Can You Tow an Electric Car

As electric cars become more common on UK roads, questions about their use and upkeep are being raised by drivers considering the switch. One of the most frequent concerns is whether an electric car can be safely towed in the same way as a petrol or diesel vehicle. While towing may seem like a straightforward process, the technology inside electric cars makes things more complicated. Understanding the rules, risks, and safe alternatives is important for both drivers and those responsible for recovery.

Why Towing an Electric Car is Different

Traditional cars with manual or automatic gearboxes are usually connected to their wheels through a mechanical system. This means when the wheels turn during towing, the gearbox and engine may move but no significant damage is caused if the vehicle is in neutral. Electric cars, however, are powered by electric motors linked directly to the drive wheels. When the wheels turn, even if the car is switched off, the motor can generate electricity. This is known as regenerative braking. While useful when driving, it can cause serious damage to the motor and power electronics if the car is towed incorrectly.

Manufacturer Guidelines and Legal Considerations

Most electric vehicle manufacturers advise against towing with the drive wheels on the ground. This is clearly stated in many owners’ manuals and is based on protecting the car’s electrical system. Ignoring these guidelines could not only cause costly damage but may also void the vehicle’s warranty. In the UK, recovery companies and breakdown services must also follow safety procedures to ensure the vehicle is handled correctly. This aligns with both electrical safety principles and road safety law, which requires vehicles to be moved in a way that does not endanger other road users.

Approved Recovery Methods

If an electric car breaks down, the most widely recommended method of recovery is to use a flatbed truck. This keeps all four wheels off the ground and avoids turning the motors or stressing the drivetrain. Some vehicles can also be moved using a tow dolly, which lifts the drive wheels clear of the road. Whether this is possible depends on the design of the car and the advice given by the manufacturer. Attempting to tow an electric car with a rope or standard towing bar, where the wheels remain in contact with the ground, is usually unsafe and strongly discouraged.

What Happens if You Tow Incorrectly

Towing an electric car the wrong way can lead to significant and expensive damage. The most common problem is overheating or damaging the motor windings as they are forced to turn without the correct electrical management. The inverter, which controls how electricity flows between the battery and the motor, can also be damaged by uncontrolled voltage generation during towing. In some cases, the battery management system may shut down to protect itself, leaving the car inoperable until repairs are carried out. These issues can cost thousands of pounds to fix and may also reduce the safety of the vehicle until repairs are completed.

Are There Any Exceptions

Certain hybrid vehicles and some specially designed electric models do allow short-distance towing under very strict conditions. For example, they may be moved at very low speeds for a short distance to clear them from a dangerous location. Even then, this is not considered a standard recovery method and should only be carried out after confirming the vehicle’s manual allows it. In most cases, however, drivers are advised not to take any risks. When in doubt, arranging professional recovery using a flatbed remains the safest and most compliant option.

Practical Examples for Drivers

Imagine a driver experiencing a breakdown on a busy motorway. With a traditional petrol car, they may rely on another motorist to tow them to the nearest service station. For an electric car, this approach could cause severe internal damage. Instead, UK breakdown services are trained to dispatch the correct recovery vehicle, usually a flatbed, to ensure the car is transported safely without risking its electrical systems. This highlights why it is important for electric car owners to have appropriate breakdown cover, as they may not be able to rely on improvised assistance from passing motorists.

The Role of Safety Regulations

UK building and electrical safety regulations do not directly govern how vehicles are towed, but the principles of electrical safety still apply. High-voltage systems, like those inside electric cars, must only be handled by trained personnel. This is why recovery operatives now receive specific training in handling electric vehicles, ensuring both the driver and the recovery team remain safe. For property owners and businesses operating fleets of electric cars, it is particularly important to ensure contracts with recovery firms specify competence in EV recovery to meet both insurance and safety obligations.

The Future of EV Recovery

As electric cars become more widespread, recovery solutions are evolving. Some services are trialling mobile charging units, which can provide enough power to move an electric car to a charging station without towing. Others are investing in more flatbed trucks and specialist equipment designed for electric vehicles. Over time, this should reduce waiting times for recovery and improve confidence for drivers. The industry is moving towards a position where towing electric cars with the drive wheels on the ground will be phased out entirely, replaced by safer and more reliable solutions.

Conclusion

So, can you tow an electric car? In most cases, the answer is no, at least not in the traditional sense. While a petrol or diesel car can usually be towed short distances with its wheels on the ground, doing the same with an electric car can lead to severe and costly damage. The safest option is always to use a flatbed or specialist recovery service. With electric vehicles becoming a more common choice across the UK, drivers should be aware of the rules and ensure they have the right breakdown cover to protect both their vehicle and their peace of mind.