An electric car in Centennial, CO should be moved on a flatbed, not dragged on its wheels. EV motors can generate current when the wheels turn, and many manufacturers forbid towing with drive wheels down. Tell the dispatcher the exact model, and ask whether the driver has loaded that make before.
A dead EV is not the same problem as a dead gas car. It has no neutral in the way an automatic does, and many have a parking lock that holds the drive wheels still. Pulling one with wheels on the road can damage the motor.
So the move is almost always a flatbed. What matters on the phone is the precise model, because manuals differ on where the tow points are and whether the car has a transport mode.
Why can't an electric car just be hooked up and pulled?
Spinning the drive wheels of an EV turns its motor, and that can generate electricity with nowhere safe for it to go. Some manufacturers also say the gear-reduction unit is not lubricated when the car is off. Both are reasons the owner's manual often says flatbed only.
If you are not sure, open the manual or the car's tow section on the touchscreen, if it still works. Read the driver the exact wording.
What should I check before the truck arrives?
Look for a transport or tow mode in the menus. It releases the parking lock so the car can be winched without fighting it. If the screen is dead, the manual will usually show a manual release, which the driver can use.
Stay clear of anything orange. High-voltage cables are marked that way, and they are not something to touch after a crash or flood. If the car has been in a collision, say so on the call so the driver treats the battery with care.
- Make, model, and year
- Whether the car has power and the screen works
- Any collision damage or warning light about the high-voltage system
Will a tow drain the battery or damage it?
A flatbed move should not touch the battery at all, since the wheels never turn. The bigger risk is the 12-volt battery that runs the locks and the screen. When it dies, the car can become hard to put into transport mode, and a jump may be needed first.
Does Centennial Towing tow electric cars?
Yes, electric vehicles are part of the towing work on this site, and a flatbed is the usual way to move them. Give the dispatcher the make and model when you call so the right truck is sent.
Can I charge my EV on the roadside instead of towing it?
Not with a tow truck, no. Roadside help here covers things like jump starts and fuel, not charging. If the battery is simply empty, a tow to a charger is usually the practical option.
Is it safe to tow an EV after a crash?
Only once the driver knows about the damage. A damaged battery pack can be dangerous, so mention any impact, smoke, or warning lights on the call. Keep your distance from the car until help arrives.