Can You Tow an Electric Car? Everything Tacoma Drivers Need to Know
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more common on Washington roads but what happens if your Tesla, Nissan Leaf, or Rivian breaks down? Can you tow an electric car safely without causing damage? The answer depends on how it’s done and who handles it.
At NERD Towing, we specialize in electric car towing and roadside service across Tacoma, King County, and Pierce County, ensuring every electric vehicle is handled with the right equipment, approved methods, and tow truck type. In this guide, we’ll explain the safest ways to tow an electric car, what to avoid, and why professional towing services in Washington are so important. So, if you’ve ever wondered can you tow an electric car in Tacoma, this blog covers everything you need to know.
Understanding How Electric Cars Work Before Towing
Key differences between electric and gas vehicles
Electric vehicles don’t have a traditional transmission, engine, or fuel system. Instead, they rely on high-voltage batteries and electric motors. These systems are sensitive to motion when the vehicle is off, which makes towing far more delicate than with gas-powered cars.
While a gas car can be towed by lifting just one axle, doing the same to an electric car can cause severe damage to the drivetrain or battery system. Using the wrong tow hook or dolly setup can make things worse.
Why towing rules are different for EVs
Electric vehicles use regenerative braking systems; they generate power while the wheels are spinning. When an electric vehicle is towed with its drive wheels on the ground, it can cause electricity to circulate through inactive systems, leading to overheating or electrical short circuits.
That’s why manufacturers and professional car towing experts warn against using standard trucks or dollies tow methods for EVs.
What can go wrong if an electric car is towed improperly
Improper towing can lead to:
- Burned-out motors or inverters
- Damaged battery packs worth thousands to replace
- Electrical short circuits
- Permanent loss of warranty coverage
In short, towing the wrong way can turn a small roadside issue into a major repair bill.
Can You Tow an Electric Car Without Damaging It?
Flat towing vs. dolly towing vs. flatbed towing
There are three main towing methods:
- Flat towing (all four wheels on the ground) – Not safe for electric vehicles
- Dolly towing (two wheels lifted) – Sometimes possible but risky
- Flatbed tow (all wheels off the ground) – The safest method for electric cars
A flatbed tow keeps all wheels stationary and prevents transmission or battery damage. That’s why NERD Towing always uses flatbed tow trucks for EV transport across Tacoma and nearby Washington cities. If you’re unsure can you tow an electric car on a dolly or regular truck, the answer is no, always go for flatbed towing.
Which method is safest for Tesla, Nissan Leaf, and other EVs
For models like the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, and Rivian R1T, flatbed towing is the manufacturer-approved method. These vehicles should never be pulled with wheels touching the road or attached by non-approved tow hooks.
Manufacturer recommendations for towing electric cars
Most automakers include towing instructions in their manuals:
- Tesla: Use “Transport Mode” and flatbed tow only
- Nissan: No dolly or rope towing
- Ford Mustang Mach-E: Flatbed required to avoid drivetrain damage
Always follow your manufacturer’s manual and call a professional towing company trained in electric vehicle transport and recovery.
What Are the Risks of Towing an Electric Car the Wrong Way?
Battery and motor damage explained
The main risk comes from the rotation of drive wheels, which can force the motor to spin without proper lubrication or power regulation. This causes heat buildup that can ruin the electric drive unit or cause battery damage.
How improper towing voids EV warranties
Almost every electric vehicle manufacturer states that using non-approved towing methods voids warranty coverage. If the vehicle logs show that wheels were spinning during towing, the warranty repair could be denied.
Signs your EV was damaged after towing
- Reduced driving range
- Error codes or warning lights
- Unusual noises from the drivetrain
- Heating or vibration near the motor area
If you notice these after a tow, contact your EV service center immediately.
Safe Electric Car Towing Practices in Washington
How NERD Towing handles electric car recovery
At NERD Towing, we handle every electric vehicle with care:
- We use flatbed tow trucks only
- Technicians secure vehicles using manufacturer-approved anchor points and tow hooks
- The team engages transport or neutral modes to prevent battery drain
- We provide roadside service 24/7 across Tacoma, Puyallup, and King County
Special equipment used for EV towing
Our fleet includes:
- Hydraulic flatbeds
- Soft straps and wheel lifts designed for EV frames
- Non-metallic tie-downs to avoid sensor and paint damage
Emergency steps if your electric car breaks down on Tacoma roads
- Safely pull over and turn on hazard lights.
- Do not try to push or tow it yourself.
- Call a professional tow truck service like NERD Towing.
- Wait at a safe distance until our team arrives.
How Much Does It Cost to Tow an Electric Car in Washington?
Factors affecting towing cost for EVs
The cost depends on:
- Distance of tow
- Type of electric vehicle (Tesla vs hybrid)
- Accessibility (parking garage, roadside, etc.)
- Time of service (daytime vs emergency)
Typical pricing in Tacoma, Seattle, and surrounding areas
On average, EV towing in Washington ranges from $120–$250 for local car towing and may increase for long-distance transport or after-hours service.
Does insurance cover EV towing in Washington?
Many insurance plans and roadside service programs include electric vehicle towing coverage. Check your policy or call your insurer before paying out of pocket.
Can You Tow an Electric Car With a Regular Tow Truck?
Why flatbed trucks are recommended
Regular hook-and-chain tow trucks can drag drive wheels, risking battery and transmission damage. A flatbed tow is the safest and most approved method for electric vehicles, ensuring they are fully lifted off the ground during transport. When in doubt and you’re asking yourself again, can you tow an electric car with a regular tow truck, the answer is no, not without risking serious damage.
When to call a professional EV towing company
Call a professional when:
- The electric vehicle won’t start or move
- The battery is fully discharged
- You’ve been in an accident
- You’re unsure about the correct towing or transport method
What to tell your towing provider when requesting EV service
Always mention:
- The make and model of your electric car
- If the car is stuck in park or transport mode
- Whether you suspect battery or system failure
This helps dispatchers send the right tow truck, equipment, and technician.
Why Choose Professional Electric Car Towing in Tacoma?
Trained technicians and specialized EV equipment
Our operators are trained in EV-specific towing procedures, ensuring zero damage to the car’s sensors, wheels, or electrical systems.
24/7 availability across King and Pierce Counties
We’re on call day and night, serving Tacoma, Federal Way, Auburn, and surrounding Washington communities with safe, quick electric vehicle recovery.
Peace of mind with insured, damage-free towing
Every tow is fully insured. You can trust NERD Towing for professional, careful, and compliant electric vehicle towing service.
NERD Towing — Your Trusted Tacoma Electric Vehicle Towing Experts
Our experience with Tesla, Rivian, and other EV models
We’ve safely towed hundreds of electric cars and hybrid vehicles, including Tesla, Rivian, Kia EV6, and Ford Lightning. Our team understands each brand’s approved towing methods and equipment requirements.
Fast response times and local expertise
Based in Tacoma, we reach most King and Pierce County areas within 30–45 minutes, minimizing breakdown delays and ensuring quick vehicle transport.
What sets NERD Towing apart from other towing companies
- Local, licensed, and insured
- Trained electric vehicle towing specialists
- Honest pricing with no hidden fees
- Modern flatbed tow trucks for all car types
Serving Tacoma and Nearby Areas
NERD Towing proudly serves Tacoma, Puyallup, Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, and the greater King and Pierce County areas. Whether you’re stranded on I-5, in downtown Tacoma, or near SeaTac, our flatbed trucks and professional roadside service are ready to assist with safe, approved electric vehicle towing anywhere in Western Washington.
FAQs About Electric Car Towing in Washington
Can you tow an electric car if it’s out of charge?
Yes, but it must be flatbed towed. Never pull or push it. Electric vehicles can’t be jump-started or rolled like gas cars when the battery is depleted.
Can you push or jump-start an electric vehicle?
No. Jump-starting or pushing can damage the electrical system. Call a towing company equipped for electric car transport and roadside recovery.
Do all towing companies know how to tow electric cars safely?
Not all. Some lack EV-specific equipment and training. Always choose a certified towing service like NERD Towing that uses proper tow hooks, dollies tow setups, and flatbed tow trucks.
Call NERD Towing for Safe Electric Car Towing in Tacoma
How to reach us for 24-hour EV towing
If your electric car breaks down in Tacoma or nearby cities, don’t take chances. Call NERD Towing anytime for fast, professional roadside service and towing assistance.
- Give us a call at (253) 242-8757 and let’s get it handled!
- Service Areas: Tacoma, Federal Way, Kent, Puyallup, Auburn, and all of King & Pierce Counties
- USDOT Carrier number 3443832
- See what our customers are saying on Google!
Whether your electric vehicle stopped charging, broke down, or needs transport to a service center, NERD Towing is ready 24/7. Our expert tow truck operators will arrive quickly, secure your vehicle properly, and ensure your electric car is transported safely using approved methods.
When it comes to electric vehicles, towing isn’t one-size-fits-all. So the next time you wonder can you tow an electric car in Tacoma, remember that the safest way is to call professionals who understand EV systems.
NERD Towing keeping Washington’s electric cars moving safely, one tow at a time.
