EV and Hybrid Recovery: What to Know | Tyne Road Rescue

Electric and hybrid cars have fewer moving parts than petrol and diesel cars, but they still suffer flat tyres, flat 12-volt batteries, warning lights and accidents. When they need recovery, they need to be handled differently to a conventional car.

Here is what drivers should know, and what information helps a recovery operator do the job properly.

Why electric and hybrid cars usually go on a flatbed

In most electric cars, the motor is connected directly to the wheels. If the driven wheels turn while the car is being towed, the motor can generate electricity, which may damage parts of the drive system. Many hybrids have similar concerns, because the engine, electric motor and transmission are linked.

For this reason, most manufacturers recommend that their electric and hybrid models are transported with all four wheels off the ground, on a flatbed or slide-bed truck. That is how we prefer to move them.

Do not tow on its wheels unless the manufacturer allows it

Some drivers assume an EV can be towed a short distance with a rope, like an older manual car. Often it cannot. The owner's handbook is the authority here. It will say whether the car can be towed at all, whether only for a very short distance at low speed, and whether a special transport or tow mode must be selected first.

If you are unsure, do not let anyone tow it on its wheels. Ask for a flatbed.

Running out of charge

Running out of charge is the EV equivalent of running out of fuel. It happens more easily in winter, on fast roads, or when a planned charger turns out to be out of order or busy.

Before it happens

• Plan longer journeys with a margin, and have a backup charging point in mind.
• Remember that range drops in cold weather and at higher speeds.
• Take low-charge warnings seriously and head for a charger early.

If the car stops

Most electric cars give plenty of warning and reduce power before they stop completely. When that happens, find somewhere safe to pull over as soon as you can, off the main carriageway if possible.

If you stop on a motorway, follow the same safety advice as any breakdown: leave by the left-hand doors and get behind the barrier if you can do so safely. If you are stuck in a live lane, stay in the car with your seatbelt on and hazard lights switched on, and call 999.

A car with no charge will usually need to be carried to a charger or to your home on a flatbed.

The 12-volt battery can go flat too

Electric and hybrid cars still have a small 12-volt battery that powers the locks, screens and control systems. If it goes flat, the car may appear completely dead, even when the main battery has plenty of charge.

Do not assume a jump start is safe. Some manufacturers allow it at specific connection points, while others advise against it, so check your handbook. Never touch high-voltage cables or components, which are usually coloured orange.

What to tell the recovery operator

The more we know before we set off, the better prepared we can be. When you call, please tell us:

• The make, model and year of the car, and whether it is fully electric, a plug-in hybrid or a self-charging hybrid.
• The current charge level, if the dashboard still shows it.
• Whether the car will power on, and whether it can be put into neutral or a transport mode.
• Any warning messages on the dashboard.
• Whether it has been in an accident, including any damage underneath the car.
• Where it is parked and whether it is still plugged into a charger.

After an accident

If an electric or hybrid car has been in a collision and smells of burning, makes hissing or popping sounds, or shows any smoke, get everyone well away from the vehicle and call 999. Tell the emergency services that the car is electric or hybrid.

Battery damage is not always visible straight away, so mention any impact to the underside of the car when you arrange recovery, even if it seems minor.

How Tyne Road Rescue handles EV and hybrid recovery

We recover electric and hybrid vehicles across Newcastle and the North East, using flatbed loading wherever possible. What we can do in each case depends on the vehicle, its condition and the equipment needed, and we will be straightforward with you about that when you call. Find out more on our EV and hybrid recovery page, or see our wider recovery services.

Call 07763 706 830, available 24 hours a day, every day. Arrival time depends on location, traffic and current workload, and we will give you an honest estimate. Cost depends on distance, vehicle and the work involved, and we confirm the price before we set off. If you are planning a move rather than dealing with a breakdown, our vehicle transport options may suit you better, and our FAQs answer other common questions.

Frequently asked questions