Can You Tow An Electric Vehicle? What Newcastle EV Owners Need To Know

Can you tow an electric vehicle? Yes, but an EV generally shouldn't be towed the same way as a conventional petrol or diesel car. In most breakdown situations, the safest approach is to keep all four wheels off the road using a flatbed or tilt tray.

For Newcastle EV and hybrid owners, the most important step is telling the towing provider what you're driving when you call. That allows the operator to plan the right recovery method before arriving.

Some conventional vehicles can be towed with two wheels remaining on the road. EVs need more care because wheel movement can affect components within the electric drivetrain. Selecting "neutral" on an EV also doesn't necessarily mechanically disconnect the drivetrain in the way a driver might expect. Towing an EV incorrectly could potentially damage drive components.

There is no universal towing procedure for every electric or hybrid vehicle. The manufacturer's recovery instructions should take priority, particularly around wheel rotation, parking brake release and any transport or tow modes.

If you're unsure, don't assume putting an EV in neutral makes it safe to tow.

A flatbed or tilt tray loads the entire vehicle onto the truck so its wheels stay off the road during transport. This avoids many of the drivetrain concerns associated with towing an EV with wheels rotating.

Loading still requires care. An EV with no power, locked wheels or an electronic parking brake that won't release may require specific recovery techniques. Ground clearance and loading angles also matter, particularly because important components can sit beneath the vehicle.

If you need a tow truck Newcastle EV owners can call for assistance, tell Trade & General Towing the vehicle make, model, condition and location. This helps us determine an appropriate recovery approach.

The recovery method, distance and condition of the vehicle can also affect price. Our guide to towing costs in Newcastle explains the broader factors that can influence the cost of a tow.

EVs and hybrids contain high-voltage electrical systems, so recovery requires different considerations from a conventional vehicle.

An undamaged EV that has simply run out of charge shouldn't automatically be treated as hazardous. However, a recovery operator needs to recognise the vehicle as an EV and avoid interfering with high-voltage components.

More caution is required following a collision, particularly if there is substantial underbody, battery or electrical damage.

Vehicle owners shouldn't attempt to open, disconnect or repair high-voltage components at the roadside. If you notice significant damage, unusual heat, smoke, sparks or unusual odours, move somewhere safe if possible and tell emergency services and the towing provider what you've observed.

An EV that has simply run out of charge is different from one with a potentially damaged high-voltage battery.

A significant collision, underbody impact, fire or unusual heat can change how the vehicle needs to be handled. Warning signs such as smoke, fire, unusual heat, hissing or popping sounds require particular caution.

If you suspect a battery fire or thermal event, keep away from the vehicle and follow emergency-service instructions. Don't attempt to inspect or repair the battery yourself.

Tell the towing provider about any collision damage or suspected battery involvement when you call. That information helps them assess the recovery requirements before arriving.

Accurate information makes EV towing in Newcastle easier to organise. Where possible, be ready to provide:

• your location and direction of travel;
• the vehicle make and model;
• whether it is electric or hybrid;
• whether it has run out of charge, developed a fault or been in a collision;
• whether the wheels can roll and steer;
• relevant dashboard warnings;
• visible damage; and
• where you need the vehicle transported.

If you're calling for roadside assistance in Newcastle, mention that you're driving an EV or hybrid immediately.

Arrival times depend on factors such as traffic, location, demand and the recovery equipment required. Our guide explains how long a tow truck takes to arrive and the factors that can affect response times.

While waiting, prioritise your own safety. Move away from live traffic where it is safe to do so and follow instructions from the operator or emergency services. You can also use our emergency roadside checklist for practical steps to take before assistance arrives.

If your EV runs out of charge on the Hunter Expressway, M1 or another major road, treat it as a breakdown.

Get the vehicle as far away from moving traffic as safely possible, activate the hazard lights and call for assistance. On high-speed roads, personal safety comes before troubleshooting the vehicle.

Don't assume another car can simply rope-tow your EV to the nearest charger. The appropriate recovery will generally involve transporting it using suitable towing equipment to a charging location, home, workshop or another agreed destination.

Example: an EV driver travelling towards Newcastle misjudges the remaining range and the vehicle stops before reaching a charger. Rather than attempting to tow it behind another car, the driver tells the towing provider that it's an EV and arranges suitable recovery to a charging location.

Running out of charge is inconvenient, but it is a straightforward recovery scenario when the towing provider has the right information and equipment.

An EV-capable towing provider should consider the vehicle's drivetrain, condition, wheel movement and recovery requirements before moving it.

The operator should ask what you're driving, why it has stopped and whether there has been an accident or any indication of battery damage. This helps determine the appropriate recovery method rather than treating every breakdown the same way.

Trade & General Towing provides towing and roadside assistance across Newcastle and the surrounding region. Whether your EV has run out of charge, developed a fault or been involved in an accident, contact our team with your location, vehicle details and what has happened so we can plan the appropriate recovery.