Can You Push an Electric Car

Electric cars are known for their smooth driving experience, instant acceleration and advanced technology. However, one question that often crosses the minds of new EV owners is surprisingly practical: can you push an electric car if it stops working or runs out of charge? With traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, a quick push to the side of the road or down a short incline is usually harmless. Electric vehicles, however, are built differently. They have complex drivetrains, heavy battery packs and electronic braking systems that make pushing them a much more delicate matter. While it is technically possible to move an electric car manually in some circumstances, there are specific safety precautions and limitations that every driver should understand before attempting it.

Understanding How Electric Cars Work

To understand why pushing an electric car is complicated, it helps to know what makes it different from a petrol vehicle. Electric cars do not use a traditional gearbox or clutch. Instead, they rely on an electric motor connected directly to the wheels through a fixed gear ratio. This design provides instant torque when accelerating but also means there is no neutral gear in the conventional sense.

In most EVs, the motor is directly linked to the wheels, and when the car is off or in park, the motor acts as a resistance point. It cannot freely rotate like a petrol engine in neutral. Additionally, electric cars have regenerative braking systems that capture energy when you lift your foot off the accelerator. This system applies slight resistance even when the car is coasting, which can make pushing the vehicle feel much harder than pushing a conventional car.

The onboard electronics also play a key role. Many electric vehicles have safety locks that engage the parking brake automatically when the car is turned off. In most cases, these electronic parking brakes cannot be disengaged without power. This makes pushing an electric car impossible unless specific procedures are followed.

What Happens When an Electric Car Runs Out of Charge

When an electric car runs out of charge, the motor simply stops providing power, but other systems may still function for a short time. Depending on the model, there might be enough residual charge in the auxiliary 12-volt battery to keep basic systems like hazard lights, power steering and braking active for a while. Once both the main traction battery and the 12-volt battery are depleted, the vehicle becomes completely inactive.

In this situation, it might seem logical to push the car to a nearby charging point, but this can be more difficult than expected. A typical electric car weighs significantly more than a petrol vehicle, largely due to the battery pack. For instance, a compact EV like a Nissan Leaf weighs around 1.6 tonnes, while a similar-sized petrol car might weigh closer to 1.2 tonnes. That extra weight makes manual pushing extremely hard without mechanical assistance.

If the car’s power system shuts down entirely, the transmission may also lock. This is a built-in safety feature to prevent movement when the car is powered off, but it can prevent you from rolling it freely. In such cases, you cannot simply push the car unless you first follow the manufacturer’s specific emergency procedures for shifting the vehicle into a transport or tow mode.

Is It Safe to Push an Electric Car?

In general, pushing an electric car is not recommended unless absolutely necessary. The safest approach is to use the vehicle’s official recovery mode or call for roadside assistance. Most EV manufacturers include detailed guidance on how to move or tow the car without damaging its electric motor or transmission.

Pushing an EV can be risky for several reasons. First, if the car is not properly placed in neutral or transport mode, pushing it could cause damage to the motor’s internal components. Regenerative braking may also create resistance that can harm the system if forced. Secondly, many electric vehicles use electronic steering and braking systems that may not function correctly without power. If the brakes or steering are partially engaged, pushing the car could be dangerous, especially on a slope or public road.

Another consideration is electrical safety. Even though electric vehicles are designed with robust insulation and automatic shut-off mechanisms, there is always a risk of electrical damage if the car is moved incorrectly while systems are active. For this reason, most manufacturers specifically advise against pushing an electric vehicle unless instructed to do so by their official recovery procedures.

How to Move an Electric Car Safely

If your electric car needs to be moved, the safest method is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for putting it into neutral or transport mode. Each car is different, but the general process usually involves activating the ignition without starting the motor, engaging a special setting on the infotainment screen or pressing a sequence of buttons to release the transmission lock. Some vehicles also require you to manually release the parking brake through a service lever or control switch.

If the car has some remaining charge, it may still be possible to drive it a short distance at low speed to reach a nearby charger. In these cases, switch off all non-essential systems such as air conditioning and heating to conserve energy for propulsion. If the car has completely shut down, it should be moved using professional recovery equipment such as a flatbed tow truck.

Never attempt to tow an electric car using a rope or traditional towing method with the drive wheels on the ground. Doing so can cause the electric motor to generate electricity while disconnected from its control system, potentially damaging key components. Flatbed towing ensures that all four wheels are off the ground, preventing stress on the drivetrain.

Why Electric Cars Are Heavier Than Petrol Cars

The main reason pushing an electric car is so difficult is its weight. EVs carry large lithium-ion battery packs, which can weigh several hundred kilograms depending on capacity. This makes them far heavier than traditional vehicles, meaning that even on level ground, pushing one requires considerable effort.

That weight also affects inertia, making it harder to start movement from a standstill. In addition, most EVs are equipped with low-rolling-resistance tyres that improve efficiency but reduce grip when stationary, making manual pushing even more challenging. The combination of these factors means that even if you can disengage the parking brake, moving an EV by hand is a strenuous and often impractical task.

Regenerative Braking and Resistance

Electric vehicles use regenerative braking to convert kinetic energy back into stored electricity during deceleration. This feature makes driving more efficient, but it also introduces a problem when trying to push the vehicle. As the wheels turn, the motor attempts to generate current, which creates resistance. Even a small amount of regenerative braking can make it feel like you are pushing against a strong brake.

Some models disable regenerative braking completely when the car is off, while others leave minimal resistance in place. If your EV feels particularly heavy to push, it may be because the system is still active. For this reason, following the correct manufacturer guidance is crucial before attempting to move the vehicle manually.

Emergency Situations and Roadside Assistance

If your electric car breaks down or runs out of charge in the middle of a journey, the best course of action is to call your breakdown provider. UK roadside assistance companies such as the AA and RAC have specialist recovery teams trained to handle electric vehicles safely. Many carry portable charging equipment capable of delivering enough power to get you to the nearest charging point.

If your car is stranded on a public road, turn on the hazard lights immediately and place a warning triangle behind the vehicle if it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to push the car into traffic or down an incline without assistance, as the braking system may not function normally. Wait for professional recovery to arrive, as they have the correct equipment and knowledge to move electric vehicles without causing damage.

For added peace of mind, consider a breakdown policy that specifically covers electric vehicles. These services are familiar with the unique requirements of EV towing and battery recovery, reducing the risk of expensive mistakes.

How to Prevent Running Out of Charge

The best way to avoid needing to push your electric car is to plan your journeys carefully. Most EVs come with advanced navigation systems that estimate range based on battery charge, driving style and terrain. Use these tools to plan charging stops before your battery drops too low. It is advisable to recharge when your battery reaches 20 per cent rather than waiting until it is nearly empty.

Home chargers make this even easier by allowing you to top up overnight. If you regularly drive long distances, installing a faster 7kW or 11kW home unit ensures your car is always ready for the next trip. Public charging networks are expanding rapidly, with thousands of new points added every year, so it is becoming easier than ever to find a charger when needed.

Conclusion: Pushing Is Possible, But Not Practical

So, can you push an electric car? Technically, yes, but it is rarely practical or advisable. The weight, electronic braking systems and lack of a true neutral gear make it difficult and sometimes unsafe to push an EV manually. In most situations, the best solution is to use the vehicle’s transport mode if available or call for professional recovery.

Electric cars are highly engineered machines designed with safety and efficiency in mind. Trying to move one manually can cause unnecessary strain or damage if not done correctly. Instead, proper preparation and awareness are the key to avoiding such situations. Keeping your battery charged, understanding your car’s systems and knowing what to do if it stops working will make electric vehicle ownership stress-free.

For UK drivers embracing electric mobility, peace of mind comes not from pushing a car, but from knowing how to manage it responsibly. While you can move an EV in an emergency, the safest and smartest approach is to rely on professional support and good charging habits. With a little planning, you will never need to worry about pushing your electric car again.