Recovery advice · · 4 min read
Electric car broken down? How EV recovery works
Electric cars break down less often, but when they do, how they are moved matters. Here is what to do and why the recovery method is different.
More electric vehicles are on Birmingham's roads every month. They have fewer moving parts than petrol or diesel cars, but they still get flat tyres, 12-volt battery faults, warning-light shutdowns and accident damage. And sometimes the main battery simply runs out.
Why EVs usually need a flatbed
In many electric cars the motor is connected directly to the wheels. If the driven wheels turn while the car is being towed, the motor can generate power or be damaged. That is why most manufacturers say an EV should be moved with all four wheels off the ground, or with the driven wheels lifted or on wheel skates.
Your vehicle handbook is the final word. Check its towing and transport section, as the advice differs between makes and models.
If the battery runs out
- Pull over somewhere safe as soon as the car warns you of low charge. Most EVs give plenty of warning and then limit power before they stop.
- Do not try to push the car far, and do not tow it with a rope.
- Recovery to the nearest suitable charger or to your home charger is usually the quickest fix.
If there is a warning light or fault
Note the exact message on the dashboard and take a photo if you can. Some faults clear after the car is fully switched off and restarted. Others put the car into a limited mode. If a high-voltage warning appears, or there is any smell of burning, smoke or damage to the underside, get everyone out and away from the car. Call 999 if there is smoke or fire.
What to tell the recovery dispatcher
- The make, model and year, so we can check the transport method.
- Whether the car will go into neutral or transport mode. Many EVs have a dedicated tow or transport mode in the settings.
- Whether the 12-volt battery is flat. If it is, the car may not unlock or release its parking brake, so we bring the right kit.
- Where you want it taken: home, a charger, a dealer or a specialist garage.
Low cars and car parks
Many EVs sit low, and they often break down in multi-storey car parks or at charging bays. We check the height limit and ramp angles before we set off, and use wheel skates or a compact unit where a full flatbed cannot get in.
Need an EV moved?
We recover and transport electric cars, hybrids and low-clearance vehicles across Birmingham and the West Midlands using platform loading. Call 07846 899 694, or see our flatbed car transport page for planned moves.