Australia recorded more than 180,000 new electric vehicle sales in 2024, with Victoria leading adoption growth across metro areas like Melbourne. That number is climbing fast. Which means one thing for us in roadside recovery, EV breakdowns are no longer rare.
And here’s the part most owners don’t realise:
Tow an electric vehicle the wrong way, and you risk turning a simple breakdown into a five-figure battery disaster.
We’ve seen it. We’ve fixed it. And we’ve had panicked calls from drivers terrified they’ve “bricked” their car.
This guide is important if you live in Melbourne and own an EV. It’s not the same to tow an electric car as it is to tow a gas or diesel car. Not even close.
Let’s break it down clearly and practically.
Why Electric Vehicle Towing Is Different
Traditional vehicles rely on internal combustion engines and mechanical drivetrains. When they’re in neutral, you can often move them with a standard wheel-lift tow truck.
EVs? Completely different architecture.
Most electric cars:
- Use permanent magnet motors connected directly to drive wheels
- Generate electricity when wheels spin (regenerative braking system)
- Have high-voltage battery systems (up to 800 volts in some models)
- Rely heavily on electronic parking brakes
When you rotate the drive wheels without the system powered correctly, you can:
- Force electricity back into the inverter
- Overheat internal components
- Damage reduction gears
- Trigger system lockouts
- Cause what owners call “bricking”
That’s why flatbed towing for EVs is often mandatory.
What Does “Bricking” an EV Actually Mean?
“Bricking” means making the car completely useless, like a brick.
In EV terms, that can happen when:
- The high-voltage battery protection system detects irregular voltage
- The inverter sustains internal damage
- Software flags an unrecoverable fault
We’ve seen forum discussions and viral videos showing owners shocked after improper towing led to expensive repairs. In some cases, replacement battery systems exceed $15,000–$25,000.
That’s not scare tactics. That’s real-world risk.
Which is why when customers call us for electric car towing service, our first question is always:
“Is it an EV? And which wheels are driven?”
Why EVs Need Flatbed Tow Trucks
Let’s address the core question directly:
Why do electric cars need flatbed tow trucks?
Because lifting only two wheels and dragging the others can:
- Spin the electric motor
- Activate regenerative systems
- Generate uncontrolled electrical flow
- Overheat drivetrain components
A flatbed tow truck for EV ensures:
- All four wheels are off the ground
- No drivetrain rotation occurs
- Zero electrical backfeed risk
- Safer loading angle for low-clearance EVs
This is the safest method for towing an electric car, especially if the vehicle cannot be placed in transport mode.
Can You Tow an Electric Car on a Normal Tow Truck?
Short answer: Sometimes.
Safe answer: Rarely recommended.
Some EVs allow limited short-distance towing under strict manufacturer guidelines. But it requires:
- Activating tow mode
- Disabling electronic parking brakes
- Ensuring drivetrain disengagement
- Strict speed and distance limits
The problem? If the 12V battery is dead, those systems often won’t activate.
That’s why most roadside providers default to electric vehicle towing using a flatbed.
EV Breakdown Towing in Melbourne: What We See Most Often
As a team that handles EV towing requests in Melbourne daily, we frequently attend to the following top breakdown causes:
- Flat 12V battery (most common!)
- High-voltage system isolation fault
- Software lockout after charging interruption
- Accident damage affecting battery casing
- Complete discharge
Interestingly, data from roadside assistance providers shows that EVs experience 50% fewer mechanical breakdowns than petrol cars, but when they do fail, recovery complexity is higher.
This implies that selecting the appropriate provider is crucial.
Avoid Damaging Your EV Battery When Towing
If your vehicle has stopped, here’s what you should do immediately:
Step 1: Do Not Attempt to Push or Roll It
Even moving the car a short distance can rotate drive motors.
Step 2: Call a Specialist
Ask specifically for EV recovery service and confirm they provide flatbed transport.
Step 3: Inform the Operator
Tell them:
- Vehicle make and model
- Whether it’s AWD, RWD, or FWD
- Whether it powers on
- If it was involved in an accident
Step 4: Do Not Let Anyone Hook It Incorrectly
If a tow truck arrives without a flatbed for a non-drivable EV, pause. Clarify. Protect your vehicle.
How to Tow a Tesla Safely (And Other EVs)
Tesla models, like many EVs, require:
- Transport mode activation
- Wheel dollies if flatbed isn’t possible
- Strict no-dragging policy
The same applies to brands like Hyundai, BYD, Kia, and BMW electric models.
Proper electric vehicle towing requirements include:
- Insulated winch procedures
- Battery fire risk awareness
- Correct lift points
- Undercarriage inspection
This is not general towing. It’s specialised recovery.
What Happens If You Tow an Electric Car Wrong?
Here’s what we’ve witnessed in real recovery scenarios:
- Inverter overheating
- Error codes disabling vehicle startup
- Permanent drivetrain damage
- Insurance claim disputes
- Warranty complications
Manufacturers are increasingly strict. If incorrect towing is detected in system logs, warranty claims can be rejected.
That’s a risk no owner wants.
The Best Way to Tow an Electric Car in Melbourne
If you’re searching for the best EV towing service in Melbourne, here’s what to look for:
- Dedicated flatbed fleet
- Operators trained in high-voltage vehicle safety
- Experience with EV transport
- Knowledge of manufacturer tow protocols
- Insurance coverage specific to EV handling
We at One Stop Towing have improved our fleet and specialised training to better serve modern electric vehicles. As more and more people in Melbourne buy electric vehicles, including more and more people who need professional towing in Epping, we’ve changed with the industry to make sure that every time, we provide safe, compliant, flatbed recovery.
Flatbed vs Wheel Lift: What’s Safer?
Let’s simplify this.
Flatbed Tow Truck
- All wheels off the ground
- No drivetrain movement
- Safest for disabled EVs
- Recommended by most manufacturers
Wheel Lift Tow Truck
- Partial wheel rotation
- Potential regenerative activation
- Risk if vehicle cannot enter tow mode
For most breakdowns involving EVs, flatbed wins. Every time.
Real-World Insight: What Owners Often Overlook
Here’s something practical.
Many EV owners worry about high-voltage batteries. But in breakdown cases, the small 12V battery is often the culprit.
When it fails:
- The car won’t start
- Tow mode won’t activate
- Electronic brakes stay engaged
And that’s when improper towing mistakes happen.
Understanding this difference gives you an advantage when calling for help.
Why Expertise Matters in Electric Car Towing
Experience matters.
Not every towing provider understands:
- High-voltage isolation zones
- Thermal runaway risks (rare, but possible)
- Safe accident recovery for EV battery packs
- Manufacturer-specific tow points
At One Stop Towing, our drivers are trained in how to safely handle and transport electric vehicles. We offer specialised electric vehicle recovery services all over Melbourne, including dedicated towing in Altona for EV owners who need safe, flatbed transport done right the first time.
That’s not marketing fluff. It’s operational reality.
The Bottom Line
Electric vehicles are smarter. Cleaner. More efficient.
But when they break down, they demand smarter recovery.
Improper towing can:
- Damage expensive battery systems
- Void warranties
- Trigger software lockouts
- Lead to avoidable repair costs
Choosing professional electric vehicle towing is not optional. It’s essential.
If you ever need to have your electric car towed in Melbourne or need urgent EV breakdown towing, make sure the company knows how EV systems work, not just cars in general.
One Stop Towing is an expert in safe, legal, flatbed transportation for electric vehicles all over Melbourne. We also offer rapid-response tow truck services in Campbellfield for EV owners who need expert help. We treat your EV like the high-tech, high-value machine it is, whether it’s a breakdown in the city or a recovery in the suburbs.
Because protecting your vehicle starts before the hook is even connected.
Related:
Someone Is Blocking My Driveway. Can I Call a Tow Truck?
Melbourne EV Towing: Key Local Facts (2025)
- Melbourne has over 62,000 registered electric vehicles as of early 2025 — the highest concentration in Victoria.
- Standard flatbed tow trucks are required for most EVs to protect the drivetrain and high-voltage battery systems.
- EV-specific towing requires battery isolation procedures before lifting — a step often skipped by untrained operators.
- Popular EV corridors in Melbourne include the Eastern Freeway, Tullamarine Freeway, and the Ring Road — all serviced by One Stop Towing.
- Average EV battery weight adds 200–500 kg over an equivalent ICE vehicle — factored into our pricing model.
- Always request a flatbed (wheel-lift free) tow for your EV to prevent regenerative braking system damage.
📞 Need EV towing in Melbourne? Call 0400 857 777 — we are trained for high-voltage vehicle recovery, 24/7.