Towing Electric Vehicles – What You Need to Know

Towing Electric Vehicles — What You Need to Know

A Tesla Model 3 owner called us last month from the S1 near Bielsko-Biała. His car had run out of charge and a "helpful" passer-by was about to hook it up to a tow rope. We stopped him just in time — rope-towing an EV can cause tens of thousands of zlotys in damage to the drivetrain. With over 150,000 fully electric vehicles now driving on Polish roads, we're getting more EV calls every week, and the rules are different from what most drivers expect.

Why Can't You Tow an Electric Car on Its Wheels?

This is the single most important thing to know: most electric vehicles must not be towed on their wheels — neither with a hook nor a rope. Here's why:

The Electric Motor Problem

In electric vehicles, the motor is directly connected to the drive wheels. When the wheels spin (e.g., during towing), the motor acts as a generator and produces electricity. This current flows into the vehicle's electronics and can:

• Damage the inverter — one of the most expensive EV components
• Damage the battery — through uncontrolled charging
• Cause overheating of drivetrain components
• Start a fire — in extreme cases

Repair costs can reach tens of thousands of zlotys, far more than the cost of proper flatbed towing.

Exception: Transport Mode

Some electric vehicles have a Transport Mode that disconnects the motor from the wheels. Even with Transport Mode active, though, manufacturers recommend flatbed towing.

The Only Safe Method: Flatbed Towing

A flatbed (full-load carrier) is the only fully safe method for transporting an electric vehicle. All wheels sit on the platform, so there's no risk of drivetrain damage.

Flatbed Requirements for EVs

• Full-load platform — all 4 wheels on the platform
• Adequate load capacity — EVs are heavier than ICE cars (battery weighs 400–700 kg)
• Insulated tie-downs — to avoid damaging the underbody where the battery is located
• Knowledge of tow points — each EV model has different attachment points

We have flatbeds equipped specifically for electric vehicle transport — check our services.

Towing Procedures for Popular EV Brands

Tesla (Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X)

• Flatbed only — mandatory
• Activate Transport Mode: Service > Towing > Transport Mode
• Tow point: front (under bumper, requires removing a cover)
• Never drag by the wheels

Volkswagen ID.3 / ID.4 / ID.5

• Flatbed only
• Tow point: in the bumper (cover on passenger side, front)
• Set vehicle to N (neutral) if possible

BMW iX / i4 / iX3

• Flatbed recommended
• Activate Transport Mode in the service menu
• BMW allows short transport with raised drive axle (up to 50 km at max 50 km/h) — but flatbed is safer

Hyundai Ioniq 5 / Kia EV6

• Flatbed only
• Tow point: front, under bumper
• Never tow on rear wheels — rear motor

Mercedes EQA / EQB / EQC / EQS

• Flatbed only
• Activate Transport Mode through MBUX system
• Tow point: in the bumper

Battery Safety During Towing

The lithium-ion battery requires special attention:

• Don't tow a damaged EV if the battery is compromised (leak, deformation, smoke) — call the fire department
• Avoid jolts — drive the flatbed carefully
• Don't park a damaged EV in an enclosed space (garage) — risk of battery fire

After an Accident

If an electric vehicle was in an accident:

• Don't touch orange high-voltage cables
• Inform emergency services that it's an electric vehicle
• The vehicle should go to an authorised service centre experienced with EVs

What to Do When Your EV Runs Out of Charge?

A flat battery is the most common reason for EV roadside assistance calls — we handle several a week now, mostly on the A4 corridor between Wrocław and Kraków where charging infrastructure is still patchy.

1. Don't try to push the car — it's too heavy and dangerous
2. Call a flatbed — we'll transport it to the nearest charging station or your home
3. Mobile charging — some companies offer mobile chargers (available in major cities)

How to Avoid Running Out of Charge

• Plan your route with charging stations in mind
• Don't let the battery drop below 10%
• In winter, remember that range drops by 20–40%
• Use apps (e.g., PlugShare, Electromaps) to plan charging

Cost of Towing an Electric Vehicle

EV towing typically costs 10–20% more than towing a combustion engine car because of the need for a full-load flatbed, greater vehicle weight (heavier battery), and specialised driver knowledge.

Approximate prices:

• EV transport up to 50 km: PLN 500–900
• EV transport 50–100 km: PLN 900–1,500
• EV transport over 100 km: from PLN 1,500

Check details in our price list.

The Short Version

Towing an electric vehicle requires specialised knowledge and the right equipment. Never let anyone tow your EV on its wheels — the repair bill will be brutal. Always use a flatbed and make sure the roadside assistance company has actual experience with electric vehicles.

Need to tow your electric vehicle? Call +48 571 426 225 — we have flatbeds equipped for EV transport and know the towing procedures for all popular brands. We operate 24/7 across Poland.