More electric vehicles are on Atlanta’s roads every year, from Teslas commuting up GA-400 to EV rideshare drivers logging hours around the Perimeter. But when one of these vehicles breaks down, a lot of drivers assume any tow truck can handle it the same way it would handle a gas-powered car. That assumption can be an expensive one.
Electric vehicles aren’t just “cars with a different fuel type.” Their drivetrains work differently, and towing them the wrong way can turn a simple breakdown into a repair bill worth thousands of dollars. Here’s what actually changes, and what to do if your EV needs a tow in Atlanta.
Why EVs Can’t Be Towed Like a Regular Car
In a traditional gas-powered vehicle, you can often shift into neutral and tow it with two wheels rolling on the ground without much risk. Most EVs don’t have that same option.
The core issue comes down to how an EV’s motor is built. In most electric vehicles, the electric motor is directly connected to the wheels, without a traditional transmission or a true mechanical neutral standing between them. When those wheels are forced to spin during a tow, like they would with a standard wheel-lift truck, the motor spins along with them.
That’s where regenerative braking becomes a problem instead of a feature. Normally, regenerative braking is what lets an EV recapture energy when you slow down. But during a tow, spinning wheels can turn that same motor into an unintended generator, sending electricity back into a system that isn’t ready to handle it. Depending on the vehicle, this can stress or damage the motor, the inverter, the battery system, and related electronics.
Add in the fact that most EVs store their battery pack low, along the underside of the vehicle, and it’s easy to see why manufacturers are cautious. A battery pack exposed to road contact or towing stress isn’t something to take lightly.
The Three Towing Methods, and Why Only One Is Safe for EVs
There are generally three ways a vehicle can be towed, and they are not interchangeable when it comes to electric vehicles.
Flatbed towing loads the entire vehicle onto a flat trailer bed, so all four wheels are off the ground for the entire trip. Nothing spins, nothing generates unwanted electricity, and there’s no risk of drivetrain strain. This is the method manufacturers recommend, and in many cases, require, for EVs.
Wheel-lift towing raises one axle off the ground using a hydraulic yoke, while the other two wheels stay on the pavement and roll along behind the truck. It’s fast and useful for gas-powered cars in tight spaces, but for an EV, those still-rolling wheels keep the motor turning, which is exactly the scenario manufacturers warn against.
Dolly towing is similar to wheel-lift towing in effect: two wheels are lifted and secured, while the other two remain free to spin. Same underlying risk, same reason it’s discouraged for EVs.
The takeaway is simple: if any part of your EV’s drivetrain can still turn while it’s being moved, you’re not towing it safely.
What About “Tow Mode”?
Many newer EVs include a specific tow or transport setting, accessible through the vehicle’s settings menu or owner’s manual instructions. This mode typically releases the electronic parking brake and puts the vehicle in a state where it won’t fight against being loaded onto a truck.
It’s worth understanding that tow mode is meant to make loading onto a flatbed easier and safer, not to make wheel-lift or dolly towing acceptable. Even with tow mode engaged, manufacturers still call for a flatbed for any real distance or roadway travel.
If your EV still has enough power to access its settings, checking for a tow or transport mode before your truck arrives can make the loading process smoother. If the battery is completely dead, this may not be an option, and that’s fine. A properly trained driver with a flatbed can still load your vehicle safely without it.
What to Say When You Call for a Tow
If your EV breaks down in Atlanta, the most useful thing you can do before your tow truck even arrives is be specific on the phone. Say clearly that you’re driving an electric vehicle, and that it needs to be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. Don’t assume this is automatically understood or that whichever truck is nearest is automatically the right one.
It also helps to know, or look up, where your vehicle’s approved tow points are located. Many EVs have a specific attachment point or tow eye for securing straps or a winch cable, separate from the suspension components or battery housing. Attaching to the wrong spot isn’t just a manufacturer preference, it can cause real structural damage.
Why This Matters More in a City Like Atlanta
Atlanta’s EV population is growing alongside a highway system that isn’t always forgiving. A dead battery on I-285, GA-400, or one of the connector highways during rush hour isn’t just inconvenient, it puts you and your vehicle in a vulnerable spot for longer than a quick roadside fix would. That makes it even more important that the truck sent to help you is equipped, and the driver trained, to handle an EV correctly the first time.
At A+ Quality Atlanta Towing Company, our drivers use flatbed equipment for electric vehicle tows, so your EV’s motor, battery, and electronics stay protected throughout the trip. Whether you’re stranded downtown, out past the Perimeter, or anywhere in between, we can get your EV to a charging station, dealership, or repair shop without adding a mechanical problem to your electrical one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any tow truck tow my electric vehicle? Not safely. A truck needs to be a flatbed to avoid spinning your EV’s wheels during transport. Wheel-lift and dolly trucks, common for gas-powered vehicles, are not appropriate for most EVs.
Will towing my EV incorrectly void my warranty? It can. Manufacturers are specific about approved towing methods, and damage caused by an improper tow may not be covered. Confirming flatbed-only towing protects both your vehicle and your warranty.
What if my EV’s battery is completely dead and I can’t access tow mode? That’s fine. A flatbed tow truck doesn’t require your vehicle to have power to load it safely. Our drivers are equipped to handle a fully dead EV without needing tow mode engaged.
Stranded with an EV in Atlanta? Call A+ Quality Atlanta Towing Company for a flatbed tow that keeps your vehicle’s motor, battery, and electronics protected.