EV Towing: What You Need to Know Before You Call a Tow Truck

Why Electric Vehicles Can't Use Wheel-Lift Towing

In a conventional gas-powered vehicle, the wheels and drivetrain are mechanically separate when the engine is off — you can safely roll two wheels on the ground during a wheel-lift tow (assuming the right drive wheels are lifted). This is not true of electric vehicles.

In an EV, the electric motor is directly coupled to the wheels — there's no disengagement. When an EV's wheels spin, even without power to the motor, the rotation generates electricity through the motor's inherent electromagnetic properties. This is the basis of regenerative braking. But when the car is off and the wheels are spinning freely during a tow, this uncontrolled regeneration creates problems:

• Heat buildup in motor windings — without the car's thermal management system running, heat generated by free-spinning motor magnets can damage motor windings
• Regenerative braking system damage — the system isn't designed to operate with the high-voltage battery management system offline
• Transmission/single-speed gearbox wear — EVs typically use a fixed-ratio gearbox rather than a traditional transmission; rolling the wheels backward or forward while towing can damage this
• Battery management issues — unintended current flows from free-spinning motors can interact with battery management systems in unpredictable ways

The risk isn't theoretical. EV owners have been hit with $5,000–$20,000 drivetrain repair bills after improper wheel-lift towing. Every major EV manufacturer explicitly prohibits it in their owner's manual.

EV Towing Rules by Manufacturer

Tesla (Model 3, Model Y, Model S, Model X, Cybertruck)

Tesla's owner's manuals are unambiguous: all Tesla vehicles must be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. There are additional specific rules:

• Transport mode must be enabled before loading on the flatbed (this prevents the car from automatically applying parking brake or resistance while being positioned)
• The vehicle must not be towed with wheels on the ground under any circumstances
• For Cybertruck: the rear wheels steer, which requires additional care when positioning on the flatbed
• Tesla recommends contacting Tesla Roadside Assistance first, as they dispatch flatbed-only operators familiar with EV protocols

Rivian (R1T, R1S)

Rivian uses four independent electric motors (one per wheel). All four wheels must be lifted. Rivian's guidance:

• Flatbed transport only with all four wheels completely off the ground
• Activate tow/transport mode via the infotainment system before loading
• Do not tow with any wheels on the ground, even temporarily

Lucid Air

Flatbed towing required, all four wheels off the ground. Lucid recommends calling Lucid Roadside Assistance for service.

GM Electric Vehicles (Chevy Silverado EV, Chevy Equinox EV, GMC Hummer EV, Cadillac Lyriq)

All GM electric vehicles require flatbed transport. For the Hummer EV (which has crab-walk capability and four-wheel steering), special positioning care is needed on the flatbed.

Ford F-150 Lightning

Flatbed towing required. The F-150 Lightning's owner's manual explicitly states it must not be towed with any wheels on the ground. Flat towing (all wheels down, hitched to another vehicle) is also prohibited.

Hyundai IONIQ 5/6, Kia EV6/EV9

Hyundai and Kia EVs both require flatbed towing. The IONIQ 5 and EV6 are popular in Salt Lake City — if you own one, save a flatbed-capable tow company's number now.

Toyota bZ4X, Subaru Solterra

Both share the same platform and require flatbed towing. Toyota's documentation specifically warns that wheel-lift towing will damage the electric drive system.

Hybrid Vehicles: Different Rules

Standard hybrid vehicles (Toyota Prius, Honda Accord Hybrid, etc.) have different rules than full EVs. Most standard hybrids can be wheel-lift towed if done correctly — but there are still important restrictions. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) often have larger battery systems and more complex regenerative braking, and some require flatbed towing. When in doubt, tell the tow truck operator your exact year, make, and model, and ask them to check the manufacturer guidance before towing.

What to Tell the Tow Truck Company

When you call for a tow in Salt Lake City, say exactly this: "I have a [Year] [Make] [Model] electric vehicle. I need flatbed towing with all four wheels off the ground. Please confirm your driver has a flatbed truck and is familiar with EV towing protocols."

If the operator hesitates, can't confirm flatbed availability, or suggests that wheel-lift "should be fine," call a different company. The extra few minutes finding a properly equipped operator is worth it.

For more on the difference between flatbed and wheel-lift towing, read our comprehensive guide: Flatbed vs. Wheel-Lift Towing: Which Is Right for Your Car?

EV Towing Costs in Salt Lake City

Some EV manufacturers include roadside assistance programs that cover towing. Check your warranty or subscription status with Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, or your manufacturer before paying out of pocket — you may have covered towing available.

What About Dead Battery — No Charge, Not Broken?

If your EV ran out of charge, you typically still need flatbed towing — most EVs cannot be safely towed by another vehicle using a tow strap (flat towing). You'll need a flatbed to the nearest charging station or your home charger. The exception: some EVs (check your owner's manual) have a "transport mode" that allows very slow rolling for short distances (like a few feet onto a flatbed), but this still requires the flatbed for the actual transport.

Pro tip: Program the nearest Tesla Supercharger, Electrify America, or EVgo station locations into your phone now, before you're stranded. Knowing where you need to go when you call for a tow speeds things up considerably.

Find EV-Ready Flatbed Towing in Salt Lake City

Not all tow companies in your area have flatbed trucks or operators trained for EV transport. Use the National Tow Connect directory to find verified operators that handle electric vehicle towing across the Salt Lake Valley.