12 Mins
Jul 14, 2023

Towing an Electric Car Safely and Efficiently: A Detailed Guide

A sleek, eco-friendly electric car is gliding along the scenic route. But all of a sudden, it stuck! Fear not because the question echoes: "Can I tow an electric car?" Of course, you can. Comprehending the details of towing an electric car is critical as more individuals choose them for long-distance and daily commutes. This comprehensive guide will cover a wide range of topics related to towing electric vehicles, such as safety, various types of towing, the best electric vehicle for towing, and more.

Why Would You Need To Tow an Electric Tow Car?

An electric automobile may occasionally need to be towed, just like conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Breakdowns, accidents, running out of fuel while driving, and moving to another city or state are a few frequent occurrences. Owners of electric vehicles should be ready for such circumstances and well-informed about safe towing techniques.

Why Avoid Towing Electric Vehicles on Their Wheels?

The electric drivetrain and other parts of an electric vehicle that can tow may be harmed when towing on wheels. The regeneration system can be activated by towing an EV with its wheels on the ground. However, doing so could result in an electrical surge that could harm the car's electrical systems. Consequently, flat towing an electric vehicle is generally not advised.

Different Types of Towing

Before delving into the specifics of towing electric vehicles, it's essential to understand the different types of towing available:

1. Flatbed Towing: The entire electric automobile is loaded onto a flatbed truck or trailer using this technique, ensuring that none of the wheels are in contact with the ground. The safest method of hauling electric vehicles is on a flatbed since it eliminates the possibility of electrical system damage.

2. Wheel Lift Towing: While not ideal for electric vehicles, wheel lift towing involves lifting the car's front or rear wheels off the ground and securing them with a towing apparatus. However, this technique should not be used with electric vehicles to avoid harm to the regenerative braking system when planning to ship a car to another state.

3. Dolly Towing: The front or rear wheels of the electric car are lifted off the ground while using a dolly tow, but the other wheels stay in contact with the pavement. The electrical components of an electric car could be harmed by dolly towing, just like with wheel lift towing.

Towing an Electric Vehicle

Flatbed towing is the most secure and advised technique used by auto shipping companies to ship cars across country. This towing technique reduces the risk of electrical damage because the EV's wheels are completely raised off the ground. The electric automobile may be safely loaded and moved using a flatbed hook and chain tow truck or trailer without causing any damage to its drivetrain.

Are There Any Alternatives for Towing an Electric Vehicle?

Although flatbed towing is the technique of choice for towing electric vehicles, electric car owners have other options to take into account in an emergency where flatbed towing might not be readily available:

  1. Electric Vehicle Transport Service: Services for the transportation of electric automobiles are available from specialized car shipping businesses. These businesses can carry EVs securely and guarantee that there is no chance of electrical damage because they have the requisite tools and knowledge.

  2. On-Site Charging: Some electric tow trucks and flatbed trailers are outfitted with portable chargers in case towing is the only alternative for an electric vehicle that has run out of juice while on the road. The EV may be safely loaded onto the flatbed with the help of these chargers.

Best Electric Vehicle for Towing

Not all electric vehicles are made equal regarding their ability to electric tow vehicles. It's crucial to pick an electric tow vehicle with enough towing capability if you're considering buying one.

Here, we'll examine some of the top electric cars for towing, considering towing capacity, range, and overall performance.

1. Tesla Model X

Can a Tesla be towed? Yes. The Tesla Model X is one of the leading electric SUVs with impressive towing capacity, making it a popular choice among electric vehicle owners needing tow trailers or caravans.

But hold on, how to put Tesla in tow mode? Bold Auto Transport has your back. Like a patient driving teacher taking you to the region of Tesla towing enlightenment, they'll take you step by step through the procedure. Visit our site right away!

2. Rivian R1T

As an all-electric pickup truck, the Rivian R1T is designed with towing in mind. It boasts a robust towing capacity suitable for various recreational activities.

3. Audi e-tron

The Audi e-tron is an electric SUV with good towing capabilities, making it suitable for small to medium-sized trailers.

Several Things to Consider When Towing Electric Automobiles Are Listed Below.

  • Calculating Car Shipping Prices

Knowing the cost to ship a car is essential whether you want to tow your EV or use auto shipping services. The car shipping cost calculator can estimate the cost of shipping an electric car based on variables like distance, vehicle size, and mode of transportation.

  • Practical and efficient door-to-door transportation

To further enhance your convenience, door-to-door transport services offer car pickup and delivery services for your EV from its current location and deliver it to the location of your choice. Many EV owners could consider this service a better choice because it is readily accessible.

  • Open and enclosed transport

Open transport car shipping Vehicles are transported in open spaces, exposed to the elements, on open car carriers. Although economical, it exposes the car to weather and road debris damage risks. Enclosed vehicle transport that uses covered carriages to shield the vehicle from the weather is safer but frequently more expensive.

Towing electric vehicles may seem daunting, but armed with the knowledge and safety tips provided by Bold Auto Transport, you're well on your way to unlocking a new world of eco-friendly mobility. Bold Auto Transport remains committed to empowering your electric vehicle experiences, ensuring you traverse the roads confidently and eco-consciously.

Trust Bold Auto Transport and visit our website to obtain an instant car shipping quote

1. Is it safe to tow an electric car?

Yes, it is safe to tow an electric vehicle. Still, flatbed towing should be used to prevent any potential harm to the electric drivetrain and components.

2. Does towing an electric car charge it?

No, an electric vehicle's battery is not charged while being towed. The regenerative braking system, which is in charge of recharging the battery while driving normally, is not activated by towing.

3. Are electric vehicles flat towable?

Electric vehicles cannot be flat-towed. Due to the regenerative braking system being activated during flat towing, the electric drivetrain may sustain damage.

4. Can you tow an electric car?

Yes, flatbed hauling can be used to tow an electric vehicle. Alternate towing techniques might harm your electrical system.

5. Do you flat tow an electric car behind a motorhome?

No, it is not advised to flat tow an electric vehicle behind a motorhome. Using a flatbed trailer or looking into other options is best for EV transportation.

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