Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, with more people choosing to make the switch to greener modes of transportation. However, one thing that many people may not be aware of is that electric vehicles should not be towed with their wheels on the ground. This can cause serious damage to the car’s electric motor, and potentially result in costly repairs. In this article, we will explore why this is the case and what should be done instead.
Firstly, it’s important to understand how electric vehicles differ from traditional petrol-powered vehicles. Electric vehicles have a complex system of batteries, electric motors, and controllers that work together to power the car. Unlike gas-powered vehicles, which rely on a combustion engine to move, electric vehicles rely solely on their electric motor. This means that the electric motor is responsible for converting the battery’s energy into motion.
When an electric vehicle is towed with its wheels on the ground, the electric motor can continue to rotate even though it is not receiving power from the battery. This is because the rotation of the wheels is turning the motor, which can cause it to act as a generator and produce electrical energy. However, this is not how the electric motor is designed to operate. The motor is designed to receive power from the battery and convert it into motion. When the motor is forced to rotate without receiving power, it can overheat and cause damage to its internal components.
In addition to the potential damage to the electric motor, towing an electric vehicle with its wheels on the ground can also damage the car’s regenerative braking system. Regenerative braking is a key feature of electric vehicles that allows them to capture and store energy that is normally lost during braking. When an electric vehicle is towed with its wheels on the ground, the regenerative braking system cannot function properly, which can cause damage to the system over time.
So, what should be done instead of towing an electric vehicle with its wheels on the ground? The best option is to use a flatbed tow truck. A flatbed tow truck is designed to lift the entire car off the ground and transport it without any of the car’s wheels touching the road. This ensures that the electric motor and regenerative braking system are not damaged during the towing process.
If a flatbed tow truck is not available, another option is to use a dolly or trailer. A dolly is a small trailer that attaches to the back of a vehicle and lifts the front wheels of the car off the ground, while a trailer is a larger platform that lifts the entire car off the ground. Both of these options can be used to transport an electric vehicle without causing damage to the motor or regenerative braking system.
In conclusion, towing an electric vehicle with its wheels on the ground can cause serious damage to the car’s electric motor and regenerative braking system. This can result in costly repairs and potentially leave the car unusable. Instead, it’s important to use a flatbed tow truck, dolly, or trailer to transport an electric vehicle. By taking these precautions, electric vehicle owners can ensure that their cars remain in good condition and continue to provide them with reliable and sustainable transportation.
