Towing an electric vehicle: what you need to know for safety and efficiency

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular due to their efficiency and environmental friendliness. However, one of the issues that worries drivers of electric cars is the possibility of towing such vehicles. If your car gets into an unpleasant situation, can it be towed without risking damage? In this article, we will take a closer look at all aspects of towing electric vehicles and provide useful recommendations. We remind you that you have the opportunity to purchase both home and commercial charging stations in our online storeand use our public charging stations ECOFACTORlocated throughout Ukraine. For easy access to charging, you can use our applicationavailable for the following platforms iOS and Android.

Why is it important to tow an electric vehicle correctly?

Proper towing of an electric vehicle is critical to maintaining its integrity and performance. As electric vehicles have a different design to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, there are several specific aspects to consider when transporting them. Mistakes in towing can lead to serious damage to both mechanical parts and electronic systems.

Impact on the drivetrain and electronics

Electric vehicles usually do not have a traditional gearbox, which means that their drivetrain works on a different principle. Towing such vehicles without the right methods can damage the drive system that controls the rotation of the wheels. Some models have specific electronic systems that help regulate the speed and energy generated during braking. If the wheels rotate incorrectly or lock up during towing, these systems may malfunction.

Battery and electronic components overheating

Electric cars are powered by rechargeable batteries, and improperly organised towing can lead to battery overheating. This is especially true for models where the battery is located at the bottom of the vehicle or has a specific cooling system. When towing on tracks or if the vehicle is driven over long distances without active movement, the battery may not be cooled sufficiently, leading to overheating. This not only affects battery performance, but can also cause serious damage.

Interference with security systems

Electric vehicles are equipped with numerous driver assistance systems, such as adaptive brakes, stability systems and energy recovery aids. When towing a vehicle on tracks, these systems may not work correctly because they perceive the movement as not being in line with the normal driving process. For example, a braking system that is normally electronically controlled may perceive towing as an emergency, activating unnecessary functions or an emergency braking system that may lead to undesirable results.

Risks to the motor control system

Electric vehicles have sophisticated motor control systems that are very sensitive to improper load. Improper towing can cause not only mechanical damage, but also electrical failures that require costly repairs. Most electric motors are not designed to rotate for long periods of time without driver input or without properly configured power transmission, which can lead to system overload.

Impact on the warranty

Many manufacturers of electric vehicles include warranty conditions that clearly regulate how the vehicle is to be transported. Failure to comply with these conditions may result in the loss of warranty coverage. This means that if your vehicle is damaged due to improperly organised towing, you may be denied free repairs or replacement of damaged parts, making repairs expensive.

Thus, it is important to consider all these aspects when you are faced with the need to tow an electric car. Only the correct implementation of this process will allow you to maintain the car's performance, prevent unnecessary repair costs and ensure safety for both your car and other road users.

Important recommendations for towing an electric vehicle

Towing an electric vehicle requires following a few key guidelines to ensure vehicle safety and prevent damage. As electric vehicles are designed differently from traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, specific transport conditions need to be taken into account.

Check the manufacturer's instructions

Always check your electric vehicle's owner's manual before towing. It may contain important conditions and restrictions for towing a particular model.

Recommendation: Be sure to read the manual. In some cases, the manufacturer may prohibit towing over long distances or at certain speeds.

Use the right towing equipment

For towing, you must use specially designed devices that will ensure safe and damage-free transport of the vehicle.

Recommendation: Only use certified tow ropes or chains. Avoid devices that are too long or too short to avoid overloading the vehicle.

Reduced towing speed

It is important not to exceed the recommended speed when towing an electric vehicle, as this can lead to system overheating or other malfunctions.

Recommendation: Do not exceed the maximum permitted speed specified in the manual. This will help keep the vehicle's electronic components safe.

Towing over short distances

Towing over long distances can cause serious damage, so it is recommended to limit the transport distance.

Recommendation: Only tow your electric vehicle for short distances. For longer journeys, it is better to use a transport platform.

Shifting the car into neutral

Many models of electric vehicles allow you to shift the car into neutral or manually disengage the electric motor while towing. This reduces the load on the system.

Recommendation: If your model allows it, be sure to shift the vehicle into neutral before towing to avoid damage.

Towing on rear or front wheels

Depending on the design of the car, you can tow an electric vehicle either on the rear or front wheels. You need to carefully consider which option is right for your model.

Recommendation: Read the manual and make sure you have selected the correct pair of wheels for towing.

Monitoring the braking system

Towing can affect the functioning of the vehicle's braking system, especially when the vehicle does not use active braking while driving.

Recommendation: Make sure the braking system is working properly. If your vehicle is not equipped with automatic braking, do not tow it on slippery roads.

Preparing for emergencies

If unforeseen situations arise during towing (for example, a low battery or a breakdown), you need to be prepared to act.

Recommendation: Carry an emergency kit, including a spare wheel, towbar release tools and communication equipment, to help you respond quickly to problems.

Proper implementation of all these recommendations will help to maintain the performance of the electric vehicle and ensure safety when towing.

ECOFACTOR: Professional assistance in towing and repairing electric vehicles

In our company, ECOFACTORAs a full-service electric car company, we offer comprehensive services for electric car owners, including towing, charging and technical assistance. We understand how important it is to follow the correct towing methods to avoid damage to your car's sensitive electrical systems. Here's what we can offer you:

• Professional towing: We provide electric vehicle towing services in accordance with all model specifications and system safety.
• Consultations on preparing for towing: Our experts will help you prepare your electric vehicle for transport, including choosing the safest method.
• Towing on the platform: We recommend this method for the safe transport of electric vehicles to avoid strain on the transmission and battery.
• Strict adherence to the manufacturer's instructions: We always take into account the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure a safe towing process.
• Round-the-clock support: We provide 24/7 support to give you peace of mind in any situation.
• Charging before transport: If your vehicle has a low battery, we can arrange for it to be charged before towing so that you are not inconvenienced. Thanks to our mobile applicationavailable for iOS and Android, you can easily find the nearest charging station both in Ukraine and across Europe. 

With ECOFACTOR, you can be sure that your electric vehicle will be transported safely and without damage. Our experienced specialists will ensure that you are properly prepared and assisted in every situation.

ECOFACTOR is actively working on the development of infrastructure for electric cars, creating map of charging stationsThe company's new charging system allows drivers to not only charge their cars efficiently, but also have access to safe and convenient technology. Our cables and adapters comply with the most advanced European quality standards, which guarantees safe, fast and efficient charging of your electric vehicles.

Towing on a platform vs. towing on tracks

When towing electric vehicles, there are two main methods of transport: platform towing and track towing. Each of these methods has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, especially when it comes to electric vehicles, whose design and technology may require a more careful approach.

Towing on the platform

Towing an electric car on a platform is one of the most reliable and safe ways to transport it. The platform is a specially equipped vehicle on which the car is fully loaded.

Advantages of towing on a platform:

• Safety for electrical components: The platform completely eliminates wheel contact with the road, ensuring that electrical systems such as the electric motor, battery and transmission are not subjected to additional stress or damage.
• No impact on the battery: When towing on a platform, the battery of the electric vehicle will not discharge because the engine is not running and it is not connected to the wheels.
• Ideal for long distances: The platform is the most suitable option for transporting electric vehicles over long distances, as there are no speed or time limits.

Disadvantages of towing on a platform:

• Cost of transport: Platform towing is usually more expensive due to the use of specialised platforms and vehicles, which can increase the overall transport costs.
• Not always available: Not every towing service has a platform available and must be ordered additionally.

Towing on tracks

Towing on tracks means transporting a vehicle when only certain wheels are on the ground and the others are raised, for example, with a tow rope or special devices. This is usually done with the help of road trains, where the wheels of one axle are in contact with the road, while the other is lifted on a special mechanism.

Advantages of towing on tracks:

• Convenience.: No special platforms are required for towing on tracks and it is usually faster and cheaper as a standard towing vehicle can be used.
• Availability: Towing on tracks is available in most cases and does not require special equipment or vehicles.

Disadvantages of towing on tracks:

• Risk to drivetrain and electrical systems: When towing on tracks, especially if the vehicle is equipped with an active transmission, there is a risk of damage to the engines, transmission or other electrical components.
• Battery discharge: Towing on tracks can drain the battery of an electric vehicle, as the wheels in contact with the road can partially or completely use the battery's energy to drive. This can lead to an undesirable decrease in charge level.
• Speed and distance limits: Towing on tracks is usually only permitted for short distances and the towing speed must be limited to avoid damaging the electrical components of the vehicle.

When to choose a platform and when to choose tracks?

• For long distances and safe transport electric cars are better to choose platformThis ensures safety for the car's electrical systems and no strain on the battery.
• For short distances or in cases where it is impossible to organise a platform, you can use towing on tracks. However, this method requires compliance with speed and distance limits to avoid possible damage.

Both methods - platform towing and track towing - have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on the specific situation. Platform towing is the safest option when you need to transport an electric vehicle over long distances. At the same time, track towing is a more affordable and accessible option, but it has more limitations and risks for electric systems.

How to prepare an electric vehicle for towing?

Proper preparation of your electric vehicle for towing is an important step, as it helps to avoid damage to both the vehicle and its electrical systems. Below are step-by-step instructions and important points to consider before towing.

Check the manufacturer's instructions

Before any towing, you should read the manufacturer's instructions for your electric vehicle. Each vehicle has its own characteristics, and it is important to know exactly which towing methods are suitable for your model.

What is important to check:

• Manufacturer's recommendations for towing: Some vehicles may have restrictions on maximum speed or towing distance.
• Availability of special modes for towing: Some electric vehicles have special modes that reduce the load on the transmission and allow for safer transport.

Check the battery level

The battery charge of your electric vehicle is an important consideration when preparing for towing. If the charge level is low, you may experience problems with transport, especially if you plan to tow the vehicle on tracks.

What to do:

• Check the charge level: If the battery is completely discharged, you will not be able to tow the vehicle on tracks. It is ideal if the charge level is at least 20-30%.
• Charge the vehicle before towing: If possible, charge the vehicle before transport to avoid possible problems during towing.

Choosing the right towing method

As already mentioned, there are several towing methods, and it is important to choose the one that suits your situation.

What to consider:

• Towing on the platform: This is the best option for transporting electric vehicles over long distances, as it completely eliminates possible damage to electrical components.
• Towing on tracks: If you decide to use this method, make sure that the vehicle is mechanically driven (even in the case of electric vehicles with front or rear-wheel drive).

Switching to Neutral (N) mode

If you are towing an electric vehicle on tracks, you must shift the vehicle into neutral. This allows the wheels to rotate freely, which reduces the strain on the transmission and electric motor.

Steps to shift into neutral:

• This is usually done by pressing and holding the brake pedal until you have shifted the gearbox into "N".
• If the vehicle fails to start or has problems with the electronic system, it may not be possible to shift into neutral, making towing dangerous.

Check the condition of tyres and suspension

Before towing an electric vehicle, check the condition of the tyres and suspension. If the tyres are underinflated or have other suspension problems, this can cause additional damage during transport.

What needs to be done:

• Check out tyre pressureThe wrong pressure can cause damage to the tyres during towing.
• Make sure that car suspension is in good condition and has no defects that could complicate the transport process.

Use of protective equipment

Sometimes, for additional safety when towing an electric vehicle, you can use various protective equipment, such as special belts or cablesThe vehicle can be secured to a platform or towing device.

What's important:

• Secure the vehicle to the platform correctly to prevent it from moving during transport.
• Use protective covers or bagsto protect the interior of the vehicle from dust or dirt during transport on the platform.

Checking all technical systems

Make sure that all important vehicle systems are working before towing the vehicle. This is especially important if the vehicle is being transported over a long distance.

What to check:

• Brakes: Make sure that the brake system is working properly, even if the vehicle is towed on a platform.
• Lighting: If the vehicle is towed on tracks, make sure that its lighting is working to be visible to other road users.

Proper preparation of an electric vehicle for towing is the key to safety and maintaining its technical condition. Following the manufacturer's recommendations, checking the battery charge, shifting to neutral and other important points will help you avoid unpleasant consequences. This is the only way to be sure that your electric vehicle will be delivered to its destination without damage.

Differences in towing electric vehicles and conventional cars

Towing electric vehicles has a number of important differences from towing conventional vehicles with internal combustion engines. These differences are due to the design and operation of electric vehicles, in particular their transmission and electrical systems. Let's take a look at the key aspects that affect the towing process for each type of vehicle.

Drive and transmission

One of the main differences is the design of the drive and transmission. Conventional cars usually have a manual transmission and a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE). When towing such vehicles on tracks, it is important to shift them into neutral, which allows the wheels to rotate freely without loading the transmission.

Electric cars have no traditional transmission, and the electric motor is driven directly by the battery through an electronic control system. Many electric cars have an automatic transmission without a gearbox, and the movement is carried out directly through the electric motor. When towing an electric vehicle, care should be taken not to damage the electric control system or the battery.

Impact of towing on the battery

In conventional vehicles, towing does not cause serious problems with the battery or fuel system. However, in the case of electric vehicles, towing can have unpredictable consequences for the battery, especially if the vehicle has a very low charge.

What you need to know:

• Ordinary cars: Since they run on fuel (petrol or diesel), towing does not affect their battery. Only the braking and electrical systems may need attention.
• Electric cars: Towing can activate or deactivate various functions of electrical systems, especially if the battery is low. In some cases, electrical systems may even block movement or lose power if not properly prepared.

Towing methods

Towing electric vehicles often requires a special approach. With conventional vehicles, towing on tracks or on a platform is not particularly difficult. For electric vehicles, however, we recommend using a platform towing system only, as towing on tracks can damage the transmission, especially if you are travelling long distances.

Recommendations:

• Ordinary cars: It can be towed on tracks without significant risks to the transmission, provided you follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Electric cars: It is best to tow an electric vehicle on a platform to avoid potential damage to electrical components such as the battery or electrical control systems.

Towing modes

Some electric vehicles have special modes for towing that optimise the performance of the transmission and prevent damage. This is an important aspect, as not all electric vehicles are suitable for towing on tracks. In many cases, you will need to consult the owner's manual or contact a service centre to switch to the appropriate mode.

Conventional vehicles usually do not have such special modes, as their transmissions are set to either manual or automatic operation, allowing for safe towing on tracks or across a platform.

Impact on the braking system

The braking system also has some differences between electric and conventional cars. Electric cars often have regenerative braking, which allows the battery to be recharged during braking. However, this process is not activated during towing, which can affect brake performance.

What's important:

• Ordinary cars: Towing does not normally affect the brake system, but you should check the condition of the brakes before transport.
• Electric cars: If the vehicle is not equipped with towing systems, regenerative braking may not work, which can reduce the braking performance during towing.

Risk of damage to electrical components

In electric vehicles, the components associated with the electric drive and the battery are of particular importance. Damage to these systems while towing on tracks can have serious consequences. Particular care should be taken if the vehicle has an all-wheel drive system or special modes that automatically disengage the transmission if towing is not done correctly.

Recommendations:

• Ordinary cars: The risk of component damage is lower because traditional internal combustion engines operate on different principles.
• Electric cars: There is a high risk of damage to the battery or electrical systems, so use the correct towing methods and always consult the manufacturer's instructions.

Towing electric cars requires a more careful approach, as they have significant differences from conventional cars in terms of transmission, battery systems and electrical components. These factors must be taken into account to ensure safe transportation and avoid damage. Choosing the right towing method, checking the instructions and preparing for the transport are the key to a successful process.

Conclusion.

Towing an electric vehicle is an important process that requires special attention. Choosing the right towing method and preparing the vehicle can help avoid significant damage. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and check the battery charge level before transport. Platform towing is usually the safest method.

Follow the recommendations and try to avoid towing on tracks without proper preparation, as this can lead to unforeseen damage. This will ensure the safety of your electric vehicle and help you avoid high repair costs.

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