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Towing an electric car: what you need to know

ZeroTow · Updated October 9, 2026

Electric and hybrid cars are tougher to tow than a regular car, and a wrong tow can damage them. A few minutes of preparation protects the car.

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Choose a flatbed

Many electric-car makers say the car should be moved on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground, and dragging an EV on its drive wheels can damage the motors. Check your owner's manual, which has a section on towing. When you book with ZeroTow, choose a flatbed and say in the note for the driver that it's an electric or hybrid car.

If the car won't roll or is stuck in park

  • A dead 12-volt battery, or a car that has shut down, can leave the parking brake engaged and the wheels locked.
  • Many EVs have a tow or transport mode that frees the wheels. The steps are in the manual or on the touchscreen.
  • If you can't release it, tell the driver before they arrive, so they can bring suitable equipment.

Tell the driver

  • The make, model and year, and whether it's all-wheel-drive.
  • Whether the car is on, off or in a tow mode.
  • Any damage, especially to the battery area underneath, or any warning on the screen.
  • Where the keys or key card are.

After a crash or a flood

  • If you see smoke, smell something burning or hear hissing from a damaged EV, get away from it and call 911.
  • Don't touch orange high-voltage cables.
  • Don't try to charge a car that was under water or is damaged, and tell the tow driver and the shop about it.
  • Storage lots should keep a damaged EV away from other cars and buildings. Ask the shop where it will be kept.

Charging on the road

If the car is out of charge, not broken, a tow to a charger is an option, and so is a mobile charging service if one is available. For a tow, put the charger's address as the drop-off, and see the full price before you confirm.