Towing Assistance for Electric Vehicle Breakdowns: What You Need to Know

A few months ago, I experienced something I never thought would happen to me – I was stranded on the side of the road, and my electric vehicle (EV) wasn’t going anywhere. My first thought was, “What do I do now?” I had always heard that EVs were incredibly reliable, so it caught me off guard when I ran into an issue. But the real question soon became: how does towing assistance work for electric vehicles, and what should I expect if my EV breaks down? The experience sparked my curiosity, and I started researching more about the unique challenges that come with towing EVs. Unlike traditional gasoline-powered cars, EVs have specific needs when it comes to breakdowns and towing. In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about towing assistance for electric vehicles, including common issues that can lead to breakdowns, the steps involved in towing an EV, and some tips on how to handle situations where your EV is in need of assistance.

1. Understanding Electric Vehicle Breakdowns

Electric vehicles are incredibly efficient and require much less maintenance than traditional combustion engine cars. However, just like any vehicle, EVs can experience breakdowns. What I learned quickly is that EV breakdowns can occur due to several reasons, including battery depletion, electrical malfunctions, and issues with charging infrastructure.

1.1. Battery Depletion

The most common reason an EV may stop working is simply running out of charge. Even though many EVs today have a decent range, you never know when an unexpected detour or long drive can deplete the battery faster than anticipated. This happened to me once when I was on a road trip and misjudged the distance between charging stations. I ran out of charge and had to call for towing assistance.

1.2. Battery or Charging System Malfunctions

Another reason for an EV breakdown could be a malfunction in the battery or the charging system. Since the battery is the heart of the EV, any issue here can cause the car to stop working. I’ve read stories where owners experienced sudden charging failures or issues with the electrical components that prevented the vehicle from turning on. This could happen unexpectedly, leaving you in need of roadside assistance.

1.3. Overheating or Motor Failure

Just like traditional vehicles, EVs have motors that can experience failures or overheating. Though less common, an EV’s motor can malfunction under extreme conditions, like long climbs in hot weather. When this happens, the car might not restart until repairs are made. It’s important to understand that while EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional cars, when something goes wrong, it can often be more complex and require specialized towing.

2. Towing Electric Vehicles: The Special Considerations

While all vehicles can be towed, towing an electric vehicle requires a bit more care and knowledge compared to a regular gasoline-powered car. I learned the hard way that there are certain precautions to consider before calling for towing assistance, and it's essential to know these things ahead of time.

2.1. Flatbed Tow Trucks Are a Must

For electric vehicles, using a flatbed tow truck is the safest method. This was one of the first things I learned when I had to arrange towing for my EV. Unlike traditional vehicles, towing an EV using a regular tow truck with a hook can cause damage to the car's motors or electrical systems, especially if the vehicle is in “drive” mode when being towed. The best way to tow an EV is to use a flatbed truck, which lifts the vehicle off the ground and transports it without causing any harm.

2.2. No Rolling or Towing in “Neutral” Mode

One thing I wasn’t initially aware of was that electric vehicles often cannot be towed by rolling them in “neutral” mode, as is sometimes done with gas-powered cars. The reason for this is the same electrical system that powers the vehicle. Towing an EV without using a flatbed could lead to severe damage, particularly to the powertrain. I recommend always ensuring that the tow company uses a flatbed, as this is the safest method for the vehicle.

2.3. Battery Disconnecting or Power Shutdown

Some EVs might require special procedures to shut down or disconnect the battery safely before being towed. I didn’t realize that some EV models have a specific protocol to follow before towing to prevent electrical damage. The towing company should have experience with electric vehicles and know how to handle them properly. For instance, my car manual mentioned that for certain breakdowns, the battery might need to be disconnected to prevent short circuits during the towing process.

3. How Towing Assistance Works for EVs

Now that I had a better understanding of how towing EVs works, I realized that getting the right assistance is crucial. So, what exactly happens when you call for towing assistance for an electric vehicle?

3.1. Call for Roadside Assistance

The first step when your EV breaks down is to call for roadside assistance. Many EV manufacturers offer roadside assistance packages, which include towing services, battery charging, or even mobile mechanics. When I had to call for help, I made sure to provide the exact model of my vehicle and the issue I was experiencing. This helped the service dispatcher ensure that the appropriate towing equipment and expertise were sent to my location.

3.2. Assessing the Situation

Once the tow truck arrives, the technician will assess the situation. In my case, the breakdown was due to battery depletion, so the technician simply hooked up my EV to the flatbed tow truck and transported it to the nearest charging station. If the issue were more technical, like a malfunctioning charging system or motor, the technician would have taken additional steps to prevent further damage and potentially used a mobile mechanic to fix minor issues on the spot.

3.3. Towing to the Nearest Repair Facility or Charging Station

Depending on the nature of the breakdown, your vehicle will either be towed to a repair facility or a charging station. Since my issue was a dead battery, the towing service took my car to the nearest EV charging station. Some EV owners may need to be towed to a specialized repair center, particularly if the issue is related to the vehicle’s electrical systems or components.

3.4. EV-Specific Towing Support

It’s essential to know that not all towing services are equipped or trained to handle electric vehicles. Some may lack the specialized knowledge needed to tow EVs properly. This was something I learned after experiencing my first breakdown. I now always check if the towing company is familiar with EV-specific procedures, as this ensures my vehicle will be in good hands. Many major towing companies are now offering EV-specific services, but it's good practice to inquire ahead of time.

4. Preparing for EV Breakdowns

While I learned a lot about towing after my own breakdown, I also found that being prepared can make a huge difference in avoiding a stressful situation. Here are a few tips that have helped me:

4.1. Keep Your EV’s Range in Mind

The best way to avoid breakdowns is to make sure you don’t run out of charge unexpectedly. Most EVs come with apps or dashboard displays that can show you the current battery level and estimated range. Keeping track of these details can prevent you from finding yourself stranded far from a charging station. I’ve made it a habit to charge my car whenever I can, especially on long trips.

4.2. Have a Roadside Assistance Plan

I highly recommend subscribing to a reliable roadside assistance plan that includes EV towing services. Many EV manufacturers offer these services as part of their warranty or subscription packages. Additionally, independent companies like AAA also offer plans that include EV breakdown assistance. This gives peace of mind knowing that help is just a call away in case something goes wrong.

4.3. Carry a Portable Charger

A portable EV charger can be a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch. While it’s not a substitute for a full charge, it can provide enough power to get you to the nearest charging station. I’ve started carrying a portable charger with me on long trips, just in case my range falls short.

5. Conclusion

Towing assistance for electric vehicle breakdowns is definitely more specialized than for traditional vehicles, but the process is relatively straightforward once you know what to expect. Whether it's ensuring you're using a flatbed tow truck, understanding the importance of disconnecting the battery, or calling for the right roadside assistance, having the right knowledge can help you avoid a lot of stress. Since my experience, I’ve made sure to stay better informed, and I recommend the same for any electric vehicle owner. EVs are an incredible choice for environmentally conscious drivers, but understanding how to deal with a breakdown is just as important as knowing how to drive one.