Electric Car Towing: What UK Drivers Need to Know

An EV that will not move can turn a normal breakdown into a stressful roadside situation quickly. Electric car towing is not the same as towing a petrol or diesel vehicle: using the wrong method can damage the drive motor, battery system or parking mechanism. If your electric car has stopped, your priority is simple - get yourself safe, keep the vehicle secure and arrange suitable recovery.

For most EVs, a flatbed recovery vehicle is the safest option. It keeps all four wheels off the road and avoids forcing the drivetrain to turn when the car is switched off. A professional recovery operator will check the vehicle’s condition, follow the manufacturer’s recovery guidance and load it carefully rather than taking chances at the roadside.

Why electric car towing needs extra care

Many electric cars use their electric motor to drive the wheels directly. When those wheels rotate, the motor can generate electricity. That is useful when you are slowing down normally, but it can cause problems if the vehicle is pulled with its driven wheels on the road while the systems are shut down.

Unlike a manual petrol car, an EV may not have a straightforward neutral setting that makes it safe to tow any distance. Some models can enter a transport or tow mode, but this is not a universal solution. It may require the 12-volt battery to have power, and it can come with strict limits on speed and distance. Other vehicles should not be towed with any wheels on the ground at all.

There is also the risk of damage to the reduction gear, motor, tyres or electronic parking brake. A recovery that looks quick and convenient can become an expensive repair if the vehicle is moved incorrectly. That is why a tow rope, a friend’s car or an improvised roadside pull is rarely the right answer for an electric vehicle.

What to do when your EV breaks down

First, make the scene safe. If the car can be moved without risk, stop somewhere away from live traffic. Switch on the hazard warning lights, apply the parking brake if it is safe to do so, and leave the vehicle through the side away from passing traffic. On a motorway or smart motorway, follow the official safety advice for your location and move behind a barrier where possible.

Do not keep trying to restart the vehicle if warning messages indicate a serious electrical, battery or drive system fault. Repeated attempts may not help and can make it harder to explain the fault clearly when help arrives. Take a photo of any warning lights or messages if you can do so safely.

When you call for recovery, say that the vehicle is electric and provide the make, model and registration. Explain whether the wheels are locked, whether the car can select a transport mode, whether it has been involved in a collision, and whether there is any smoke, heat or unusual smell. These details help the recovery team arrive with the right equipment and plan a safe load.

If you are at a public charge point, stop the charge session before disconnecting the cable where possible. Never pull a cable free by force or handle damaged charging equipment. If the car will not release the connector, tell the recovery operator and the charge point provider rather than trying to force it.

Flatbed recovery is usually the safest choice

A flatbed or slide-bed vehicle allows the EV to be winched and carried without its wheels turning on the road. This is normally the preferred method for an electric car that cannot be driven. The operator may use wheel skates, dollies or specialist loading equipment if the car is locked in park or has a seized wheel.

Loading an EV is not simply a matter of attaching a cable and pulling. Recovery points must be used correctly, especially on cars with low bumpers, underbody battery packs or aerodynamic panels. The operator also needs to consider the vehicle’s weight. Electric cars are often heavier than similar petrol vehicles because of the battery, so the recovery vehicle must be suitable for the job.

A short wheel-lift recovery may be possible for certain models in specific circumstances, but only if the manufacturer permits it and the driven wheels are properly supported off the ground. It is not a decision to make from memory. Your handbook and the recovery professional’s equipment guidance should determine the method.

Can an electric car be towed with a rope?

In most cases, no. Even where a manufacturer allows emergency towing over a very short distance, it is generally intended to move the car out of immediate danger, not to take it home or to a garage. The vehicle may need power to release the electronic parking brake, steering lock or gear selection, and it can be difficult to control safely if its main systems have failed.

A tow rope also creates risks for both drivers. EVs are heavy, their braking assistance may be reduced when switched off, and sudden pulling forces can damage recovery points. On busy roads around Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling or anywhere else in the UK, roadside rope towing exposes you and other road users to unnecessary danger.

If the vehicle is obstructing traffic and needs moving a few metres, tell the emergency services or recovery provider exactly where you are and follow their instructions. Do not assume that selecting neutral makes every electric car safe to pull.

Battery faults and accident damage need a different response

Not every EV breakdown is a battery emergency. A flat 12-volt battery, puncture, software issue or charge fault can stop the car just as effectively as a high-voltage problem. However, damage underneath the vehicle or a collision involving the battery pack needs particular caution.

Move away from the vehicle and call 999 if you see smoke, flames, hissing, leaking fluid, strong chemical odours or repeated warning alerts after a crash. Do not touch exposed orange cables, damaged charging parts or anything under the vehicle. Keep other people back and tell responders that the car is electric.

A battery fire can behave differently from a conventional engine fire and may require specialist handling. Even if there is no visible fire, a badly damaged EV may need to be transported, stored and inspected under specific precautions. This is not a situation for a standard tow or a quick driveway repair.

Before the recovery vehicle arrives

A few practical checks can save time without putting you at risk. Have your exact location ready, including the road number, nearby landmark or motorway marker. Keep your phone charged if possible and stay available for ETA updates. If you are travelling with children, elderly passengers or pets, tell the operator so they can understand the full situation.

Remove personal belongings only if it is safe to do so. Take your key or key card, but leave recovery eyes, locking wheel nuts and any towing information accessible if the operator asks for them. Your vehicle handbook may include a specific emergency recovery section, often with instructions for activating transport mode or locating the approved towing point.

Do not try to jack up an electric car unless you know the manufacturer-approved lifting points. The battery pack often sits beneath the floor, and incorrect lifting can damage it. The same applies to attempting tyre repairs beside a fast road. A puncture may be simple, but the location can make it dangerous.

Choose recovery that understands the vehicle

The best electric car towing service is not simply the nearest vehicle with a winch. You need an insured recovery team that communicates clearly, confirms the vehicle type and uses the right method for the fault. If your EV needs to go to a home address, approved repairer, dealership or charging location, make that clear when booking so the route and destination are agreed before loading.

Car Recovery 24 provides practical roadside support and vehicle recovery when drivers need fast, calm assistance. Clear communication matters when an EV will not move: you should know who is coming, what information they need and what will happen next.

Your electric car is designed to make everyday driving quieter and simpler. When it breaks down, do not let an unsuitable tow create a second problem. Get to a safe place, share the right details and wait for recovery that can transport the vehicle properly - protecting both you and the car until it is ready to move again.