With more electric and hybrid vehicles hitting the roads in Alexandria, comes a new challenge that few drivers consider until it happens: how do you safely tow a vehicle powered by high-voltage systems? Electric and hybrid vehicles can’t be treated just like any other gas-powered car; towing them wrong may result in thousands of dollars in damage or create serious safety risks.
That is why the experienced towing professionals treat electric and hybrid breakdowns differently right from when the call comes in. If you’ve ever wondered how towing experts deal with these vehicles safely, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the process-the same way a real Tow truck Alexandria VA operator might explain it while loading an EV onto the flatbed.
Why EVs and Hybrids Need Special Towing Techniques
Most drivers think that towing is the same for every car. However, electric and hybrid vehicles have:
- High-voltage battery packs
- Complex electrical systems
- Regenerative braking
- Low ground clearance
- Specialized Manufacturer Instructions
Conventional towing methods, such as lifting two wheels and pulling, can significantly damage the drivetrain or the battery cooling system. That is why professional companies offering Towing Alexandria VA use different approaches right from the arrival of their crew at the site.
1. First Step: Make the Vehicle Safe to Touch
High voltage components exist within EVs and can be hazardous if the vehicle becomes damaged.
A trained technician would never rush to hook up the car. Instead, they:
- Look for battery leaks or funny noises
- Check the undercarriage for impact damage
- Check the tires and wheels
- Verify the vehicle is powered off properly
A compromised EV battery can release dangerous energy and even catch fire at times. That is why a certified team from a reputable Towing company Alexandria VA would always follow safety protocols before even touching anything.
2. Putting the Vehicle Into “Tow Mode”
Every EV and hybrid has its own “tow mode” or “transport mode,” which needs to be activated before it is moved.
This mode:
- Disengages the electric motor
- Prevents regenerative braking from activating
- Protects the battery
- Unlocks the wheels correctly
With gasoline cars, you just shift to neutral — but EVs don’t work that way. If you skip tow mode, you can destroy the motor in minutes. That’s why a trained Tow company Alexandria VA technician knows exactly how to set each vehicle safely.
3. Using a Flatbed Truck — Not a Wheel-Lift Tow
Flatbed towing for EV and hybrid vehicles is recommended by every significant manufacturer in the world: Tesla, Toyota, Ford, Hyundai, BMW, Audi, and many more.
Why?
Because dragging or lifting only one end of the vehicle can:
- Damage the electric motor
- Damage the battery cooling system
- Interfere with regenerative braking
- Scratch or break the undercarriage
- Cause drivetrain strain
That’s why professional Alexandria Towing companies always send a flatbed for EV calls. A wheel-lift truck could work for a regular sedan, but it’s not going to work for a vehicle powered by a high-voltage system.
4. Loading the vehicle carefully-no rushing allowed.
Loading an electric vehicle on a flatbed is slower and more delicate than loading a traditional car.
Technicians will often:
- Use soft straps to avoid frame damage
- Use winches slowly to maintain control
- Watch out for ground clearance issues
- Also be mindful of battery placement
- Make sure the wheels aren’t rolling unexpectedly
Drivers trained in EV towing know exactly where to attach hooks and straps. A mistake here can crack a battery case or bend suspension arms — repairs that cost thousands.
5. Monitoring Battery Temperature during Transport
This is something which only trained professionals consider.
High-voltage batteries can heat up quickly after a crash, and sometimes the temperature keeps rising long after the car is off.
During transport, trained tow operators periodically check:
- Temperature of the battery
- Strange odors
- Smoke or chemical odors
- Leaking coolant
If something seems unsafe, the tow operator will redirect the vehicle to a secure location or fire-safe area. A regular tow driver without EV training would not know to check these details.
This is where experienced teams, like those handling Towing Alexandria VA, make all the difference.
6. Knowing Where – and Where NOT – to Tow an EV
Sometimes an EV or hybrid shouldn’t go directly to a repair shop.
Depending on the problem, a towing expert may take it to:
- A dealership with EV-certified technicians
- A battery specialist
- A secure lot for inspection
- A body shop familiar with high-voltage systems
A good Tow truck Alexandria VA operator knows not every shop can handle EV repairs safely, and taking it to the wrong place will cause delays or further the damage.
7. Handling Accidents Involving EV Batteries
A higher level of caution is created in the event of an accident involving an EV.
Tow experts look closely for:
- Orange high-voltage cables exposed
- Sparks near the battery compartment
- Battery coolant leaks
- Severe undercarriage damage
When that happens, professional Alexandria Towing crews work slowly and carefully to avoid initiating any electrical reaction. No short cuts — no exceptions.
8. Why You Should Never Tow an EV Yourself
Many owners of EVs feel that it is safe to tow their car by rope, dolly, or another vehicle. This can be exceedingly dangerous.
DIY towing can result in:
- Motor damage
- Broken axles
- Battery faults
- Voided warranties
- Fire hazards
EVs and hybrids were never designed to be pulled the way gasoline cars can be. That is why it is safest to opt for a certified Towing company Alexandria VA like ACE Towing.
Conclusion: EVs require a new type of towing knowledge
Electric and hybrid vehicles are the future of transportation but, in turn, they do call for specialist expertise at times when something does go wrong. Everything related to EV towing, from high-voltage safety checks to the activation of tow mode, needs to be treated with care.
The professionals within ACE Towing have years of experience moving these vehicles safely, efficiently, and professionally. Whether your EV suffers from a flat tire, a dead battery, a software malfunction, or an accident, calling in a trained Tow company Alexandria VA ensures your vehicle is protected from further damage.
Your EV is a modern machine. It deserves a modern towing team.
