Towing Electric Cars Cannot Be Done Carelessly, Here's The Right Way

KatadataOTO – When a car experiences problems and breaks down, it can be towed by paying attention to several things. For example, a front-wheel drive (FWD) car must be towed with the front wheels not rolling on the asphalt to avoid damaging the car's components.

Meanwhile, for RWD or rear-wheel drive cars, it is best to tow them from the rear so that the front wheels, which rotate on the asphalt, support the vehicle. For AWD vehicles, it is best to use a flatbed truck or have them lifted entirely.

For users of electric cars, the procedure is different. This is because BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) cannot be towed carelessly, and manufacturers recommend that owners use a flatbed truck if they break down.

“This is to ensure that drivetrain system components like the electric motor remain safe and do not suffer damage that could occur if the car is towed with its wheels in direct contact with the asphalt,” said Maulana Hakim, Aftersales Director of Wuling Motors in his statement to KatadataOTO, quoted Friday (3/1).

Photo : Kia

He advises consumers, especially owners of Wuling electric cars, to use a flatbed tow truck. This way, the car's wheels do not need to be in direct contact with the asphalt and forced to rotate.

Then, when moving an EV from the road to the truck, the vehicle owner needs to pay attention to a few things so that the electric car can be pushed safely.

Most importantly, the owner needs to ensure the electric car's transmission is in the N or neutral position before being moved. Then, deactivate the handbrake or parking brake.