Why EVs Need Flatbed Towing
Electric vehicles are fundamentally different from gas-powered cars when it comes to towing. The drivetrain that makes EVs so efficient on the road creates serious problems when the wheels are dragged on pavement.
In a gas car, the engine and transmission can be disconnected from the wheels by shifting to neutral. The wheels spin freely, and the car can be towed without mechanical resistance. Electric vehicles don't work this way.
The Regenerative Braking Problem
EV motors are permanently connected to the drive wheels through a fixed-ratio gearbox. When those wheels spin, the motor spins too. This is the same principle that makes regenerative braking work - the motor acts as a generator, converting kinetic energy back into electricity.
When you tow an EV with its drive wheels on the ground, regenerative braking kicks in automatically. The motor generates electricity with nowhere useful to send it. That energy converts to heat inside the motor, inverter, and battery pack. At highway towing speeds, temperatures can spike within minutes.
Critical Warning: Never Drag an EV
Why Neutral Doesn't Help
Many EV owners assume that putting the car in “neutral” disconnects the motor from the wheels. It doesn't. Unlike a gas car's transmission, an EV's single-speed gearbox has no true neutral that mechanically decouples the motor. The “neutral” mode in most EVs simply tells the motor controller to stop applying torque - but the physical connection remains.
Some newer EVs (like certain Rivian and Lucid models) have implemented a “transport mode” that partially addresses this issue. But even with transport mode engaged, manufacturers still recommend flatbed towing as the only safe option.
AWD EVs Are at Double Risk
Many popular EVs - Tesla Model Y, Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD, Rivian R1T - have dual motors powering both axles. This means all four wheels are connected to electric motors. You can't even use a wheel-lift tow truck on the front wheels because the rear motor would still be dragging. Flatbed is the only answer.
The One Exception
EV Towing Costs
Towing an EV costs more than towing a gas car. The reason is simple: flatbed trucks are more expensive to operate than standard wheel-lift tow trucks. A flatbed requires a larger vehicle, more fuel, and specialized equipment. Expect to pay 25-50% more than you would for a comparable gas car tow.
EV Towing vs. Gas Car Towing - Cost Comparison
| Distance / Scenario | Gas Car (Wheel-Lift) | EV (Flatbed Required) |
|---|---|---|
| Local (0-10 miles) | $75 - $150 | $150 - $300 |
| Medium (10-30 miles) | $150 - $300 | $250 - $500 |
| Long Distance (50-100 miles) | $250 - $600 | $500 - $1,200 |
| Long Distance (100+ miles) | $400 - $1,000 | $800 - $2,000+ |
| After-Hours Surcharge | +$50 - $75 | +$75 - $150 |
Local (0-10 miles)
Medium (10-30 miles)
Long Distance (50-100 miles)
Long Distance (100+ miles)
After-Hours Surcharge
What Drives the Higher Cost
Flatbed trucks are expensive equipment. A new flatbed rollback costs $80,000-$150,000 compared to $50,000-$80,000 for a wheel-lift truck. The operator needs more training, the truck burns more fuel, and loading/unloading takes longer. These costs get passed directly to you.
EV weight is another factor. A Tesla Model Y weighs about 4,400 lbs. A Ford F-150 Lightning tips the scales at over 6,500 lbs. Heavier vehicles cost more to tow because they require more fuel and put more wear on the flatbed equipment. Some towing companies add a surcharge for vehicles over 5,000 lbs.
Real-World EV Towing Cost Examples
Tesla Model 3 - flat tire, 5-mile tow
Local flatbed, business hours
Rivian R1S - dead battery, 25-mile tow
Medium distance, weekend
Ford Lightning - accident, 60-mile tow
Long distance, after-hours
Chevy Bolt - motor failure, 120-mile tow
Long haul to dealership
Want a more precise estimate for your situation? Use our towing cost calculator to get a price estimate based on your vehicle type and distance. You can also browse towing costs by state to see local pricing in your area.
How to Save on EV Towing
Common Mistakes to Avoid
EV towing mistakes can cost thousands of dollars in repairs. Most of these errors happen because tow truck operators treat EVs the same way they treat gas cars. Make sure you know these pitfalls so you can speak up before damage occurs.
Mistake #1: Allowing a Wheel-Lift Tow
This is the most common and most expensive mistake. A standard wheel-lift truck hooks under the front wheels and lifts them off the ground while the rear wheels roll on the pavement. For a rear-wheel-drive or AWD EV, this means the rear motor is being spun by the road. Even for a front-wheel-drive EV, some wheel-lift operators lift the wrong end.
Potential Damage: $5,000 - $15,000+
Mistake #2: Towing in “Drive” or “Park”
Even on a flatbed, your EV should be in the correct mode before transport. Leaving it in “Park” engages the parking pawl (on models that have one) and can stress the gearbox if the car shifts on the flatbed during transport. Always activate transport mode or neutral before loading.
Before Loading on the Flatbed
Mistake #3: Ignoring Transport Mode
Most modern EVs have a dedicated “Transport Mode” or “Tow Mode” that disables features that interfere with safe towing. Transport mode typically turns off the parking brake, disables auto-leveling air suspension (if equipped), and prevents the car from trying to “auto-park” or engage stability control while on the flatbed.
Skipping this step can cause the parking brake to re-engage during transport, the air suspension to lower unexpectedly (scraping on the flatbed), or stability control to fight the strapping process.
Air Suspension Risk
Mistake #4: Not Disabling Regenerative Braking
Some EV owners have attempted short tows with the car in neutral, thinking regenerative braking is off. In most EVs, regen braking is always active to some degree - even in neutral, a small amount of motor drag exists. The “low regen” setting on your car reduces braking force for the driver, but it does not eliminate the magnetic coupling between the motor and wheels.
This is why transport mode exists. It tells the vehicle's computer to fully release the motor from applying any force. Neutral alone does not accomplish this on most EVs.
Mistake #5: Hiring the Wrong Tow Company
Not all tow companies own flatbed trucks. Some smaller operators only have wheel-lift equipment. When you call for a tow, specifically ask: “Do you have a flatbed available?” and “Does your operator have experience with electric vehicles?” If the answer to either question is no, call someone else.
Your best bet is to use your manufacturer's roadside assistance (see below) or a service recommended for EVs. These operators are trained on EV-specific procedures and have the right equipment.
EV Roadside Assistance Options
The good news: most EV manufacturers include some form of roadside assistance with your vehicle. These programs are specifically designed for electric vehicles and dispatch flatbed-equipped operators who know how to handle EVs safely.
Manufacturer Programs
Every major EV manufacturer offers a roadside assistance program. Coverage varies widely - Tesla provides 24/7 service through its app, Rivian bundles it with their subscription service, and Ford includes it with FordPass. The key differences come down to how long the coverage lasts, distance limits, and whether mobile charging is included.
EV Roadside Assistance Program Comparison
| Program | Coverage Period | Towing Distance | Mobile Charging | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Roadside | 4 years / 50,000 mi | Nearest Tesla Service Center (up to 500 mi) | No | Free (warranty), $100+ after |
| Rivian Roadside | 5 years / 60,000 mi | 50 miles included | Yes (Adventure Network) | Free (warranty) |
| Ford Roadside | 5 years / 60,000 mi | Nearest Ford EV dealer | No | Free (warranty) |
| AAA (Plus/Premier) | Annual membership | 100 mi (Plus) / 200 mi (Premier) | No | $105 - $175/year |
| Insurance Roadside | While policy active | 15 - 50 mi typical | No | $2 - $5/month add-on |
Tesla Roadside
Rivian Roadside
Ford Roadside
AAA (Plus/Premier)
Insurance Roadside
AAA and EVs
AAA will dispatch a flatbed for your EV, but you need to be explicit when calling. Tell the dispatcher: “I have an electric vehicle and I need a flatbed truck only.” AAA Plus covers towing up to 100 miles, and Premier covers up to 200 miles. Their basic plan only covers 5 miles - not enough for most EV situations where you may need to reach a specific charging station or dealer.
Insurance-Based Roadside Assistance
Most major auto insurers (State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate) offer roadside assistance add-ons for $2-$5 per month. The catch: distance limits are often low (15-25 miles) and they may not guarantee a flatbed unless you specifically request one. Some insurers have updated their EV policies to always dispatch flatbeds for electric vehicles, but confirm this with your provider before you need it.
For a full comparison of all roadside assistance options - including pricing, coverage details, and which programs work best for different situations - read our roadside assistance comparison guide.
Stack Your Coverage
Towing by Manufacturer
Each EV manufacturer has different towing policies, roadside assistance terms, and procedures. Here's a breakdown of what the major manufacturers offer and how to request a tow for each brand.
EV Manufacturer Towing Policies
| Manufacturer | Free Towing Included | Distance Limit | How to Request |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla (all models) | Yes - warranty period | 500 miles (nearest service center) | Tesla app > Roadside Assistance |
| Rivian (R1T, R1S) | Yes - 5 yr / 60,000 mi | 50 miles | Rivian app or call 1-888-748-4261 |
| Ford (Lightning, Mach-E) | Yes - 5 yr / 60,000 mi | Nearest Ford EV dealer | FordPass app or call 1-800-241-3673 |
| Chevy (Bolt, Equinox EV) | Yes - 5 yr / 60,000 mi | Nearest Chevy EV dealer | myChevrolet app or call 1-800-243-8872 |
| BMW (iX, i4) | Yes - 4 yr / 50,000 mi | Nearest BMW dealer | BMW Assist app or call 1-800-332-4269 |
| Hyundai (Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6) | Yes - 5 yr / 60,000 mi | Nearest Hyundai EV dealer | Hyundai app or call 1-800-243-7766 |
| Kia (EV6, EV9) | Yes - 5 yr / 60,000 mi | Nearest Kia EV dealer | Kia Connect app or call 1-800-333-4542 |
Tesla (all models)
Rivian (R1T, R1S)
Ford (Lightning, Mach-E)
Chevy (Bolt, Equinox EV)
BMW (iX, i4)
Hyundai (Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6)
Kia (EV6, EV9)
Tesla
Tesla's roadside assistance is built into the Tesla app. Tap “Roadside Assistance” and the app submits your location, vehicle status, and issue description automatically. Tesla dispatches its own network of flatbed-equipped partners. During the warranty period (4 years or 50,000 miles), towing to the nearest Tesla service center is free - even if it's 500 miles away. After warranty, Tesla charges a dispatch fee plus per-mile rate.
Tesla's transport mode is accessible through the touchscreen: go to Controls > Service > Towing. If the 12V battery is dead and the screen is unresponsive, Tesla has a manual tow hook access point behind the front bumper and a 12V jump point in the frunk.
Rivian
Rivian includes 5 years or 60,000 miles of roadside assistance covering flatbed towing up to 50 miles. Rivian's unique selling point is their “Adventure Network” support - if you're stranded off-road or in a remote area, they have specialized recovery options. Rivian's vehicles also have a dedicated “Transport Mode” in the settings that disables air suspension adjustments and releases the parking brake.
Ford (Lightning and Mustang Mach-E)
Ford's roadside assistance through FordPass covers 5 years or 60,000 miles. The F-150 Lightning requires extra care during towing due to its weight (6,500+ lbs) - not all standard flatbeds can handle it. Make sure the tow company confirms they have a flatbed rated for your vehicle's weight. The Mach-E is lighter at around 4,800 lbs and fits standard flatbeds without issue.
Chevy, BMW, Hyundai, and Kia
These manufacturers all offer similar 5-year / 60,000-mile roadside programs (BMW is 4 years / 50,000 miles). All require flatbed towing and all have dedicated apps for requesting service. The Chevy Bolt is one of the lighter EVs at 3,600 lbs, making it easy for any standard flatbed. Hyundai and Kia share the E-GMP platform, so the Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, EV6, and EV9 all have identical towing procedures.
After Warranty Expires
What If Your EV Battery Dies?
Running out of charge in an EV is different from running out of gas. You can't just bring a jerry can of electricity to the car. Here's what actually happens and what your options are.
What Happens When the Battery Hits 0%
Your EV won't actually let the high-voltage battery reach absolute zero. The car shuts down propulsion when it hits a minimum reserve level (usually around 2-5% actual capacity). This reserve keeps the 12V system, hazard lights, and basic electronics running for a period after the car stops moving.
Once the main battery is depleted, the 12V battery keeps things running for 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the vehicle and what systems are active. After the 12V dies too, you lose power steering, power brakes, dashboard controls, and the ability to put the car in transport mode through the touchscreen.
Act Fast When You See Low Battery Warnings
How to Access Transport Mode with a Dead Battery
Getting Your Dead EV Ready for Towing
Jump the 12V battery
Every EV has a 12V battery (separate from the main high-voltage pack) that powers electronics. Connect a portable jump pack or another vehicle to the 12V terminals. Location varies: Tesla has them in the frunk, Ford Lightning under the front hood, most others under the rear seat or in the trunk.
Power on the dashboard
With 12V power restored, press the brake pedal and power button (or just the brake in Teslas) to wake up the vehicle electronics. You don't need the main battery to access menus - the 12V system powers the touchscreen.
Activate transport mode
Navigate to your vehicle's transport mode setting. Tesla: Controls > Service > Towing. Rivian: Settings > Vehicle > Transport Mode. Ford: Settings > Vehicle > Tow Mode. This disables the parking brake and allows the wheels to roll freely.
Release the parking brake manually (if needed)
If transport mode isn't accessible, most EVs have a manual parking brake release. Check your owner's manual for the emergency release location - it's typically a small lever or cable near the rear wheels or under the center console.
Communicate with the tow operator
Tell the flatbed operator your car has no power steering or power brakes. They'll need to winch it onto the flatbed rather than driving it. This is standard procedure for EV operators, but worth confirming.
Can You Push an EV to a Charger?
Technically, yes - but it's extremely difficult. EVs are heavy (3,500-6,500 lbs) and without power steering, the wheels don't turn easily. There's no power brake assist either, so stopping is a problem. If the charger is within 50 feet on flat ground and you have multiple people helping, you might manage it. Beyond that, don't try it.
Never tow an EV to a charger with a rope or strap behind another vehicle. Even at low speeds, the wheels spinning will generate electricity through regenerative braking, potentially damaging the already-depleted battery pack. Flatbed or nothing.
Mobile EV Charging Services
Mobile charging is an emerging alternative to towing. A service truck comes to your location with a portable battery pack or generator-powered charger and gives your EV enough charge to drive to the nearest charging station. This avoids towing entirely.
Mobile Charging Options
SparkCharge (Currently)
Operates in select US cities. They dispatch a van with portable DC fast chargers that can add 50-100 miles of range in about 30 minutes. Cost: $20-$30 for a service call plus per-kWh charging rates. Available through their app or partnered roadside assistance programs.
AAA Mobile EV Charging
AAA has begun deploying mobile EV charging trucks in several markets (Portland, OR; Charlotte, NC; and others). Available to AAA members at no extra cost - they'll add enough charge to get you to the nearest station. Coverage is expanding but limited to select cities.
Manufacturer Mobile Charging
Rivian and Lucid include mobile charging as part of their roadside assistance. Tesla does not currently offer mobile charging - they'll tow you to a Supercharger or service center instead.
Prevention: Avoiding a Dead Battery
The easiest way to avoid EV towing costs is to never run out of charge. Plan your route using your vehicle's built-in trip planner or apps like A Better Route Planner (ABRP). Keep at least a 10% buffer, especially in cold weather when battery range can drop 20-40%. If you're driving a long-distance route through areas with sparse charging infrastructure, plan extra stops.
The Bottom Line on EV Towing