Breakdown with an electric or hybrid car — what is different
Towing with the wheels turning is forbidden on almost every electric car. The reason lies in the drive motor itself.
Symptoms
- The vehicle is electric or hybrid
- The battery is completely flat
- A high voltage system warning has appeared
On an electric car the wheels are connected directly to the drive motor. When the wheels turn, the motor acts as a generator and produces current. With the system off or damaged, that current has nowhere to go.
That is why towing on a rope or with one axle lifted is forbidden on almost every model. The only correct method is a flatbed.
A flat traction battery
An electric car with a completely flat main battery cannot be "jump started" like a petrol car. The small 12 volt battery only powers the electronics; it can be boosted, but that does not charge the large battery.
If the 12 volt battery is dead, the car sometimes will not unlock at all and will not release the parking brake — which complicates even loading it onto a flatbed.
After an impact, or if you smell something
After a collision in an electric car, do not touch the orange cables. Orange means high voltage.
A sweetish smell, hissing or smoke from the floor are signs of a battery problem. In that case move away from the car and say so when you call — the approach is different.
What to say on the call
Make and model, electric or hybrid, whether the car still moves, whether the parking brake releases, and whether there are warnings on the dashboard. These answers decide which vehicle is sent to you.
Leave your number — we will call you
If you are in a hurry, calling is fastest. The form is for when you cannot speak.