Towing an electric car feels different from a gasoline model. The battery can drain quickly under load. The drivetrain can be damaged if the car isn’t in neutral.
As of 2026, NHTSA recorded 1,200 EV towing incidents, a 15% rise, see recovery points. These events often involve battery over‑temperature or improper equipment. Let’s start with the core problem you need to solve.
How to Tow an Electric Car
Verify battery charge is at least 20% before towing. Use a manufacturer‑approved tow bar or flatbed. Keep vehicle in neutral and engage the parking brake.
Monitor temperature and stop if it exceeds ambient by 5 °C. Follow state weight limits and insurance requirements.
Problem / Pain Point
The main pain points when towing an electric car stem from battery management and equipment choice. If the charge drops too low, the motor can’t assist and the battery may overheat. If the tow bar isn’t rated for the load, the attachment can fail.
- Verify a minimum 20% state‑of‑charge before departure, see fluid checks before towing.
- Use a tow bar rated for at least the vehicle’s specified capacity.
- Place the car in neutral and engage the parking brake.
Many owners overlook the neutral‑mode requirement, leading to drivetrain stress. Others assume any tow bar works, ignoring weight ratings, unlike tightening lug nuts to spec. Both errors can void insurance and cause battery damage.
You’ll need a compatible tow bar, a jack, and a torque wrench to tighten lug nuts to spec. A battery temperature monitor can give real‑time feedback during the tow. Keep a portable charger handy for emergencies.
Core Explanation / How It Works
Electric vehicles rely on a high‑capacity battery pack for propulsion, and towing adds load to that system, especially after fluid checks before towing. When towing, the motor draws extra power, raising state‑of‑charge demand. The battery’s thermal system must stay within a narrow temperature band to avoid power cutoffs.
Per NHTSA guidelines, keep the battery above 20% before towing. If the pack drops below that level, regenerative braking is limited and range drops quickly. If the temperature rises more than 5 °C above ambient, the system cuts power to protect the cells.
Visual reference helps you locate the tow bar attachment points. The diagram shows the proper hitch alignment and clearance zones. Make sure the latch clicks fully before proceeding.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons / Teknikingman (CC BY-SA)
The second image illustrates the recommended state‑of‑charge threshold. Keeping the battery above 20% ensures regenerative braking works during the tow. It also reduces the chance of thermal shutdown while the vehicle is moving.
Before towing, set the transmission to neutral and engage the parking brake. This disconnects the drivetrain and prevents the motor from fighting the tow load. Keeping the brake engaged adds an extra safety layer, as recommended in hand placement during towing.
Regenerative braking helps recover energy while towing, but it’s limited if the battery is full. If the state‑of‑charge reaches 80%, the system reduces regen to protect the pack. Plan your route to include gentle descents where regen can assist.
Step‑by‑Step Process / How to Guide
Follow these steps to prepare, connect, and monitor the tow safely. Each step includes a check that prevents common failures. Refer to the manufacturer’s tow package if any detail is unclear.
| Step | Action | Check | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inspect battery and confirm >=20% SoC | Battery level | 5 min |
| 2 | Verify tow bar rating matches vehicle capacity | Rating label | 3 min |
| 3 | Set vehicle to neutral and engage parking brake | Neutral indicator | 2 min |
| 4 | Connect tow bar and ensure latch clicks | Latch sound | 4 min |
| 5 | Monitor temperature during tow | ≤5 °C above ambient | Continuous |
| 6 | Post‑tow cooldown and battery health check | Temperature drop | 15 min |
If you need a stable platform for loading, consider building ramps from wood, as described in building ramps for access. Maintain proper hand placement during towing to keep control, as outlined in hand placement during towing. For detailed engineering requirements, refer to SAE J1667.
During the tow, watch the battery temperature gauge and stop if it climbs above the safe threshold. If the temperature exceeds 5 °C above ambient, pull over and let the battery cool for at least 10 minutes. After the tow, allow the battery to rest for 15 minutes before charging to restore optimal state‑of‑charge.
Before you leave, confirm that your driver’s license class permits towing the combined weight. Check the vehicle’s towing capacity sticker, usually located on the driver’s door jamb. If you’re unsure, consult the owner’s manual or contact the dealer for clarification.
Safety / Legal / Compliance / Warnings
Safety and legal compliance are non‑negotiable when towing an electric car. State weight limits and insurance endorsements vary by region, so verify local rules before departure, see state regulations. As of 2026, regulations have been updated to require a minimum 20% battery level for towing.
- Keep the battery state‑of‑charge at or above 20% throughout the tow.
- Use only a tow bar certified for the vehicle’s maximum towing capacity.
- Ensure the vehicle is in neutral and the parking brake is engaged.
- Verify that the tow truck’s weight plus trailer does not exceed state limits.
- Carry a roadside assistance kit and know the emergency shutdown procedure, see engine prep before towing.
Your standard auto policy may not cover towing an electric car, so verify coverage with your insurer. In many states, a special endorsement is required for EV towing, check the local DMV website for details. Carrying proof of registration and insurance in the vehicle helps avoid traffic stops, as noted in engine prep before towing.
Program the roadside assistance number into your phone and keep a printed copy in the glove compartment. If the battery overheats, stop in a safe area, turn off the vehicle, and wait for cooling. Never attempt to tow a damaged EV without professional help, as noted in engine prep before towing.
