Electric cars cannot be towed like petrol or diesel cars because their motors remain connected to the wheels when the vehicle is switched off. If the wheels rotate during towing, they can generate voltage and damage the motor, inverter, or battery. For this reason, EVs should be transported on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground, or with a full set of wheel dollies.
Towing an EV incorrectly can cause serious and expensive damage. Repairs may also not be covered under warranty if the problem results from improper towing rather than a manufacturing fault.
This guide explains why regular towing methods can damage an EV, what the correct towing method is, and how JC & CO safely recovers electric vehicles in Qatar, including EVs that are completely immobilized.
Why a Regular Tow Damages an Electric Car
In most electric vehicles, the motor stays connected to the wheels even when the car is switched off.
If the wheels spin during towing, such as with a wheel-lift truck or a dolly placed under only two wheels, the motor is forced to spin as well. This can make the motor act like a generator and send uncontrolled voltage back into the high-voltage system.
The result can be:
- Motor and inverter damage from overvoltage
- Battery cell damage
- Overheating in the drive components
These repairs are typically not covered under warranty because improper towing causes them rather than a vehicle fault.
The Correct Way to Tow an Electric Car
The standard manufacturer-recommended method is simple: use a flatbed tow truck or a full set of wheel dollies under all four tyres, so that no wheel touches the ground or rotates during transport. Both methods prevent the wheels from rotating and reduce the risk of damage.
What is unsafe is a partial tow, such as a wheel-lift truck or a dolly placed under only two wheels. The wheels left on the ground can continue to spin, which can damage the motor and battery.
If you need a tow, always tell the towing company that your vehicle is electric. Confirm that they will use a flatbed or a full 4-wheel dolly setup, not a partial wheel-lift method.
When an EV Becomes Completely Immobilized
Sometimes an EV does not just fail to start. It can become completely stuck. A software or system fault can lock the vehicle in Park, or a dead 12V system can leave it unable to move, even when it is in neutral.
In these cases, our team fits a wheel dolly under each individual tyre, so no wheel touches the ground or turns. The vehicle can then be loaded onto the flatbed with all four wheels fully supported.
This method allows us to safely recover EVs that cannot be moved into a normal towable position.
What to Do If Your EV Breaks Down in Qatar
- Pull over safely and switch on your hazard lights, just as you would with any other breakdown.
- Do not try to push, roll, or dolly-tow the vehicle yourself.
- Call or WhatsApp JC & CO and tell us that your vehicle is electric. This helps us send the right truck and equipment the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most EV motors stay connected to the wheels even when the car is switched off. If the wheels spin during towing, the motor can generate uncontrolled voltage. This can damage the motor, inverter, and battery.
Yes. An electric car can be safely towed on a flatbed truck with all four wheels fully off the ground. This is the standard towing method recommended for most EVs.
Incorrect towing can cause overvoltage damage to the motor and inverter, battery cell damage, and overheating. Repairs may not be covered under warranty if the damage is caused by incorrect towing.
Incorrect towing can cause overvoltage damage to the motor and inverter, battery cell damage, and overheating. Repairs may not be covered under warranty if the damage is caused by incorrect towing.
In most cases, yes. Manufacturers generally recommend flatbed towing because it keeps all four wheels off the ground and prevents wheel rotation during transport. Always follow the towing instructions for your specific EV model.
A wheel dolly can be used when it is placed under every wheel individually, so that no wheel touches the ground or turns. A dolly under only two wheels, with the other two wheels on the road, is not suitable for most EVs.
Tell them that your vehicle is electric and ask specifically for “flatbed only.” This helps ensure that the correct equipment is dispatched and avoids a towing method that could damage your vehicle.
Need Safe EV Towing in Qatar? Call JC & CO Today
Electric vehicles must be towed on a flatbed, with all four wheels off the ground, because of how their motors and drivetrains work. JC & CO has the specialized equipment, including per-wheel dollies for fully immobilized EVs, to recover electric vehicles safely anywhere in Qatar, 24/7.
Want more details about our specialized recovery process? Explore our EV Towing service in Qatar.
