More electric vehicles are being driven in America than ever before, which raises a number of concerns, one of which is this: Does towing an electric vehicle follow the same procedure as towing a conventional car? Although there aren't many differences between the two procedures, they must be recognized to prevent certain expensive and sometimes hazardous results.

Knowing which teams are worthy of your time in each scenario and when towing is required is helpful. For further information on how to prepare for a tow and how to identify a reliable towing company, see our tips.

Why You Might Need to Have Your Electric Car Towed?

There are several factors to consider when towing any type of vehicle, some of which are unique to the vehicle's design. Because electric or hybrid cars can encounter problems for several reasons, it is important that you inform your towing crew that they will be handling an electric vehicle.

These could be anything from common car problems like a flat tire or a broken part to an accident where you need to be taken right away to a technician. Even if you've just run out of charge, towing might not be necessary.

For roadside help, the top towing companies can send out a charging truck so you can resume your journey. Let's analyze the essential information that car owners and towing companies need to know in order to guarantee a seamless tow of an electric vehicle.

Electric Vehicle Batteries need Extra Care

Keeping in mind that conventional cars are flammable is crucial when towing them. Similarly, if an electric car's lithium-ion batteries become faulty, exposed to high temperatures, or treated irresponsibly while being towed, they may catch fire. Not only is a cautious and steady tow sensible in these circumstances, but it may also avoid a major mishap.

When it comes to transferring batteries, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) emphasizes the important role that everyone plays and how they can reduce hazards and incidents. When hiring a towing company, be sure they understand how sensitive and possibly damaging towing an electric car may be.

The Battery should be Charged before Towing

Considering everything we just discussed, you might be wondering if it's a good idea to keep your battery completely charged. Believe us, it happens when you pick a towing company with experience in electric vehicles. Similar to how it makes sense to leave a little fuel in a regular car's tank so you can drive it after it gets to its destination, electric cars need to be fully charged, or at least significantly charged, to do the same.

Even if these vehicles are becoming more and more common, it's still a good idea to have a fully charged battery before towing because you are never sure where an upcoming charging station will be. There are definitely ample across the country, but you can never be too cautious. Only the most courteous teams will make the extra effort to allow you to charge while being towed, and not all towing companies have charger trucks!

After Disconnecting Your Charging Cable, Put Your Car in "Park"

Did you ever attempt to leave a gas station when the pump was still in your vehicle? The act of leaving the charging cord in is a common mistake that people make daily. Disconnect charging cords before towing, since they can become entangled by swinging about.

Additionally, customers need to make sure they park their cars to enable safer towing. Although it's best to take extra care to keep your car from rolling off down the road, the towing company should have the car securely fastened anyway.

Shifting Your Electric Car to the Tow Truck

Even though tow trucks are built to carry heavy cars, not all of the companies you call will have the necessary strength to complete the task. Because the battery, inverter, motor, and charger add weight to the vehicle, electric vehicles are heavier than their gasoline-powered equivalents.

Driving the car gently up and onto the flatbed or car carrier, which can be slanted downward to allow your car to board, is the best option. Heavy electric vehicles that are overturned or tipped in more severe circumstances may need to be winched out and aboard the tow truck by a towing company with specialized equipment.

Depending on the extent of battery damage, these specialized remedies could involve air cushioning or the containment of dangerous materials. The car should be put in transport mode, or what is known as "neutral" in regular cars, as soon as it is securely on the tow truck. This will assist in fully deactivating your car while it is in motion and may be referred to as "service mode" or "tow mode."

Get Your Electric Car Towed in NYC Instantly

Because Rite Way Towing and Recovery has years of expertise in electric car towing in NYC, you can rely on our certified and trained staff to look after you around the clock, every day of the year. Get in touch with Rite Way Towing right now. No matter what you drive, we'll help you get back on course!

Bottom Line

Avoid getting into more serious issues because of worries about immediate expenses. You can better understand the costs of towing an electric car if you are aware of the main factors. DIY repairs could result in burns or electrocution, so let the experts handle any inquiry! This is where we may help by providing roadside assistance or prompt, dependable towing to the relevant vehicle maintenance shop.