an electric vehicle on the back of a WeTow tow truck

Can You Tow an Electric Car? Check Before You Tow

Technically, yes — you can tow an electric car, but it needs to be done the right way. Do it incorrectly and you risk major damage to your vehicle.

In almost all situations, that means using a flatbed tow truck so none of the wheels turn while the vehicle is moving. If you’re unsure, call WeTow and we’ll guide you through the safest option for your EV.

Quick Reference (EV Towing)

Short answer: Yes — use a flatbed. Don’t tow an EV on its wheels unless your owner’s manual explicitly allows it.

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First steps

Call WeTow, share pickup & destination, prepare keys/access, and tell us it’s an EV or low-clearance model.

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Don’t

Avoid flat towing or wheel-lift/dolly setups where any wheels turn. Use Transport/Roll mode only for loading.

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After-hours

We can use the workshop’s key drop or store your EV overnight and deliver first thing.

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Low-clearance

We bring ramps and soft straps as standard for EVs with low ride height.

Call for a Tow

Why EVs Need Special Towing

Electric vehicles don’t behave like petrol cars during a tow. Most EVs don’t have a true mechanical neutral, so if their wheels spin while being pulled, the drivetrain can generate unwanted electrical activity and heat. That can stress motors, inverters and braking systems that weren’t meant to be engaged.

Another complication of towing an electric car is regenerative braking. When wheels rotate, regen can try to harvest energy and feed it into the battery or electronics. During towing, that’s the last thing you want — regen energises motors and power electronics when the car isn’t managing them, potentially creating heat, voltage spikes and unexpected braking.

You don’t get ‘free power’ either, because most EVs disable charging when the systems are off or the battery isn’t in the right condition. Keeping all four wheels off the road with a flatbed avoids these issues entirely and protects underbody components like battery trays and cooling lines.

Safe Methods: How to Tow an EV

The safest method for virtually all EVs is a flatbed tow with the vehicle fully lifted and secured. This keeps the drivetrain inactive and eliminates regen risks. Loading is smoother when we enable Transport/Roll mode (if the model supports it), but that setting is only for short movements during loading – think repositioning your car in a car park – it doesn’t make highway towing safe.

Wheel lift or dolly towing is unsuitable for many EVs because it allows at least two wheels to rotate. Unless the owner’s manual explicitly permits an alternative method, assume flatbed‑only. If you’re stuck in an underground car park or tight access area, our team can still help — we handle situations like this daily and bring the right gear for low clearance and limited space.

Can You Tow a Tesla or Other EV Yourself?

We strongly recommend against DIY towing for EVs. Underbody battery enclosures, cooling circuits and parking brake systems are easy to damage without the right equipment and technique. Even loading onto a trailer requires careful ramp angles, soft straps at the correct points, and clear communication with spotters.

If you have no power at all or can’t access the interior, don’t panic — we can safely move and load vehicles without keys using professional positioning dollies. Call us first and we’ll talk you through simple prep so we can get your EV staged for a smooth pickup.

How WeTow Handles EVs

Our operators follow an EV‑specific process designed to protect your vehicle from the first phone call to workshop handover. We arrive with a flatbed, low‑angle ramps, wheel chocks and non‑conductive soft straps. Where applicable, we’ll help you engage Transport/Roll mode for loading, avoid underbody battery trays and cooling lines, and position the car to prevent nose or diffuser scrape on low models.

We coordinate with your mechanic for daytime or after‑hours drop‑offs and can store the car securely overnight if needed. If the breakdown happened in a tight space, just tell us about height clearances and access — we manage underground car parks and narrow driveways every day.

Costs and After Hours Options

Pricing depends on distance, access (like basements), vehicle specifics and time of day. You’ll get a clear quote before dispatch so there are no surprises. If your chosen workshop is closed, we can use their key drop or arrange secure storage and deliver first thing in the morning.

Helpful Links and Next Steps

If your EV is in a tricky spot or you’re not sure what to do next, these guides and services will help you prepare while we’re on the way:

FAQ: EV Towing in Brisbane

Not safely for most models. EVs rarely have a mechanical neutral; wheels turning can still energise components. Use a flatbed.

No. Use a flatbed and treat Transport/Roll mode as a loading aid only. It doesn’t make on‑road towing safe.

It keeps all wheels off the ground so the drivetrain and regen systems stay inactive, preventing heat and electrical stress.

Improper towing can stress or damage underbody components and electronics. Professional flatbed transport avoids this risk.

Costs vary by distance and access but prices start from just $99. You’ll get a clear quote before dispatch. Call us for pricing or use the contact page.

Bottom Line

Electric vehicles can be towed but it’s a job best left to the professionals. If you’re ever unsure, call WeTow and we’ll get your EV moved without the drama, day or night.