Electric vehicle towing requires more than simply sending the nearest tow truck. EVs have different drivetrains, electrical systems, towing requirements, and loading procedures than many traditional vehicles.
Using the wrong equipment or towing method can create unnecessary risks. That is why experience matters.
At Hawaii Towing Company, we have more than 15 years of towing experience on Oahu. We have transported electric vehicles in many different situations. One thing we have learned is that proper EV towing starts before the tow truck even arrives.
The towing company needs to understand the vehicle, what happened to it, and how it should be transported.
Why Electric Vehicle Towing Requires Special Care
Electric vehicles should not automatically be treated the same way as gas-powered vehicles.
Depending on the make and model, an EV may have specific requirements for loading and transportation. Many electric vehicles also use all-wheel-drive systems.
Improper towing can create risks to the drivetrain, electric motors, tires, suspension, or other components.
There are also situations where the vehicle cannot easily be placed into neutral or Transport Mode.
For these reasons, we prefer using a flatbed tow truck for electric vehicle towing. This allows us to transport the vehicle with all four wheels off the road.
However, having a flatbed is only part of the job. The operator still needs to understand how to load and secure the EV correctly.
What We Ask Before Towing an Electric Vehicle
We want to know as much as possible before arriving.
Asking the right questions helps us determine what equipment and loading method may be needed.
When someone calls us for EV towing, we may ask:
- What is the make and model?
- Is the vehicle AWD or 2WD?
- Does the vehicle still power on?
- Can it enter neutral or Transport Mode?
- Is the main battery or low-voltage battery dead?
- Was the vehicle involved in an accident?
- Does it have any visible damage?
- Is the vehicle lowered or modified?
- Does it have a body kit or unusually low clearance?
- Is the tow hook available?
- Where is the vehicle located?
- Is it inside a parking garage or tight area?
- Where does the vehicle need to be transported?
These questions may seem detailed, but they can prevent problems once the tow truck arrives.
A Tesla That Would Not Enter Transport Mode
One EV towing call that stands out involved a Tesla that could not initially be placed into Transport Mode.
The vehicle’s low-voltage system did not have enough power to access the function.
Instead of trying to force the Tesla onto the flatbed, we addressed the electrical issue first.
We connected a jump pack to provide the necessary low-voltage power. Once power was restored, we could access the Tesla’s controls and place the vehicle into Transport Mode.
The Tesla could then be properly loaded onto the flatbed and transported.
This is a good example of why EV towing experience matters.
If a vehicle does not roll normally, the answer should not automatically be to drag or force it onto the truck. Sometimes the operator needs to solve another problem first.
Why We Prefer Flatbed Towing for EVs
Our preferred method for transporting an electric vehicle is a flatbed.
Keeping all four wheels off the ground can help prevent problems related to the vehicle’s drivetrain and electric motors. It also gives the operator greater control while transporting the vehicle.
However, every situation is different.
Before loading an EV, we consider its drivetrain, condition, ground clearance, location, and manufacturer-specific requirements.
For example, an accident-damaged EV may require a different approach than a Tesla that simply has a low-voltage power problem.
That is why we do not believe in treating every electric vehicle exactly the same.
Never Force an EV Onto a Tow Truck
If an electric vehicle will not roll normally, there is usually a reason.
The vehicle may not have enough low-voltage power. It may not be in the correct towing mode. Accident damage could also prevent the wheels from moving normally.
Whatever the cause, forcing the vehicle onto a tow truck without understanding the problem can increase the risk of damage.
The operator should first determine why the EV will not move and then decide on the safest loading method.
Taking a few extra minutes to understand the situation can make a major difference.
Different Electric Vehicles May Require Different Procedures
Tesla may be one of the most recognized EV manufacturers, but it is far from the only one.
Today, we may encounter electric vehicles from Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Polestar, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, and many other manufacturers.
The correct procedure can vary depending on the vehicle.
That is another reason the towing company should know the exact make and model before arriving. Operators should never assume that a towing procedure used for one EV automatically applies to another.
Ask About EV Towing Experience
One of our biggest recommendations to EV owners is simple:
Ask the towing company whether they have experience transporting electric vehicles before allowing them to move your vehicle.
Do not be afraid to ask questions.
You can ask whether they are bringing a flatbed, whether they have transported your type of EV before, and how they plan to load it.
A professional towing company should be comfortable explaining its approach.
The company should also be asking you questions.
If a towing company immediately says it can handle the job without asking about your vehicle, its condition, or whether it can enter neutral or Transport Mode, you may want to ask more questions before proceeding.
What EV Owners Should Do When They Need a Tow
If your electric vehicle breaks down, tell the towing company that it is an EV immediately.
Provide the exact make and model. Explain what happened and whether the vehicle still has power.
You should also mention accident damage, modifications, low clearance, or anything else that could affect loading.
Most importantly, do not allow someone to simply drag or force the vehicle onto a truck without understanding why it will not move.
The goal should always be to transport the vehicle safely while reducing unnecessary risk.
Experienced Electric Vehicle Towing on Oahu
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common on Oahu, and towing companies need to understand how to handle them correctly.
At Hawaii Towing Company, we approach each EV tow based on the specific vehicle and situation. We ask detailed questions, use appropriate equipment, and take the time to determine the proper loading method.
For more than 15 years, Hawaii Towing Company has helped drivers throughout Oahu with professional towing and roadside assistance.
Whether you drive a Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Polestar, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, or another electric vehicle, our goal is the same: safely load, secure, and transport your vehicle while treating it as if it were our own.
If you need electric vehicle towing on Oahu, give Hawaii Towing Company a call. Tell us what happened, what you drive, and where you are located so we can determine the right approach before we arrive.
