Recovering EVs: What You Need to Know

In 2023, just over 3 million cars on the road were electric vehicles (EVs). This number has continued to rise since 2022. While traditional cars currently outnumber EVs, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory predicts that 30-42 million EVs will be on the road by 2030. With the number of EVs increasing, tow truck operators will likely encounter more EV recoveries as time goes on. To meet this shift in vehicle recovery, it's important to understand the differences EVs present to your business operations so your operators and the cars they service stay safe.

What Makes an EV Different

A major difference between EVs and traditional vehicles is the lack of gears. Since EVs don't have a conventional gear box, many don't have a neutral gear. This makes it nearly impossible for traditional tow trucks (hook and chain and wheel-lift varieties) to tow an EV.

Another difference is the use of regenerative power. Generally, as the wheels spin on an EV, an electrical current is sent back to the battery to recharge it. Using a traditional tow truck can create a surplus of power that exceeds the storage of the battery. If this happens, both the battery and car can incur damages.

Some EVs have a transportation mode which can be used to assist in vehicle towing. If you encounter an EV with this feature, read the manual to learn more since there are often distance restrictions in this mode.

How to Tow an EV

When it comes to towing an EV, it’s necessary to have the proper equipment to keep the tow operator and car safe. You should always tow an EV with a flatbed tow truck. Using a flatbed tow truck eliminates the problem of needing a neutral gear on the recovered vehicle. It also allows the wheels to remain stationary, keeping the battery, car, and tow operator safe in the process. To make sure you have the proper equipment, here are three questions you can ask your customer before recovering their EV:

1. What's the make and model of your EV?
2. Does your EV have a neutral or transportation mode?
3. What's the reason for the tow (dead battery, flat tire, etc.)?

Portable Chargers

If you don't have a flatbed tow truck, investing in a roadside portable charger allows you to assist any customers who call in with a dead battery.

Purchasing a portable charger gives you the versatility to get an EV on the road again without having to tow the vehicle to the nearest charging station. This saves time for both the tow truck driver and customer.

As electric vehicles become more popular, tow companies are facing new challenges in recovering EVs. By ensuring you have the proper equipment, your tow company can capitalize on a growing market and stay safe while doing so.