Can You Tow
an Electric Car?
Only on a flatbed. UK manufacturers prohibit conventional towing of EVs because rolling wheels generate current in the motor that can damage the inverter. Roadside recovery for EVs is now flatbed-only across all major UK providers. Here are the rules and the reasoning.
Only on a flatbed truck with all four wheels off the ground. Conventional rope or dolly towing of an EV is prohibited by UK manufacturers because the wheels turn the motor (which acts as a generator) and produce uncontrolled current that can damage the inverter electronics. The AA, RAC and Green Flag all use flatbed-only recovery for EVs. The rare exception is some EVs that allow short-distance neutral-mode towing under specific manufacturer conditions.
UK Recovery Standard
All major UK roadside recovery operators (AA, RAC, Green Flag) now use flatbed-only recovery for EVs to protect the inverter.
Conventional Tow Allowed
Manufacturer handbooks prohibit any conventional rope or dolly towing of EVs with wheels on the ground unless explicitly permitted.
Typical Recovery Cost
UK flatbed recovery for an EV breakdown typically costs £100 to £300 depending on distance. Often covered by AA or RAC membership.
Some Manufacturer Exception
A few manufacturers allow very short distance neutral-mode rolling at walking pace under specific emergency conditions only.
What this page covers
Why UK electric cars must be flatbed-recovered
The mechanical reason EVs cannot be conventionally towed comes down to how the motor is connected to the wheels. In most EVs the motor is permanently coupled to the drive wheels through a single-speed reduction gear. When the wheels turn, the motor turns. When the motor turns under power, it produces motion. When the motor turns without power being applied, it produces electricity (it acts as a generator).
That generated electricity has to go somewhere. In a controlled situation (regenerative braking) the electricity goes back into the battery through the inverter. In an uncontrolled towing situation, the inverter is not configured to handle the rapid generation and the current can damage the inverter electronics or in worst case the battery management system.
The flatbed solution
Flatbed recovery puts all four wheels off the ground entirely. The wheels do not turn so the motor does not generate. The vehicle can be transported any distance without electrical risk. Every modern UK EV manufacturer mandates flatbed recovery as standard. The major UK roadside operators (AA, RAC, Green Flag) have transitioned their fleets to support EV-compatible flatbed recovery.
The narrow exception
A handful of manufacturers allow very short-distance neutral-mode rolling at walking pace as an emergency option (typically up to 30 metres at no more than 5 mph). This applies to clearing the EV from a traffic lane or moving it within a car park. Anything beyond a few metres requires flatbed transport. Check your specific vehicle handbook before assuming neutral-mode rolling is allowed.
What about all-wheel drive EVs
Dual-motor or quad-motor EVs (Tesla Model X, Audi e-tron, BMW iX) are even more strict about towing because both axles have motors. Towing with any wheel turning generates electricity from at least one motor. There is no 'just lift the front' option that some petrol all-wheel-drives allow. Always flatbed for AWD EVs.
EV recovery options compared
What happens at a UK EV breakdown
Pull over safely
Get the EV off the carriageway if possible. Use hazard lights. If on a motorway, exit to the hard shoulder or refuge area and stay safe.
Call roadside recovery
AA, RAC, Green Flag or your manufacturer's specific assistance service. Inform them it is an EV so they dispatch a flatbed-capable vehicle.
Wait for flatbed arrival
The recovery operator arrives with a flatbed truck rated for EV weight. Time depends on UK location and current demand.
Loaded onto flatbed
EV winched onto the flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. Recovered to a service centre, charging station or your chosen destination.
Key UK EV recovery facts
Flatbed only
Conventional rope or dolly towing damages EV inverter electronics. UK manufacturers and recovery operators standardised on flatbed-only recovery.
Neutral mode for short rolls only
A few EVs permit walking-pace rolling up to 30 metres. Always check the specific vehicle handbook before relying on this.
AA, RAC and Green Flag all support EV
Major UK recovery operators have invested in EV-capable flatbed fleets. EV breakdown coverage is now mainstream.
Conventional towing voids warranty
Any towing damage from incorrect recovery method voids the powertrain warranty. The repair cost is then the owner's problem.
Petrol car towing options
- Rope tow allowed for short distance
- Two-wheel dolly tow possible
- Flatbed for long distance
- Engine and gearbox decoupled if neutral
- All-wheel-drive needs flatbed
- Many recovery options available
EV towing options
- Flatbed only for any distance
- Dolly tow forbidden
- Walking-pace neutral roll for some models
- Motor permanently coupled to wheels
- All-wheel-drive strictly flatbed
- Limited recovery options
Recovery rules are one practical EV ownership topic. The wider EV Charger Guidance hub covers home charger install, running cost, battery questions and the dozens of practical questions UK drivers ask about everyday EV ownership.
If you are dealing with a flat EV scenario, our guide on can you jumpstart an electric car covers the 12V battery side. The pushing question is in can you push an electric car. For weight implications see are electric cars heavier than petrol cars.
Common questions
Why can't I just rope-tow my EV the same way I would a petrol car?
Does my UK breakdown cover include EV flatbed recovery?
What if my EV breaks down on the motorway?
Can my EV be towed across borders to Europe?
What does the EV manufacturer say about emergency neutral towing?
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