Towing an Electric Car: What You Should Know

Why not just pull it?

An electric motor can work as a generator. That's the principle behind regenerative braking: the vehicle recovers energy while braking. If the driven wheels turn while being towed, the motor generates voltage that the powered-down control electronics can't handle. In the worst case, this causes damage. That's why the driven axle shouldn't touch the ground.

The safe way: a flatbed vehicle

A vehicle with a loading bed transports the EV entirely off the ground. This method is considered the safest and is generally accepted by manufacturers. Whether and how a specific model may be moved another way is stated in the owner's manual. If in doubt, ask the manufacturer or your garage.

Fully electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid

Hybrids also have an electric motor and sometimes a high-voltage battery. What applies to pure electric cars can therefore also apply, depending on the model, to plug-in hybrids and other hybrid vehicles. Tell us on the phone what drivetrain your vehicle has. If you don't know, tell us the make, model and year.

What to tell us

• Make, model and drivetrain: fully electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid
• Whether the vehicle still rolls or is locked (on some models the parking lock or electric parking brake can't be released without power)
• Whether there was an accident or a high-voltage battery warning
• Where it is: underground garage, charging point, street
• Whether the vehicle is plugged into a charging point

Flat 12-volt battery

Electric cars also have a small 12-volt battery for electronics, locks and brakes. If it's flat, the vehicle sometimes can't be unlocked or started, even though the main battery still has charge. Jump-starting is then possible depending on the model, but only at the connection points specified by the manufacturer. More in our guide Jump-starting and a flat battery.

After an accident

If the battery is damaged or there's smoke: keep your distance and call 112. Tell the fire brigade it's an electric car. The vehicle is then properly secured and transported away. A damaged vehicle shouldn't be left in an underground garage or right next to buildings.

Just out of range, nothing else wrong?

If it's simply run out of range, towing usually isn't necessary. Transport to the nearest charging point or garage is possible. Tell us the destination and vehicle, and we'll discuss the next steps.