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Towing Electric Vehicles in Brooklyn: Special Care Tips

electric car towing

Towing an electric vehicle isn’t as simple as calling the first number you find online. With fixed drivetrains, high-voltage systems, and sensitive components, EVs demand a specific approach, especially in a dense, fast-paced area like Brooklyn. Before you contact a tow truck in Brooklyn, it’s important to understand what safe EV towing actually involves and what you should communicate to the tow company.

This blog covers special care tips you need to know to protect your EV during a breakdown or transport.

Why Traditional Towing Methods Can Seriously Damage an EV

While traditional vehicles can often be towed with wheels on the ground, most electric vehicles are not built for that. EVs typically don’t have a neutral gear, meaning their wheels stay mechanically connected to the motor. If those wheels are dragged, it creates resistance inside the powertrain that can lead to overheating or permanent damage to the electric motor. Some systems might even register faults or shut down altogether.

That’s why it’s essential to avoid any hook-and-chain or dolly towing setups unless they’re specifically designed for electric vehicles. The risk of damage is too high, especially if the operator isn’t experienced with EV handling.

Flatbed Towing Is the Safest Option for Electric Cars

For nearly all electric cars, flatbed towing is the recommended method—and often the only safe one. By lifting the vehicle entirely off the ground, a flatbed tow truck eliminates wheel movement, reduces stress on the drivetrain, and avoids unnecessary wear on sensitive components.

When contacting a tow truck in Brooklyn, be sure to confirm that they provide flatbed service. Not all tow companies will ask about your vehicle type in advance, so it’s best to volunteer that information. Letting them know the exact make and model ensures they’ll arrive prepared with the right setup, and not just a conventional rig that might be unsafe for your EV.

Check the Owner’s Manual Before the Truck Arrives

Every EV brand has its own towing recommendations, and many include specific steps that need to be followed before transport. Some, like Tesla, have a built-in “Transport Mode” that must be activated to safely disengage systems like the parking brake. Others may advise against towing without dealer assistance.

Reviewing your vehicle’s owner’s manual or companion app before the truck arrives can make a big difference. Look for sections that cover towing procedures, and relay that information to the operator ahead of time. This minimizes guesswork and protects you from costly errors that could void your warranty or lead to electrical faults.

Let the Battery Cool Down Before Towing

If your electric car has recently been driven or has experienced a system fault, the battery might still be holding a high level of heat. Towing a vehicle in that condition—especially in warm weather or over longer distances—can increase the risk of thermal damage.

Some advanced towing services in Brooklyn are equipped with tools to check battery temperature or assess the vehicle’s thermal state before loading. If you suspect your battery is hot or if the car recently shut down unexpectedly, let the tow operator know. A short waiting period may be safer than rushing into a potentially harmful tow.

Also Read: How to Safely Tow an Electric Vehicle: What You Need to Know

Disable Built-In Safety Features That Could Interfere

Modern electric vehicles come with built-in systems designed to prevent unauthorized movement—great for theft prevention, but problematic during towing. Features like automatic emergency braking, motion sensors, and alarm triggers can activate if the car senses it’s being moved without proper setup.

Most EVs include a dedicated “Tow Mode” or “Transport Mode” to disable these functions. If yours doesn’t, you can usually turn them off manually in the dashboard settings. This step helps ensure a smooth towing process without unexpected resistance, alarms, or system errors that could interrupt the operation.

Low Ground Clearance Requires a More Skilled Approach

A number of electric vehicles, particularly sport or luxury models, are designed with low ground clearance. This makes flatbed loading more complicated, as ramps must be long and angled properly to avoid scraping the underbody—especially where the battery pack is mounted.

Telling the towing company your vehicle’s exact model gives them a chance to bring equipment like extended ramps or tilt-adjustable beds. Inexperienced operators may overlook this and try to load the car without the right tools, increasing the risk of undercarriage damage.

High-Voltage Components Are Not for DIY Towing

Electric vehicles contain several high-voltage areas—clearly marked and potentially dangerous if tampered with. These include the orange cables running from the battery to the motor and other power delivery systems. In the event of a crash or system malfunction, these components may be compromised.

For your safety and the integrity of the vehicle, never attempt to tow an EV on your own. Only trained professionals with experience in electric vehicle recovery should attach hooks or operate lifts. A reliable tow truck in Brooklyn will have staff familiar with safe attachment points and the specific precautions required for high-voltage zones.

Also Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Towing: What You Need to Know

Looking for a Tow Truck in Brooklyn That Handles EVs Safely?

Towing an electric car isn’t just about moving it from point A to point B—it requires attention to safety, systems, and the right tools. At A1 Towing Brooklyn, we specialize in electric vehicle towing using flatbeds and EV-safe procedures. Our operators are trained to handle all major EV models with care, ensuring a damage-free experience from pickup to drop-off. You can count on us for quick response and reliable service wherever you are in Brooklyn.

Call now for expert EV towing that protects your car and your peace of mind.