Can You Tow an Electric Car

As electric vehicles become more common on UK roads, many new owners are learning about the differences between traditional cars and modern EVs. One of the most frequent questions asked by drivers is whether you can tow an electric car safely. With petrol or diesel cars, towing is often straightforward, whether you are moving a broken-down vehicle or pulling a caravan. Electric cars, however, are built differently. Their drivetrains, weight distribution and electrical systems make towing far more complex. In many cases, towing an electric car incorrectly can cause serious damage to the motor or battery. Understanding the right way to move or recover an EV is essential for keeping it safe and compliant with UK regulations.

How Electric Cars Differ From Petrol Vehicles

Electric cars do not have traditional engines, transmissions or clutches. Instead, they use electric motors connected directly to the wheels, often through a single fixed gear. This design gives them instant acceleration and smooth performance but also means the motor is mechanically linked to the wheels at all times. In a petrol or diesel car, selecting neutral disconnects the engine from the drivetrain, allowing the wheels to spin freely when towed. In an electric car, there is no true neutral, which means the motor continues to rotate when the wheels turn.

When the wheels of an EV spin without power, the electric motor can start generating electricity through regenerative braking. This system is designed to recover energy during driving, but if it activates while towing, it can overload electrical components or damage the power electronics. For this reason, most electric car manufacturers warn against towing the vehicle with its drive wheels on the ground.

Why You Should Not Tow an Electric Car With the Drive Wheels on the Road

Towing an electric car incorrectly can cause extensive damage to its systems. When the drive wheels turn, the motor rotates even if the car is switched off. Without the correct control signals and lubrication systems operating, this movement can cause internal wear or electrical surges. Over time, this could lead to expensive repairs or even complete motor failure.

In addition, the traction battery is connected to high-voltage components that rely on temperature control. When the car is powered off, these cooling systems are inactive, which can result in overheating if the vehicle is towed for any distance. The battery management system is not designed to handle unregulated energy flow, and towing can disrupt voltage balance within the cells.

For these reasons, most manufacturers explicitly state that electric cars should never be towed with the driven wheels on the road. Instead, they must be transported using a flatbed recovery truck or trailer that keeps all four wheels lifted off the ground. This method eliminates the risk of mechanical or electrical damage.

Manufacturer Guidelines and Vehicle Variations

Different electric vehicle manufacturers have their own specific rules about towing and recovery. For example, Tesla, Nissan and Hyundai all recommend flatbed transport for their electric models. Some plug-in hybrid vehicles, however, can be towed short distances at low speeds if certain conditions are met, because they retain a partial mechanical link between the engine and wheels.

Before attempting to tow or move any EV, it is crucial to check the owner’s manual. Most vehicles have a special mode known as “Transport” or “Service” mode that allows the car to be moved short distances without harming the motor. This setting often releases the parking brake and disengages some regenerative braking functions, but it is not intended for long-distance towing. It is primarily used by recovery professionals to position the car safely onto a truck.

Ignoring these manufacturer instructions can void the warranty. If internal damage occurs as a result of improper towing, repairs may not be covered, leaving the owner with substantial costs.

Towing an Electric Car That Has Broken Down

If your electric car breaks down or runs out of charge, it is safest to call professional roadside assistance rather than attempting to tow it yourself. Recovery teams trained in electric vehicle handling know how to move EVs without causing harm to their systems. They typically use flatbed trucks designed to carry the entire vehicle securely.

When a breakdown occurs, the first step is to park safely, activate hazard lights and contact your breakdown provider. Explain that your vehicle is electric so they can send appropriate equipment. Many UK providers such as the AA, RAC and Green Flag now have EV-specific recovery services that include portable charging units or low-loader trucks.

If your vehicle must be moved from a dangerous position before recovery arrives, it may be possible to roll it a short distance manually. Some EVs can be placed in neutral or a special towing mode that allows the wheels to turn freely. This process is usually detailed in the vehicle’s handbook. However, this should only be done over very short distances on flat ground, as prolonged movement can still damage components.

What Happens If You Tow an Electric Car Incorrectly

Towing an electric car with its driven wheels on the ground can lead to a number of problems. The most common issue is damage to the motor’s bearings and internal windings due to lack of lubrication. The gearbox, although simple in design, also relies on lubricating oil circulation that only occurs when the car is powered on. Without it, parts can overheat and wear prematurely.

The regenerative braking system can also engage unexpectedly during towing. This occurs because the car’s control systems may interpret the spinning wheels as motion, causing the motor to generate current. Since the electrical circuits are not designed to handle energy flow in this situation, voltage spikes can occur, potentially damaging control modules and battery components.

Even short-distance towing can cause enough strain to trigger warning lights or fault codes, which may require professional diagnostic resets. In severe cases, the cost of repairing a damaged electric motor or inverter can run into thousands of pounds.

Flatbed Recovery: The Correct Method

Flatbed recovery is the safest and most widely accepted method for moving electric cars. It involves lifting the entire vehicle off the ground so that none of the wheels turn during transport. This eliminates the risk of motor damage, electrical feedback or overheating.

Professional recovery operators use winches, straps and wheel lifts to secure the car before loading it. The process typically involves placing the car in neutral or transport mode and releasing the parking brake if possible. Once on the flatbed, the vehicle is safely anchored using soft straps to prevent damage to the tyres or suspension.

This method is particularly important for all-wheel-drive electric vehicles, where both axles are connected to motors. In such cars, towing with any set of wheels on the ground could damage either motor. Flatbed recovery ensures that both the front and rear drivetrains remain stationary throughout the journey.

Towing Another Vehicle With an Electric Car

While most of the discussion focuses on towing an electric car, it is also worth noting that towing another vehicle or trailer with an EV has its own limitations. Many electric cars have lower towing capacities than petrol or diesel equivalents because towing increases energy consumption and places extra strain on the battery and motor.

Before attaching a trailer or caravan, it is important to check the car’s towing capacity listed in the manufacturer’s handbook. Some models, such as the Tesla Model X and Hyundai Ioniq 5, are designed to tow up to 1,600 kilograms, while smaller hatchbacks like the Renault Zoe are not approved for towing at all. Attempting to tow without manufacturer approval can invalidate the vehicle’s warranty and insurance.

When towing with an approved electric car, drivers must take into account reduced range, slower acceleration and longer stopping distances. Regenerative braking efficiency also decreases when towing, meaning more reliance on the physical brakes. Planning routes with accessible charging stations is essential, as energy consumption can increase by 30 to 50 per cent when towing.

UK Legal and Safety Regulations for Towing EVs

UK regulations require that any vehicle recovery or towing operation is conducted in a safe and roadworthy manner. For electric cars, this means following the manufacturer’s guidelines and ensuring the vehicle is transported using appropriate equipment. Professional recovery operators must comply with standards set by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which include provisions for handling high-voltage vehicles.

If you operate a business or fleet that includes electric vehicles, it is also advisable to train staff in basic EV safety and recovery procedures. Understanding the correct way to isolate high-voltage systems and handle stranded vehicles reduces risk during breakdowns.

Private drivers should never attempt to tow an EV using ropes, chains or straps. Even short movements could result in mechanical damage or loss of control, particularly if steering or braking systems are disabled. Always call a licensed recovery service equipped to handle electric vehicles safely.

Preventing the Need for Towing

One of the best ways to avoid towing situations is to maintain good charging habits and keep your vehicle’s software up to date. Most electric cars now include range estimators that display your remaining charge and suggest nearby charging stations. Using these features helps prevent running out of power unexpectedly.

Regular maintenance also plays a role. Ensuring your 12-volt battery is in good condition reduces the risk of electronic systems failing, as this smaller battery powers essential functions such as unlocking the parking brake and shifting into neutral. A flat 12-volt battery is one of the most common reasons EV owners find themselves unable to move their car.

It is also advisable to keep an emergency breakdown policy that covers electric vehicles. Modern recovery providers offer EV-specific services, including portable battery charging and safe flatbed transport, ensuring you never have to worry about improper towing.

Conclusion: Towing an Electric Car the Right Way

So, can you tow an electric car? The answer depends on how it is done. You should never tow an electric car with its drive wheels on the ground, as this can cause severe damage to the motor, gearbox and battery systems. Instead, the only safe and approved method is to use a flatbed recovery vehicle or trailer that lifts the car completely off the road.

Electric cars are sophisticated machines designed for efficiency and performance, but their unique mechanical and electrical systems require special handling. By following manufacturer guidelines and using professional recovery services, you can ensure that your vehicle remains safe and undamaged in the event of a breakdown.

For everyday drivers in the UK, the key takeaway is simple: do not attempt to tow your electric car yourself. Call a certified recovery service that understands EV technology and has the right equipment for the job. With proper care and planning, your electric vehicle will continue to deliver reliable, efficient performance for years to come without the risk of unnecessary damage from improper towing.