EV Towing in the UK
The New Roadside Challenge
As electric vehicles (EVs) rapidly gain popularity across the UK, a new challenge emerges for roadside assistance and towing companies. Towing an EV isn't as straightforward as hauling a petrol or diesel car. It requires new skills, tools, and awareness.
Table of Contents
- Why Towing EVs Is Different
- Recent Incidents Highlight the Problem
- New Tools and Training for EV Towing
- Training for the Future
- Breakdown Scenarios for EVs
- Urban vs Rural Response Gaps
- Real-Time EV Diagnostics
- EV Adoption Rising
- What Drivers Should Know
- Opportunities for Mobile Mechanics
- Innovation in TowTech
- Sustainability Bonus
- Final Thoughts
⚡ Why Towing EVs Is Different
EVs have complex drivetrains, regenerative braking systems, and large, high-voltage batteries. These features make traditional flatbed or dolly towing potentially risky or even damaging.
Risks of Improper Towing:
- Damage to the electric motor or transmission
- Regenerative braking systems overheating
- Fire hazards from compromised batteries
🚨 Recent Incidents Highlight the Problem
In 2024, a popular UK roadside service faced scrutiny after improperly towing a Tesla Model 3, causing £3,500 in drivetrain damage. This sparked industry-wide discussions on towing standards for EVs.
🧰 New Tools and Training for EV Towing
To handle EVs safely, tow operators now need:
- Flatbed trucks with winches and low-angle ramps
- Non-conductive gloves and safety gear
- Digital voltage readers
- EV mode lock instructions (provided by OEMs)
🧑🏫 Training for the Future
Several UK organisations now offer EV-specific training:
- IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry): EV-safe technician certification
- AA and RAC: Internal programs for EV recovery
- Highways England: Roadside recovery EV protocols
🔌 Breakdown Scenarios for EVs
- Battery Depletion – Vehicle is stranded due to lack of charge
- System Failure – Motor or software error prevents movement
- Accidents – High-voltage batteries pose fire risks
🏙️ Urban vs Rural Response Gaps
Urban areas like London and Manchester have more EV-qualified operators, but rural regions still lag behind, increasing wait times and the risk of mishandling.
📱 Real-Time EV Diagnostics
Some newer platforms like Ohme and EV8 Switch integrate with EVs to:
- Send diagnostic alerts to recovery teams
- Enable remote battery checks
- Suggest safe towing procedures
📈 EV Adoption Rising
According to the UK Department for Transport:
- Over 900,000 EVs are on UK roads as of 2025
- EVs account for 32% of all new car sales
- Public charging points exceed 60,000
This exponential growth means towing services must adapt—or fall behind.
🧾 What Drivers Should Know
If you're an EV driver:
- Check if your roadside provider supports EV towing
- Know how to activate your car's tow mode
- Avoid letting battery fall below 5% regularly
- Keep a portable EV charger for emergencies
🔄 Opportunities for Mobile Mechanics
EV roadside issues aren’t always about towing. Many issues can be handled by mobile mechanics equipped for:
- Software resets
- 12V battery replacements
- Cooling system checks
- Charging port diagnostics
💡 Innovation in TowTech
Emerging UK startups are experimenting with:
- Battery-to-battery roadside chargers
- Drone-delivered emergency power kits
- Autonomous tow dollies for tight urban spaces
🌍 Sustainability Bonus
EV-focused roadside support helps reduce environmental impact further:
- No idling during repairs
- Lightweight equipment reduces fuel usage
- On-demand service limits unnecessary dispatches
✅ Final Thoughts
Towing in the UK is undergoing a silent revolution, thanks to the EV boom. For drivers, mechanics, and tow companies, the key takeaway is clear: adapt to the new standards or risk becoming obsolete. As EVs evolve, so too must the services that keep them moving.
For general car recovery information, see our comprehensive guide to car recovery services.
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