🌎 10 Must-Know EV Towing Safety Rules for Drivers in Tier 1 Countries 🚗

🔋 Introduction

Electric vehicles (EVs) are accelerating across Tier 1 countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia in 2025. As governments push toward clean energy and as battery tech improves, EVs are replacing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles rapidly.

But here’s what many EV owners overlook: EV towing safety is not the same as towing a gas-powered car. Mistakes in towing can lead to battery fires, system failures, costly repairs, or even complete vehicle loss.

To help you tow your EV safely and responsibly, we’ve outlined 10 must-know EV towing safety rules every driver should follow. Whether you’re a Tesla owner in California, a Nissan Leaf driver in London, or a Hyundai Ioniq 6 user in Sydney, these guidelines will protect your vehicle and your safety.

1️⃣⚙️ Know Your EV’s Towing Mode (or Transport Mode)

One of the most critical steps in EV towing safety is knowing whether your electric vehicle supports a Transport Mode—sometimes called Tow Mode. This specialized feature is designed to prepare your EV for safe and damage-free transportation.

🚗 Brands like Tesla, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai, and several other EV manufacturers include Transport Mode in their vehicles. When activated:

• It disengages regenerative braking, which otherwise resists movement
• It unlocks the drivetrain, allowing the wheels to turn freely during towing
• It prevents mechanical strain that can lead to internal component failure

❌ Neglecting to activate Transport Mode before towing can result in serious consequences. It may cause:

• Overheating of drivetrain components
• Locking of the wheels or resistance during towing
• Damage to the electric motor or inverter

This kind of oversight can also void your vehicle’s warranty, as improper towing is often not covered.

📘 For best results and complete EV towing safety, always consult your owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s official website. Instructions vary by model, and following the correct steps ensures your vehicle is towed without harm.

🔑 Activating Transport Mode is not optional—it’s essential for modern EV towing. Without it, you’re risking expensive repairs and long-term system damage.

2️⃣🚫 Avoid Flat Towing Unless Manufacturer-Approved

When it comes to EV towing safety, flat towing—which means towing with all four wheels on the ground—poses serious risks for electric vehicles. While flat towing may be acceptable for some internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, it can be highly dangerous for EVs.

⚠️ Here’s why flat towing compromises EV towing safety:

• Overheating risk: Flat towing can cause the electric motor or inverter to overheat, especially if the drivetrain is still engaged. This can lead to irreversible damage.
• Lack of neutral gear: Many EVs, including models from Tesla, Hyundai, Rivian, and others, do not have a true mechanical neutral. This makes flat towing incompatible without entering Transport or Tow Mode.
• Battery damage: Regenerative braking systems can engage unintentionally during flat towing, causing battery strain or failure.
• Warranty issues: Attempting flat towing without proper manufacturer authorization can void your EV’s warranty, leading to costly repairs.

🚫 Major EV manufacturers explicitly warn against flat towing in their manuals. For example, Tesla’s roadside assistance guide states that flat towing is strictly prohibited, as it violates basic EV towing safety protocols.

✅ Best practice: Always use a flatbed tow truck unless your EV’s manual states that flat towing is safe and provides specific instructions. Flatbed towing eliminates the risk of drivetrain drag, overheating, and electrical stress on the vehicle’s high-voltage system.

3️⃣🔌 Disconnect the EV Safely Before Towing

One of the most critical EV towing safety steps is to disconnect your electric vehicle properly before initiating any towing procedure. Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs store high-voltage energy that can remain active even after the vehicle appears shut off. Mishandling this step can lead to severe electrical shock, fire risk, or irreversible damage to your EV’s components.

🔋 Here’s how to ensure safe EV disconnection before towing:

• ✅ Shift into “Neutral” or engage “Tow Mode” (Transport Mode) to disengage the regenerative braking system and prevent drivetrain lock.
• 🚨 In the event of emergencies like collisions or water submersion, locate and activate the emergency battery disconnect. This step cuts power to the high-voltage system and enhances safety during recovery.
• ⚡ Never attempt to handle high-voltage components—such as orange cables or battery connectors—without proper insulated gloves or EV-rated safety tools.

Even when an electric vehicle is turned off, it can retain high-voltage charge, making it dangerous to tow or touch without full precautions. For this reason, following EV towing safety guidelines is essential to protect yourself, your passengers, and the tow personnel.

4️⃣🛠️ Use Only Certified EV Roadside Assistance or Tow Services

Not all tow companies are equipped to handle EVs safely.

• Choose providers certified in EV handling
• Look for AAA EV-certified in the US, RAC in the UK, and NRMA in Australia
• Tesla owners can use Tesla Roadside Assistance

Untrained tow handlers risk damaging the EV battery or electronics. For safe EV recovery, choose experienced professionals.

5️⃣⚡ Never Tow an EV by Its Charging Port or Cables

It may sound surprising, but some individuals attempt to tow EVs using the charging port or charging cables.

• The port is not designed for physical stress
• Tugging can damage the onboard charger, wiring, or cause electrical faults

Always use manufacturer-approved tow points to prevent expensive damage or potential fire hazards.

6️⃣🔥 Ensure the High-Voltage System Is Stable After an Accident

Following a crash or water exposure, the EV battery may remain energized or unstable.

• Fire risk can persist for hours or even days
• Use thermal imaging or consult EV-certified responders to assess the battery
• Do not tow until the high-voltage system is confirmed safe

An unstable battery may ignite during or after towing.

7️⃣🧰 Check Tire Pressure and Suspension Before Towing

EVs are heavier than ICE vehicles, making them more sensitive to towing conditions.

• Use a tire pressure monitor or emergency inflator
• Inspect the suspension for damage or collapse
• Ensure proper weight distribution to maintain towing stability

Verify vehicle readiness before loading it onto a tow truck.

8️⃣🚛 Use a Flatbed Tow Truck With Soft Tie-Down Straps

When it comes to EV towing safety, nothing beats the reliability and protection of a flatbed tow truck. This method is strongly recommended by EV manufacturers because it ensures your electric vehicle is transported without putting stress on its sensitive components.

🔧 Flatbed towing prevents damage to critical parts like the undercarriage, battery pack housing, and suspension—all of which are more vulnerable in electric vehicles compared to traditional cars.

💡 To further enhance EV towing safety, make sure the tow operator uses:

• Soft tie-down straps: These protect your EV’s exterior by avoiding scratches, paint damage, or pressure points on delicate surfaces.
• Proper ramp angles: Vehicles like the Tesla Model S, Porsche Taycan, or Lucid Air have low ground clearance. A steep ramp can scrape the underbody or battery compartment.
• EV skates or wheel dollies: These are essential tools for loading and unloading low-clearance EVs safely onto the flatbed without dragging.

❗ Avoid wheel-lift tow trucks at all costs, as they can strain the drivetrain or damage the regenerative braking system—violating core principles of EV towing safety.

✅ Always confirm with the tow company that they have flatbed trucks and are trained in electric vehicle handling. Ask about EV-specific equipment and certifications before your vehicle is moved.

9️⃣🌊 Avoid Towing in Deep Water or During a Battery Alert

When it comes to EV towing safety, one of the most overlooked but dangerous scenarios is towing an electric vehicle that’s been exposed to floodwater or is showing dashboard battery alerts.

🚫 Flood conditions and battery alerts are red flags that signal high-risk situations. Towing an EV under these circumstances without the proper safety checks can result in catastrophic outcomes:

• 💥 Wet batteries are extremely hazardous—water exposure can lead to short circuits, internal damage, or even thermal runaway fires.
• ⚠️ Dashboard high-voltage warnings often indicate a compromised battery system, which could still be energized or unstable.
• 🔌 Attempting to tow in this condition can cause sparks, fire, or delayed combustion during transport or shortly after.

🛑 If your EV has recently been submerged or displays any high-voltage system alert, do not proceed with towing on your own. Call a certified EV towing professional

🔟📝 Document the Towing Process (For Warranty & Insurance)

If towing is necessary, document everything:

• Take photos of the EV before and during the process
• Record any dashboard warnings and tow operator information
• Save all receipts and proof of EV certification

Thorough documentation can protect your warranty and support insurance claims.

📌🎒 Bonus Tip: Always Carry an EV Emergency Towing Kit

When it comes to EV towing safety, being prepared is just as important as knowing the rules. Whether you’re facing a roadside breakdown, a flat tire, or a system alert, having the right tools can make a critical difference in ensuring a safe and efficient recovery.

Include these must-have items in your EV emergency gear:

• ⚠️ EV warning triangle and LED flares – Increase visibility and alert other drivers to your presence, especially during nighttime towing or in low-visibility conditions. This is crucial for roadside EV towing safety.
• 🧤 High-voltage safety gloves – EVs store powerful electrical currents, and these insulated gloves protect you during emergency battery disconnection or inspections.
• 🪢 Soft tow straps – Designed to prevent scratches or damage to sensitive bodywork or battery enclosures. A safer alternative to traditional hooks when dealing with EV towing safety.
• 🔧 Battery disconnect tool – In case of an accident or flood exposure, you’ll need a safe way to cut power from the high-voltage system before any towing begins.
• 🔄 Portable air inflator or tire sealant – Many EVs don’t carry spare tires. Having an inflator or sealant can help you resolve minor issues without needing to tow, improving overall towing safety readiness.

💼 Storage Tip: Keep these tools neatly organized with your EV tire repair kit, preferably in your trunk’s hidden compartment or underfloor storage. A well-packed kit means you’re always ready for EV towing safety emergencies—no matter where you drive.

📊🔧 Comparison Table: ICE Towing vs. EV Towing (2025)

Feature	Gas Car (ICE)	Electric Vehicle (EV)
Flat Towing	Often Safe	Usually Unsafe
Transport Mode Required	No	Yes
Charging Port Use	Not Applicable	Dangerous if pulled
Towing Risk After Flood	Low	Very High (Fire Risk)
Special Tow Truck Needed	No	Yes (Recommended

✅🛡️ Conclusion: Tow Smart, Stay Safe in 2025

Electric vehicles are not just efficient and eco-friendly—they’re also built with complex, high-voltage systems that require special care during towing. Unlike traditional gas-powered cars, EVs demand unique handling procedures to avoid irreversible damage.

By strictly following these 10 EV towing safety rules, you can:

• 🛡️ Prevent drivetrain and battery damage that could lead to expensive repairs or total vehicle failure
• 🚧 Ensure personal and public safety—improper towing can result in electrical fires or system malfunctions
• 📜 Preserve your EV’s warranty and insurance coverage by demonstrating correct handling protocols
• 🚛 Avoid liability or legal issues by using certified, EV-ready towing services

Whether you’re driving a Tesla in California, a Polestar in Toronto, or a Hyundai Ioniq in Sydney, prioritizing EV towing safety is non-negotiable. Make sure your tow truck operator is certified, your EV is in Transport Mode, and the process is documented thoroughly.

Remember, towing an electric vehicle the wrong way can do more harm than good. Tow smart, protect your EV, and stay safe in 2025 and beyond.

🔍❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I tow a Tesla with a rope?
A: No. Tesla explicitly prohibits rope towing under any circumstance. Rope towing can damage the drivetrain and electrical systems. For proper EV towing safety, always use a flatbed tow truck and enable Transport Mode through your Tesla’s settings.

Q: Is flat towing ever safe for EVs?
A: Only if the EV manufacturer clearly states it’s safe. Most EVs are not designed for flat towing due to risks of inverter and motor damage. Always refer to your owner’s manual. For the sake of EV towing safety, using a flatbed is the best practice.

Q: How do I activate Tow Mode in my EV?
A: Tow Mode (or Transport Mode) can usually be activated via the vehicle’s touchscreen under “Service” or “Settings.” Consult your EV manual for exact steps. This feature is essential for ensuring EV towing safety, especially before loading the vehicle.

Q: What happens if I tow my EV without activating Transport Mode?
A: Towing without Transport Mode may cause regenerative braking to engage, locking up the wheels or damaging internal systems. This oversight could void your warranty and compromise EV towing safety.

Q: Can I use a regular tow truck to transport an electric vehicle?
A: No. A regular tow truck may not support EVs safely. Most EV manufacturers recommend flatbed tow trucks equipped with soft tie-down straps and EV skates. This is critical to maintain EV towing safety and avoid battery or undercarriage damage.

Q: What is the safest way to tow an EV after an accident?
A: After a collision, never assume the EV is safe to tow. Batteries may be unstable or energized. Use thermal cameras to detect heat and consult certified EV recovery professionals. This step is a cornerstone of EV towing safety.

Q: Can I tow my EV through floodwater?
A: Never attempt to tow an EV through deep water or if it has recently been submerged. Wet high-voltage systems can cause fires or short circuits. Wait for battery inspection and professional clearance before towing. This is an essential EV towing safety rule.

Q: Why do I need special gloves or equipment during EV towing?
A: EVs contain high-voltage systems that can retain electricity even when powered off. Safety gloves, battery disconnect tools, and caution are vital for preventing electrocution or damage. Prioritizing EV towing safety protects both you and your vehicle.

🌐 More Guides and Resources:

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▶️ Watch our videos on EVRescue Hub YouTube Channel for real-life rescue demos and product reviews.