Sometimes a charge is not enough. Collision damage, a high-voltage system fault, a failed drive unit or a warning that tells you not to drive means the car needs to go to a shop. EV towing is dispatched through our partner network, and we default to flatbed transport because it keeps all four wheels off the road, which is what most EV manufacturers recommend.
Manufacturer guidance varies, and a few vehicles allow limited alternatives in specific circumstances. We follow your owner's manual and the transport instructions for your model, not a one-size rule.
- 01
Tell us the situation
Make, model, location, destination and why the car cannot drive. Mention any damage or warnings.
- 02
We arrange the right truck
Dispatch coordinates a partner flatbed with capacity for the vehicle’s weight and quotes before booking.
- 03
Loaded per manufacturer guidance
The car is put in transport or tow mode where available and secured as the manufacturer specifies.
Why flatbed is the default
In many EVs the drive motors are permanently connected to the wheels. Turning the wheels drives the motor, which can generate electricity the car is not expecting to handle while off, and can overheat components that depend on active cooling. All-wheel-drive EVs have motors on both axles, which rules out conventional towing with two wheels on the ground. A flatbed avoids those risks.
Some manufacturers do describe alternatives, such as wheel dollies under the driven wheels, for very short moves. Others prohibit any towing with wheels on the ground. Because the rules differ by model and year, we check your manual and default to flatbed when in doubt.
Transport mode and moving a car with no power
Many EVs have a transport or tow mode that releases the parking brake so the car can be winched onto a flatbed. That mode often requires the car to have low-voltage power. If the 12-volt battery is flat, we may need to power the low-voltage system before loading. Cars that cannot be put in neutral may need skates or specific procedures to move without damage.
Damaged EVs need extra caution
After a collision, an EV's high-voltage battery may be damaged in ways that are not visible. Towing crews should treat a damaged pack with caution, and some storage yards keep damaged EVs separated from other vehicles. If you see smoke, hear hissing or popping, or smell something unusual from the battery area, move away from the vehicle and call 911.
Local and long-distance towing
We arrange local tows to a dealer, service center or your home, and long-distance transport when the right shop is far away. Long-distance moves may be handled as scheduled transport rather than an immediate tow. Dispatch will explain timing and price for the specific route.
| Situation | Usually best option |
|---|---|
| Out of range, car healthy | Mobile charge, not a tow |
| Flat 12V, car healthy | Jump-start |
| Collision or visible damage | Flatbed to body shop |
| High-voltage or drive warning | Flatbed to dealer or EV-capable shop |
| Stuck in a ditch or soft ground | Winch-out first, then assess |
Before the truck arrives
- Remove valuables and anything you will need, such as charging cables and registration.
- Note your destination address and the shop’s hours.
- If you can, find the tow eye or tow hook location in your manual.
- Take photos of the car in place if it has been damaged.
Choosing a destination
Where the car goes matters as much as how it gets there. For warranty work, a franchised dealer for your brand is usually the right destination, but dealer service departments keep business hours and may not accept vehicles overnight. Independent shops vary in EV capability; ask whether they work on high-voltage systems before sending the car. If the problem is simply a dead battery after hours, towing home and arranging a mobile charge in the morning may be cheaper than storage fees at a yard.
Tell dispatch your preferred destination and its hours. We will help you think through the options, but the decision is yours.
Paperwork and photos
Before the car is loaded, take photos of all four sides and the wheels, and note the odometer and battery percentage. Keep the tow receipt and the driver's details. If anything is disputed later, such as a scrape that was not there before, those records make the conversation straightforward.
If you are waiting on a highway shoulder
Stay in the car with your seat belt on and hazards running if you are on a busy road, unless it is unsafe to remain inside. Call 911 if the car is in a live lane. When the truck arrives, follow the operator’s directions about where to stand.
Towing costs $150 plus $10 per mile. Dispatch confirms the destination, towing mileage and total before booking the partner truck. A mobile charge costs $175; if your EV is otherwise healthy, compare that with the towing total before deciding which service fits.
Full pricing