Yes, you can tow an electric car, but it must be done with extreme caution and by following the manufacturer's specific guidelines. The critical rule is that most modern electric vehicles (EVs) should not have their drive wheels on the ground while in tow. This is because the electric motor can act as a generator when the wheels turn, sending unintended current back into the powertrain and causing significant damage. The safest method is flatbed towing, where all four wheels are lifted off the ground.
The correct towing procedure depends entirely on the EV's drivetrain. Most EVs are either front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), or all-wheel drive (AWD). Towing a RWD EV with its rear wheels down, for instance, is just as harmful as towing a FWD model with its front wheels down. For AWD models, which have electric motors powering both axles, flatbed towing is almost always mandatory.
If a flatbed is not available, some EVs have a specific "tow mode" or "neutral transport mode" that disengages the motor from the wheels. You must consult your owner's manual to see if this feature exists and learn the exact steps to activate it. Never assume your EV has this capability.
| EV Model | Drivetrain | Recommended Towing Method | Max Towing Speed (if wheels-down is permitted) | Max Towing Distance (if wheels-down is permitted) | Notes |
|---|
| Tesla Model 3 RWD | RWD | Flatbed Only | N/A | N/A | Towing with wheels on ground can cause permanent motor damage. |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD | AWD | Flatbed Only | N/A | N/A | Both axles are powered; flatbed is required. |
| Nissan Leaf (most models) | FWD | Flatbed Recommended | 30 mph (if necessary) | 10 miles | Limited wheels-down towing is possible only in emergency situations. |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | FWD | Flatbed Only | N/A | N/A | Owner's manual explicitly prohibits all wheels-down towing. |
| Audi e-tron | AWD | Flatbed Only | N/A | N/A | Uses two motors; flatbed towing is mandatory. |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | RWD/AWD | Flatbed Only | N/A | N/A | No wheels-down towing permitted for any drivetrain. |
For short-distance moves, like pulling a car out of a parking spot, dollies placed under the drive wheels are an acceptable alternative to a flatbed. The key takeaway is to always prioritize the method that lifts the drive wheels. Improper towing can lead to repairs costing thousands of dollars, so when in doubt, call a professional service experienced with EVs and insist on a flatbed.
