Electric Vehicle Towing

As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly common on Western Australian roads, motorists are discovering that recovering or moving an EV is not the same as transporting a conventional petrol or diesel vehicle. Whether you’ve been involved in an accident, experienced a flat battery, suffered a mechanical failure, or simply need to relocate your vehicle, towing electric cars requires specialised knowledge, equipment and procedures.

Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs contain high-voltage battery systems, sophisticated electronic controls and significantly different weight distribution. These differences mean that incorrect recovery methods can cause expensive damage, create safety hazards and even void manufacturer warranties. Understanding the correct towing procedures helps protect your investment while ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

Why Towing Electric Cars Is Different

The biggest difference between towing electric cars and conventional petrol-powered vehicles is the presence of a large high-voltage battery pack. Most manufacturers position this battery underneath the floor of the vehicle, creating a low centre of gravity while also making the vehicle considerably heavier than an equivalent petrol model.

This additional battery weight means EVs often weigh several hundred kilograms more than similarly sized petrol vehicles. The increased weight affects loading angles, weight distribution on the tilt tray and the securing methods required during towing. Professional operators must also ensure the battery housing underneath the vehicle is never damaged during loading or unloading.

Unlike a conventional vehicle where a flat battery usually means replacing a small 12-volt battery, electric vehicles rely on complex battery management systems that require careful handling. Attempting to recover an EV using inappropriate methods may damage the electric drive system or regenerative braking components.

Never Tow Most Electric Cars with Their Drive Wheels on the Road

Many petrol vehicles can be towed short distances using wheel-lift equipment or with two wheels remaining on the road. However, many electric vehicles cannot be recovered this way because rotating the drive wheels may cause the electric motors to generate electricity. This can potentially damage the drivetrain or other electronic components.

For this reason, manufacturers commonly recommend using a full tilt tray truck that lifts the entire vehicle clear of the road surface. This is one of the safest methods of towing electric cars because all four wheels remain stationary throughout the journey.

Always consult the vehicle manufacturer’s towing instructions, as recommendations differ between makes and models. Professional towing operators are familiar with these requirements and understand the safest recovery techniques for modern EVs.

Understanding Battery Weight and Vehicle Balance

The battery pack is generally the heaviest component in an electric vehicle and can weigh several hundred kilograms on its own. This changes how the vehicle behaves during loading and unloading.

Professional operators consider:

• Overall vehicle weight
• Weight distribution across the tilt tray
• Safe winching angles
• Ground clearance
• Correct tie-down locations
• Protection of the battery enclosure underneath the vehicle

Modern tilt tray trucks are particularly well suited to towing electric cars because they provide a gentle loading angle while keeping the vehicle level during recovery.

High-Voltage Safety Considerations

Electric vehicles contain high-voltage electrical systems that can exceed 400 volts, with some newer models operating at over 800 volts. Although these systems are designed with numerous safety features, damaged vehicles require additional caution following a collision.

If an EV has been involved in an accident, trained operators will look for signs of battery damage, fluid leaks, smoke or unusual odours before beginning recovery. If there is any indication that the battery has been compromised, additional safety procedures may be required.

This is another reason why towing electric cars should always be performed by experienced operators using appropriate equipment.

Common Reasons Electric Vehicles Need Towing

Electric vehicles are generally reliable, but there are still situations where professional recovery is necessary. These include:

• Complete battery depletion
• Road accidents
• Tyre damage
• Suspension or steering failures
• Software or electronic system faults
• Charging system failures
• Vehicle immobilisation after safety shutdowns

While some EVs enter a reduced-performance mode before the battery is completely depleted, others may stop unexpectedly once available energy reaches a critical level, making professional towing electric cars the safest solution.

Choosing the Right Recovery Equipment

Not every recovery vehicle is suitable for electric vehicles. A modern tilt tray truck provides the safest transport solution because the entire vehicle is carried above the road rather than rolling on its own wheels.

Professional operators also use soft wheel straps, correctly rated winches and loading techniques that minimise stress on suspension components while protecting the vehicle’s underbody.

When arranging transport, always advise the towing company that your vehicle is fully electric or a plug-in hybrid. Providing the make, model and any visible damage helps ensure the correct recovery equipment is dispatched.

Towing Electric Cars Across Western Australia

Western Australia’s vast distances make reliable vehicle recovery particularly important. Whether you’re travelling through metropolitan Perth, regional towns or remote highways, choosing experienced operators gives you confidence that your vehicle will be handled correctly.

Professional recovery companies understand the unique challenges associated with EVs, including battery protection, manufacturer guidelines and safe loading procedures. They also carry equipment designed to secure heavier electric vehicles safely over long distances.

As more Australians transition to electric mobility, the demand for specialised recovery services continues to grow. Understanding the correct methods of towing electric cars helps reduce the risk of unnecessary damage while ensuring your vehicle reaches its destination safely. If your EV ever requires recovery in Western Australia, selecting an experienced tilt tray operator familiar with electric vehicles is the safest and most reliable choice.

Why Choose Specialized Tilt Tray & Towing WA

If you need dependable towing or transport for vehicles and machinery, our team is ready to help with prompt and professional service.

• On call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• FREE quotes with no obligation
• Competitive rates
• Trained operators with the experience to move your vehicle or equipment safely
• Helpful, respectful customer service from start to finish
• Wide-ranging towing and transport services, including roadside breakdowns, accident recovery, heavy towing, and transport of cars, caravans, RVs, machinery and equipment

For a FREE quote, get in touch today. Call 08 6000 0150 or request a quote online.