There are more electric vehicles on the road in Dnipro every year: Tesla, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Kona Electric, Chevrolet Bolt, and dozens of other models. Their drivetrain architecture is fundamentally different, and that directly affects how they can and can't be towed. A mistake when transporting an EV can end up far more costly than the same mistake with a combustion-engine car, potentially requiring a full battery replacement.
How an EV differs from a combustion car when it comes to towing
An electric vehicle doesn't have a traditional transmission. Instead, it uses a single- or two-speed reduction gear connected directly to the electric motor. When the wheels turn without the system active, an EV generates regenerative braking effects and induced voltage in the motor, which makes this a question of electrical safety, not just mechanics.
- Turning the wheels on a powered-off EV can create parasitic voltage in the drive circuit;
- Some models have motors on both axles (all-wheel drive), and towing on a rigid bar risks damaging both at once;
- The high-voltage battery is a heavy, expensive component that's sensitive to mechanical shock and body deformation from improper loading.
Why you can't tow an EV on a rigid bar
Nearly every EV manufacturer, including Tesla, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Volkswagen, and others, explicitly prohibits towing their models on their wheels, meaning classic tow-bar or rope towing.
Reasons for the restriction:
- Spinning the electric motor without the control system active can overheat the power electronics;
- On all-wheel-drive models, one of the two motors can be damaged if the tow is set up incorrectly;
- In some cases, parasitic currents can drain the high-voltage battery, reducing its lifespan.
What to do if the high-voltage battery is dead
If an EV has completely stopped because its traction battery is drained, that's a very different situation from a dead 12V battery in a gasoline car. You can't jump-start an EV from another vehicle.
- The only safe option is towing on a flatbed to the nearest charging station or home, wherever charging is available;
- Pushing an EV by hand a short distance (say, to clear traffic) is usually fine, as long as the electronic parking brake isn't engaged, but check your specific model's manual first;
- Don't try towing a dead EV "just in case" hoping it'll regenerate some charge while moving. Regenerative braking doesn't work that way when being towed on the wheels, and the load on the system can be unsafe.
Towing an EV after an accident
A situation that deserves special attention is when an EV has been in an accident. Here, it's not just the body that matters, but the safety of the high-voltage battery itself.
- A hard impact to the underbody or rocker panels can damage the battery housing, and this kind of car needs to be transported especially carefully, avoiding extra stress on the damaged area;
- If you notice a burning smell, sparks, or smoke from underneath the car after a crash, stay at a safe distance and call not just a tow truck but emergency services as well;
- Before loading onto the platform, if it's safe and possible, the car should be switched into a transport or service mode, if the model supports it. Ask the dispatcher about this when you call.
We tow EVs from accident scenes the same way we do any other vehicle: exclusively on a flatbed, with the body fully secured, with zero load on the wheels or drivetrain.
How to properly order a tow for an EV
When calling for an EV tow, it helps to give the dispatcher a few details in advance so the crew and equipment can be prepared:
- The make and model of the EV, and its drivetrain type (front, rear, or all-wheel);
- The reason for the call: accident, dead battery, technical fault;
- Whether the parking brake is engaged, which may require a specific loading approach;
- The destination: a service center, a charging station, or your home address.
We transport EVs exclusively on a flatbed with soft wheel-strap fixation. This method works for any model, regardless of drivetrain or battery condition, and completely eliminates the risks associated with towing on the wheels.
Bottom line
An electric vehicle needs a more careful approach to towing than a combustion-engine car: towing on a rigid bar is explicitly prohibited by most manufacturers. The only universally safe transport method is a flatbed tow truck, which eliminates wheel rotation and any load on the electric drivetrain, regardless of what caused the breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I push an EV by hand if it's stuck, say, in mud?
In most cases, yes, over a short distance, as long as the electronic parking brake isn't engaged. But check your specific model's manual first, since details vary between manufacturers.
Is it dangerous to be near an EV after an accident?
Not by itself, as long as there are no visible signs of battery damage (smoke, a burning smell, sparks). If you do notice those signs, move to a safe distance and call emergency services in addition to a tow truck.
How long can an EV sit with a fully drained battery before it needs charging?
Extended storage at zero charge isn't good for the battery's lifespan. We recommend charging the car as soon as possible after towing, ideally within 24 hours.
Does towing an EV cost more than towing a regular car?
Pricing works the same way as for regular passenger cars and depends on distance and how complex the loading is. The dispatcher will quote an exact price by phone.
Do I need to unplug the EV from the charger before towing if it was charging?
Yes, you must finish charging and disconnect the charging cable before the car is loaded onto the platform.
Can I transport an EV with cargo still in the trunk?
We recommend removing heavy cargo before loading whenever possible. This reduces risk during strapping and transport, especially for models sensitive to weight distribution on the platform.