A dead battery, warning light, flat tire, or collision can leave any driver stranded. But when the vehicle is electric, one question becomes especially urgent: can EVs be towed safely? Yes, they can – but the towing method matters. Moving an EV the wrong way can damage the drive system, affect the battery, and turn a roadside problem into a much larger repair.
For most electric vehicles, a flatbed tow is the safest answer. It keeps all four wheels off the road and allows the vehicle to be secured without forcing its motors or wheels to rotate. If you are stopped in Toronto, Scarborough, North York, Markham, Ajax, or nearby, tell the dispatcher you are driving an EV before the truck is sent. That one detail helps ensure the right equipment arrives.
Can EVs Be Towed Safely With a Flatbed?
In most cases, yes. A flatbed tow truck is designed to carry the entire vehicle rather than pulling it with two wheels on the ground. This is the preferred method for many EVs because electric cars use motors, reduction gears, regenerative braking systems, and electronics that may not be meant to rotate while the vehicle is powered off.
With a flatbed, the operator can carefully load the vehicle using the manufacturer-approved recovery points, secure it properly, and transport it without putting unnecessary stress on the drivetrain. It is also a smart choice when the EV has a flat tire, suspension damage, a locked wheel, or has been involved in an accident.
Not every EV is built exactly the same. Some models may have a designated tow mode or limited procedures for moving the vehicle a short distance. Those instructions are model-specific, however, and should not be treated as permission to tow the vehicle like a standard gas-powered car. The owner’s manual is the final authority, but a trained towing operator should already know to check the vehicle’s recovery requirements before loading it.
Why Towing an EV With Wheels Down Can Be Risky
A conventional tow may lift one end of a vehicle while the other wheels roll along the road. That can work for certain vehicles, depending on whether they are front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive. With an EV, it is often a poor choice.
Many electric vehicles send power to the wheels through one or more electric drive motors. When drive wheels turn during a tow, they can rotate components that are not being actively managed or cooled by the vehicle. Regenerative braking systems can also create electrical energy while the wheels are turning. In the wrong situation, that can create problems for the motor, inverter, gearbox, or other high-voltage components.
All-wheel-drive EVs need even more care because they may have motors at both the front and rear axles. There may be no safe set of wheels to leave rolling on the pavement. A flatbed avoids that uncertainty.
This is why a driver should be cautious if someone suggests using a tow strap, two-wheel dolly, or wheel-lift without first confirming the exact vehicle instructions. A quick tow is not worth the risk of expensive mechanical or electrical damage.
What to Do When Your EV Needs a Tow
Your first priority is getting yourself and your passengers to a safe place. If the vehicle can be moved safely, pull out of traffic and turn on your hazard lights. If it cannot move, stay aware of nearby traffic and avoid standing beside the vehicle on a busy road.
When you call for help, share the make, model, and approximate location of your EV. Also explain what happened. Details such as “the vehicle will not shift,” “I have a flat tire,” “there was a collision,” or “the battery warning light is on” help the dispatcher prepare the operator with the right truck and loading equipment.
If the vehicle still has power, follow any instructions on the display or in the owner’s manual for roadside recovery. Some EVs have a transport mode, neutral procedure, or electronic parking brake release that may be needed for loading. Do not try to force the vehicle into neutral, disconnect high-voltage components, or crawl underneath it to find a release cable. Modern EVs can have model-specific procedures, and guessing can cause damage or injury.
Remove personal belongings if you can do so safely, then wait in a protected location. A professional operator can handle the loading process and explain where the vehicle is being taken.
EV Towing After a Collision Requires Extra Care
After a collision, an electric vehicle may need more than normal towing precautions. Damage underneath the vehicle can affect the large battery pack mounted in the floor. Even if the EV appears drivable, it may not be safe to restart or move if there is visible underbody damage, smoke, a burning smell, leaking fluid, hissing sounds, or repeated warning messages.
Keep your distance from the vehicle if you suspect battery damage, and call emergency services if there is smoke or fire. Do not attempt to inspect the battery pack yourself. Lithium-ion battery incidents are uncommon, but they require careful handling by trained responders.
A qualified towing operator will avoid putting pressure on the battery area, use proper tie-down points, and load the vehicle onto a flatbed. The vehicle may also require specific storage procedures after a serious collision. Let the repair facility, insurer, or emergency personnel guide the next step once it has been transported safely.
A Flat Tire or Dead 12-Volt Battery Does Not Always Mean a Tow
An EV can still need ordinary roadside help. A punctured tire, for example, may be resolved with a tire change if the vehicle has a usable spare and the wheel can be safely removed. Many EVs do not include spare tires because of weight and storage limitations, so a tow to a tire shop may be necessary instead.
A dead 12-volt battery is another common source of confusion. EVs have a large traction battery for driving, but they also use a smaller 12-volt battery to power essential electronics and systems. If that smaller battery fails, the vehicle may not unlock, boot up, shift, or release the parking brake even when the main battery has plenty of range remaining.
A proper 12-volt jumpstart may restore access or allow the EV to be placed into the correct mode for transport. It does not charge the high-voltage drive battery. If the vehicle has run out of driving range, a tow is generally the practical solution unless a suitable charging option is immediately available.
What a Professional EV Tow Should Look Like
The best EV towing service does not treat every disabled vehicle the same. Before loading, the operator should confirm the vehicle type, assess whether it can roll, identify visible collision or underbody damage, and select the appropriate equipment.
For a typical EV recovery, that means a flatbed, controlled loading, and secure attachment at approved points. The operator should avoid dragging the vehicle, attaching chains to sensitive suspension or battery components, or relying on a generic method that does not match the vehicle’s design.
Good communication matters just as much. You should know who is coming, what type of assistance is being provided, and where your vehicle is going. When you are already dealing with a breakdown, clear information helps replace uncertainty with a plan.
Alpha Towing provides EV towing and roadside assistance with trained operators who understand that electric vehicles need careful handling. Whether your EV has lost power, suffered a flat, will not shift, or needs recovery after a collision, calling for the right equipment from the start protects your vehicle and saves time.
Before You Need Help, Keep These Details Handy
A little preparation makes an unexpected stop easier to manage. Keep your owner’s manual accessible in the vehicle or on your phone, especially the section covering emergency transport and towing. Know where the vehicle’s towing eye or recovery point is stored, if it has one, but leave installation to the operator unless the manual specifically says otherwise.
It also helps to know your EV’s approximate range, the location of its charging port, and whether it has a special tow or transport mode. If you drive for work, use your EV for deliveries, or regularly travel through the Greater Toronto Area, saving a reliable 24/7 towing number can make a stressful moment much easier.
The safest move is simple: do not let anyone guess how to tow your EV. Ask for a flatbed, share your vehicle details, and let a trained operator get it off the road with the care it deserves.