Can You Tow an Electric Vehicle? What EV Owners Need to Know
Towing an electric vehicle works differently than towing a gas-powered car, and getting it wrong can cause real damage. Unlike a traditional car that can be pulled with its wheels on the ground in neutral, most EVs do not have a true neutral gear — the wheels stay connected to the electric motor at all times.
Why You Can't Tow an EV Like a Gas Car
When a gas car is towed with its wheels rolling on the ground, the transmission simply disengages in neutral. In most EVs, the wheels remain mechanically connected to the electric motor, so rolling them on the ground while towing can generate electricity that has nowhere to go, potentially damaging the motor and battery system. This is why towing an electric vehicle almost always requires a flatbed rather than a wheel-lift or hook-and-chain truck.
What Flatbed Towing an EV Involves
- All four wheels are lifted completely off the ground on a flatbed trailer
- The vehicle is secured with proper tie-downs designed for the EV’s weight, which is often higher than a comparable gas car
- The technician checks the vehicle handbook or VIN plate for any model-specific towing notes before loading
- No neutral-gear rolling tow is attempted, regardless of distance
What EV Owners Should Know Before Calling for a Tow
Let the dispatcher know your vehicle is electric when you call, since that determines which truck gets sent. If your EV ran out of charge rather than experiencing a mechanical issue, mention that too — some EVs handle towing differently at zero battery than when there is at least some charge remaining.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any tow truck handle an electric vehicle?
No — it specifically needs a flatbed truck. A wheel-lift or hook-and-chain truck that leaves any wheels on the ground can risk damaging the motor.
Does an EV weigh more than a similar gas car?
Usually yes, due to the battery pack, which is why proper flatbed equipment and tie-downs rated for the extra weight matter.
What if my EV runs out of charge on the highway?
A flatbed tow to the nearest charging station or your home is the standard solution — mention the zero-charge status when you call so dispatch and the driver are prepared.
If you need towing an electric vehicle anywhere around St. Louis, 24 Hour Towing St. Louis MO runs flatbed equipment ready for EVs 24/7. See our flatbed towing page or contact us at 314-597-0775. For more on EV towing guidelines, see NHTSA.