Mostly yes, but with one important EV-specific wrinkle: many EVs can’t be towed the way a gas car can, which is worth confirming with your provider before a long trip rather than finding out on the side of the highway.
Why Flatbed Towing Usually Matters More for EVs
Many EVs can’t be safely towed with all four wheels on the ground, since the electric motor can spin and generate current while being dragged, which can cause damage in some models. A flatbed tow, where all four wheels are lifted off the road, avoids this risk and is the generally recommended method for most EVs, though a few models with specific drivetrain designs are the exception. This is different enough from towing a gas vehicle that it’s worth confirming your specific EV’s manufacturer guidance rather than assuming standard towing practices apply.
What to Confirm Before a Road Trip
A few things are worth checking with your roadside assistance provider ahead of a longer trip, rather than assuming standard coverage handles it:
- Whether the provider dispatches flatbed trucks by default for EVs, or whether you need to specifically request one
- Whether your coverage extends along your full route, not just your local area, since some plans are more limited outside a home region
- Whether your manufacturer includes its own complimentary roadside assistance during the warranty period, which can sometimes overlap with or supplement a separate plan
This Is a Different Situation Than Running Low on Charge
Needing a tow for a mechanical issue or flat tire is a separate scenario from simply running out of charge on the road, which increasingly has its own solutions like mobile charging trucks. Our post on what happens if you run out of charge covers that situation specifically.
💡 Tip: Before a long road trip, call your roadside assistance provider directly and confirm they can dispatch flatbed towing for your specific EV model along your route, rather than assuming it’s covered by default. See our post on what happens if you run out of charge for the related, but separate, low-charge scenario.