a result, you should check with the car manufacturer's manual on how to proceed with a jumpstart.

Moving EV

For safety reasons, manufacturers advise that EVs only be transported on flatbed trucks. This eliminates wheel movement and guards against battery or other component damage.

Electric automobiles could be damaged if towed using hook and chain trucks, tow dollies, or wheel lift tow trucks.

Extra care must be taken when towing because numerous components might be harmed. The safest method of carrying is on a flatbed truck since it offers stability and support while preventing wheel movement.

When moving, it's crucial to adhere to any recommendations given by the maker of your electric car.

Electric motors are always engaged

Electric cars and trucks do not need a gearbox to control the power going to the wheels because these motors are always engaged in them.

As a result, they are more effective than conventional gasoline-powered cars and can engage in regenerative braking.

By transforming the wheels' kinetic energy into electricity and returning it to the battery, regenerative braking extends the range of the vehicle.

However, if its battery runs out or develops a flat tire, it must be hauled to a charging station or auto repair shop.

Another reason a towing might be required is if the car has any brake problems or needs to deliver it any significant distance.

a vehicle connected to a charging station

Why does an EV need a powerful tow vehicle for Hauling?

  • Due to their massive batteries and engines, EVs are heavier than their gasoline-powered equivalents.
  • Unlike a traditional vehicle, they are challenging for one person to maneuver independently due to the increased weight.

Can You Tow a Broken-Down EV or Tesla?

Extra caution must be taken when towing to prevent damage to the car. These vehicles may need to be pulled for several reasons, such as a dead battery, flat tire (and no spare tire), or running out of power.

When moving a Tesla, it's crucial to use a flatbed truck to minimize potential hazards. Dragging along the road could result in harm because not all of them have a neutral mode.

A Tesla's transport mode is only intended to be used for a maximum distance of ten meters and to win it onto a flatbed truck.

Tesla advises towing with all four wheels off the ground, adding that Model 3 wheels shouldn't spin until they are traveling at less than three mph and for 30 feet.

It is not advised to tow an electric automobile because it could sustain additional harm. If your it needs to be towed, utilize a flatbed truck. Before starting any movement, see if your model has a neutral or hauling mode.

Can an EV be tugged behind a motorhome?

It is possible to tow behind a motorhome. But it's crucial to use extra caution when doing so. A package appropriate for the weight and dimensions of the car must be installed in the motorhome.

The tow truck must also have enough power to pull the car securely.

Use a tow dolly or trailer intended for the weight and dimensions while towing it behind a motorhome.

The vehicle must also have enough power to pull the car securely. Before starting the tow, it's crucial to confirm that all appropriate safety equipment is in place.

Will towing charge?

The simple answer is "No"; an EV cannot be charged while towing. Therefore, pulling is only an option when the car runs out of fuel or has a flat tire and no spare.

While moving can assist in moving, it does not offer any charging possibilities.

Furthermore, not all EVs have a neutral mode, so dragging one along the road could be harmful.

Nissan LEAF and other EVs with a neutral mode

In neutral mode, the Nissan LEAF and other cars can be towed without the motor being linked to the drivetrain. This contrasts with conventional gas-powered vehicles, which need to be neutral when pulled.

Electric cars like the Nissan LEAF and Chevy Volt's neutral mode detaches the motor from the drivetrain, allowing them to be securely towed.

Due to its distinctive design, towing demands extra care and attention. However, thanks to their neutral mode, these vehicles can be safely moved without damage.

Moving helps to use a flatbed since this will prevent any damage from occurring while in transit.

Why do some EVs have Tow Mode?

  1. A dedicated tow or service mode setting guarantees safety when pushing or towing an electric car
  2. This setting disables regenerative braking, which could cause the vehicle to accelerate suddenly if it is being pushed or towed dangerously.
  3. Drivers can safely tow or push their vehicles with this setting without worrying about sudden acceleration.

What Happens When You Move EV on Four Wheels?

An electric car can be dangerous to tow on four wheels because;

  • The drive motor might turn, which could cause it to overheat and harm it. While the Tesla Model S gearbox includes a mechanical oil pump that will circulate oil even while the vehicle is being towed, some feature an electronic oil pump that can be damaged if it is turned off.
  • EV's without a neutral or transit mode must be pulled rather than pushed because doing so could harm the motor.

In general, it is not advised to tow because it could result in additional harm to the car. Instead, these vehicles should be pushed into neutral or a comparable mode to prevent damage.

Before attempting this mode of delivery, drivers must be aware of the dangers involved and take the necessary measures.

a vehicle is plugged into a charging station

Leave EV Delivery to the Professionals

A professional service is, of course, the best option when transporting your Electric vehicle.

Whether you just need it to be taken a short distance or across the country, we can offer many ways to move your vehicle.

It would be best if you came to us for all your moving needs. We offer everything from international air freight to towing services for your electronic vehicles.

Please get in touch with A-1 Auto Transporttoday for s service that fits all your auto and cargo-hauling needs.

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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