Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common on Perth roads — but many drivers don't know that EVs cannot be towed the same way as a petrol or diesel car. Getting this wrong can cause serious and expensive damage. Here's everything you need to know about towing an EV in Perth.
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Why EVs Must Be Towed Differently
In a traditional petrol car, the wheels can roll freely when the engine is off. In most electric vehicles, the electric motor is directly connected to the driven wheels. When those wheels rotate — as they would during a conventional tow — the motor spins and acts as a generator, feeding charge back through the system.
This regenerative process can overload the battery management system, generate heat in the motor, and in extreme cases cause battery damage or — in very rare circumstances — a thermal event. Even if the damage isn't immediate, towing an EV on two wheels can trigger expensive warranty-voiding damage.
Never allow a wheel-lift or dolly tow for an EV
If a tow truck operator attempts to tow your electric vehicle with a rear wheel-lift (front wheels only raised), stop them. Insist on a flat-bed tilt-tray with all four wheels elevated.
Flat-Bed Towing — The Only Safe Option
A flat-bed tilt-tray truck loads the entire vehicle onto a level platform — all four wheels off the ground. No wheels spin. No motor engagement. No risk of drivetrain damage. This is the manufacturer-recommended and insurance-industry-standard method for transporting electric vehicles.
Tow Rite's fleet includes flat-bed tilt-tray trucks specifically suited to EV transport. When you call, tell us you have an electric vehicle and we will dispatch the right equipment.
EV-Specific Towing Considerations by Brand
Tesla (Model 3, Y, S, X)
All Tesla models must be transported on a flat-bed with all wheels raised. Tesla's manual explicitly prohibits wheel-lift towing. Transport mode must be enabled via the touchscreen to disengage parking brake.
BYD (Atto 3, Seal, Dolphin)
Flat-bed towing required. Consult the owner's manual for transport mode activation — some models require the vehicle to be in neutral or a specific transport setting before loading.
Kia EV6 / Hyundai IONIQ 6
Flat-bed towing required. These AWD variants have front and rear motors — both axles are at risk of damage from wheel rotation during towing.
MG ZS EV / MG4
Flat-bed towing required per manufacturer guidelines. Activate transport mode if available, or shift to neutral before loading.
Nissan Leaf
The Leaf's e-Powertrain requires flat-bed transport. Earlier models with e-Pedal may lock up if towed with wheels on the ground.
Always check your owner's manual for model-specific towing instructions. If in doubt, call us and we'll confirm the right approach for your vehicle.
What If My EV Runs Out of Charge?
Range anxiety is real — and unlike a petrol car, you can't top up with a jerry can. If your EV runs flat on a Perth road or freeway, your only option is to be transported to the nearest compatible charging station or your home/destination.
If your EV runs out of charge:
- Turn on hazard lights and pull safely off the road
- Call Tow Rite: 0405 888 555 — tell us it's an EV
- We dispatch a flat-bed truck and take you to your preferred charging location
If you're on the freeway, follow the standard freeway breakdown procedure — stay in the vehicle if you can't exit safely and call immediately. See our freeway breakdown guide →
Is EV Towing Covered by Insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive car insurance covers towing for EVs the same way it does for petrol vehicles. There's no distinction in how the vehicle is powered — if you're comprehensively insured, the tow cost is covered. Tow Rite bills all major WA insurers directly. Read our insurance towing guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tow an electric car normally in Perth?
No. Most EVs must be towed on a flat-bed with all four wheels off the ground. Towing on two wheels can engage the regenerative braking system and cause motor or battery damage. Always request a flat-bed tow for an EV.
What if my EV runs out of charge on the road?
Call Tow Rite on 0405 888 555. We dispatch a flat-bed truck and transport you to your nearest charging station or preferred destination. There is no roadside 'charging' option for EVs.
Does insurance cover EV towing?
Yes — comprehensive car insurance covers EV towing the same as any vehicle. Tow Rite can bill your insurer directly, so you pay nothing out of pocket.
Can you tow a Tesla in Perth?
Yes. Tow Rite has flat-bed tilt-tray equipment suited to Tesla vehicles. We follow Tesla's transport guidelines including activating transport mode before loading.
Need Your EV Towed in Perth?
Flat-bed EV transport. Direct insurer billing. 24/7 availability.