Can a Tow Truck Tow an Electric Vehicle? Flatbed vs Wheel-Lift Towing Melbourne

Old school tow trucks were easy to tow along on two wheels because petrol/diesel cars have a neutral gear which allows the engine to be disconnected from the wheels. Electric vehicles don't work that way. Most EVs exploit the electric motor to create regenerative braking, which implies that the motor remains connected to the wheels even when the car is "off". In the case of wheel-lift towing, if the wheels are permitted to rotate freely, they will become a generator when the motor is reversed. This can cause the motor or battery management system to burn up and damage the motor or battery management system, resulting in costly repairs.

That's why Tesla, Hyundai, BYD, Kia and Polestar strongly advocate flatbed towing for their EVs: in many owners' manuals, wheel-lift towing is specifically noted as something to avoid unless the drive wheels are fully lifted or disconnected.

• Regenerative braking systems are active when the cars are not being charged.
• When an EV sits on the ground with wheels touching, this can cause the motor to spin and create an unwanted electrical flow.
• Most EV manufacturers state that flatbed towing is to be preferred over wheel-lift towing.
• EV battery packs are heavy, large and low-mounted in the vehicle, altering the vehicle's balance during towing.
• Damage to the EV battery can occur when the battery is dragged or towed incorrectly, increasing the fire risk (rare).

Regenerative braking also ties into a vehicle's overall towing capacity, so it helps to understand how braking systems affect any tow, electric or petrol, before a truck arrives.

Yes — if it is done correctly. A professional towing company can tow any EV to the same position without causing any damage to the vehicle, provided that its equipment is suitable and the operators are trained to handle electric vehicles. Choosing an experienced car towing service in Melbourne makes this straightforward. The most important thing is to match the tow to the vehicle. Most Melbourne towing services, such as our towing service, are mindful of the extra damage that could be caused to flatbeds by EVs, and so the vehicles are towed using a flatbed. When broken down, in an accident, or after a flat battery, be sure to let the operator know you are an electric vehicle so they will send the right type of truck the first time they call for a tow.

• Always tell the tow company that your car is electric when calling them to tow it.
• Ask the towing company if they transport EVs with flatbed trucks.
• Check if the vehicle needs to be towed - if so, activate the parking brake or the "tow mode" before loading.
• Don't try to tow an EV by yourself using a chain or rope.
• Ask for extra caution if an EV is submerged or damaged by an accident because of the potential battery exposure.

Flatbed towing, also known as tilt tray towing, is where the car is loaded onto a flatbed so that none of the wheels touch the ground while being transported. It is the preferred method for towing EVs as it eliminates the motor engagement problem. No wheels turning, no need to press the regenerative brake and no danger of drivetrain strain. Also, it's the safest choice for EVs that have been in an accident, as the car does not have to roll, and the brakes do not have to work.

Overall, flatbed towing is less harsh on the vehicle than dragging wheels along the road. This is important for low-clearance EVs that have underbody battery packs which could be vulnerable to scraping on an uneven ramp or road. It is also the preferred way to tow luxury vehicles, performance vehicles and any vehicle that the owner doesn't want to risk damage to either the cosmetic or mechanical aspects during the tow. The same care applies to towing a car with the handbrake on, where the wrong method causes brake and tyre damage in petrol cars too.

• Flatbed towing lets all four wheels up in the air when moving.
• Prevents any chance of damage to the battery from regenerative braking.
• Perfect for luxury, performance and low-clearance electric vehicles.
• Adopted by almost all EV companies globally.
• The preferred approach to Melbourne towing companies.

The wheel-lift tow, which lifts the front or rear wheels up from the pavement by means of a hydraulic arm, leaves the opposite wheels on the pavement and free to roll. Quick, efficient and perfect for petrol and diesel vehicles for short distances and in parking environments. However, if an EV is being towed with its drive wheels up and the other wheels are known to roll freely and not engage the motor, there is no real risk if it is towed using wheel-lift.

This is usually only applicable to an experienced operator who is aware of the individual specific vehicle's drivetrain, and can still safely wheel lift an EV for a brief distance, such as moving a vehicle out of a dangerous intersection, but is usually not the norm unless the driver is experienced in this type of vehicle. This is one more reason DIY vehicle recovery is riskier with an EV than with a standard petrol car.

• The wheel-lift tow lifts one axle off the ground and leaves the other on the road.
• Can engage the motor and regenerative braking, making it a risk for EVs.
• Should not be used for long-distance EV transport at any time.
• Faster and more inexpensive for regular vehicles, but not for EVs.
• Most Melbourne towing firms don't even accept wheel lift towing for EVs.

The options between flatbed and wheel lift towing are fairly self-explanatory for electric vehicles. Wheel-lift is only applicable in a few situations, such as non-EV applications where speed and manoeuvrability are the most important factors, and flatbed is the obvious choice in terms of safety, versatility and compliance with manufacturers.

• Zero wheel contact with road: ideal for all EVs (flatbed towing).
• Flatbed towing works well for broken vehicles, flooded vehicles and vehicles involved in an accident.
• Wheel-lift towing may violate EV warranties if used improperly.
• Luxury, low clearance and performance EVs are more stable on a flatbed tow.
• Wheel-lift towing is best reserved for standard combustion vehicles only.

When your EV breaks down, has a flat battery or crashes anywhere in Melbourne, the first thing you need to do is call a tow truck that has flatbed trucks with EV-trained operators. When calling, please note the make and model of your vehicle because the instructions for handling some EVs, especially the performance and dual motor types, will vary. A reputable towing firm will explain the process, confirm the estimated time of arrival and ensure that the truck dispatched is a specialized one designed for electric vehicles and not just the closest available generic tow truck.

Many performance EVs are also lowered or run all-wheel drive, which raises the same clearance and drivetrain concerns as towing an AWD or lowered car in Melbourne, so it pays to mention both traits when booking a tow.

It's stressful enough getting stuck on the side of the road without having to worry about whether or not your vehicle will emerge intact. It's for this reason that it is vital to select a towing service that knows the difference between flatbed and wheel-lift towing, as this is a technical choice that ultimately safeguards your investment in your costly vehicle and preserves your warranty. For more on handling common breakdowns generally, see our roadside assistance in Melbourne guide.