Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular than ever, but with this rise in popularity comes a host of new questions—especially for RV owners and frequent travelers.
Can Electric Cars Be Flat Towed?
Most electric cars cannot be flat towed due to their drivetrain design, which lacks a true neutral gear and can lead to serious damage if towed with all wheels on the ground.
Why Most Electric Cars Cannot Be Flat Towed
1. Transmission and Drivetrain Design
Most electric cars use a single-speed transmission that’s directly connected to the electric motor and wheels. Unlike internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with neutral gear options that disconnect the drivetrain, EVs do not have a true neutral mode in the traditional sense.
When the wheels of an EV rotate while the car is off (as in flat towing), the motor can still be engaged and generate electricity. Without proper management systems in place, this can cause:
- Overheating of components
- Damage to the electric motor
- Malfunction of onboard electronics
This is why flat towing electric vehicles is generally not recommended by most manufacturers.
Related: Why is my electric car not charging fully? (Explained)
2. Lack of Manufacturer Support
If a car’s owner’s manual does not explicitly state that it can be flat towed, it should not be flat towed. Towing a vehicle in a way that isn’t approved can void the warranty and lead to expensive repairs.
For example, Tesla has clearly stated that Tesla vehicles should not be flat towed under any circumstances. Instead, they recommend using a flatbed tow truck.
Can Any Electric Cars Be Flat Towed?
Currently, very few electric vehicles can be flat towed without causing damage. Some plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs), which combine a gas engine with electric power, might offer more towing flexibility, but even that depends heavily on the specific model.
Examples of EVs and Towing Capabilities:
| Electric Vehicle | Flat Tow Capable? | Manufacturer Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 / Y / S / X | No | Tow with a flatbed only |
| Nissan Leaf | No | Only flatbed towing |
| Chevrolet Bolt EV | No | Flatbed towing required |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | No | Not flat tow compatible |
| Jeep Wrangler 4xe (PHEV) | Yes | Flat towable in neutral gear |
| Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid | No | Only towed on flatbed or with dolly |
As you can see, pure electric cars that can be flat towed behind an RV are nearly non-existent. The Jeep Wrangler 4xe stands out as one of the only hybrid electric cars that is flat tow compatible.
Related: Why is my electric car key not working? (Explained)
Why the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Is the Exception
The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is one of the very few electrified vehicles that can be flat towed. Why?
- It has a transfer case that allows for true neutral disengagement.
- The drivetrain is mechanically similar to traditional Jeeps.
- It is designed with towing in mind, making it one of the best hybrid electric vehicles for flat towing behind an RV.
For RVers looking to go green without giving up the ability to flat tow, the Wrangler 4xe is currently the best option.
Flat Towing Alternatives for Electric Vehicles
If you own an EV and want to bring it along on your RV adventures, don’t worry—there are alternatives to flat towing electric cars:
- Tow Dolly
A tow dolly lifts the front wheels of your vehicle off the ground while the rear wheels stay on the road. This can work for some front-wheel-drive electric cars, but you must confirm it with the manufacturer first.
- Flatbed Trailer
This is the most reliable and manufacturer-approved method for towing electric cars behind an RV. All four wheels are off the ground, which prevents any unintended drivetrain damage.
While flatbed trailers are more expensive and take up more space, they are the safest choice for transporting EVs over long distances.
Long-Term Considerations for Towing Electric Cars
Even if you’re tempted to try towing an electric car using non-approved methods, consider the long-term implications:
- Warranty Voids: Towing your EV inappropriately can result in your warranty being voided.
- Battery Stress: EV batteries are sensitive to temperature and movement; towing incorrectly can cause battery degradation or overheating.
- Insurance Issues: If your car is damaged during unauthorized towing, your insurance provider may not cover the repairs.
Tips for Traveling with an EV and RV
If you’re set on combining RV life with electric vehicle ownership, here are some tips to make it work:
1. Use Campgrounds with EV Charging Stations
Some RV parks are now installing EV charging stations. Use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to find campgrounds with EV charging options.
2. Invest in a Quality Flatbed Trailer
If you’ll be hauling your EV often, invest in a lightweight aluminum trailer with a built-in winch system for safe loading and unloading.
3. Plan Your Route Around Charging Stops
Even though your EV might be riding on a trailer, once you reach your destination you’ll want to drive it independently. Make sure your travel destinations and side trips have accessible EV chargers.
4. Check Your RV’s Towing Capacity
Many EVs are heavier than gas vehicles due to battery weight. Ensure your RV’s hitch and towing system are rated to handle your EV’s curb weight.
Related: Why does my electric car alarm keep going off? (Explained)
Future of Electric Cars and Flat Towing
As EV technology evolves, there’s hope that more manufacturers will develop electric vehicles designed for flat towing. Key advancements that could enable this include:
- True neutral gear options in EV drivetrains
- Motor disengagement systems
- Software that allows temporary tow mode
- Reinforced regenerative systems to handle motion while unpowered
Some experts believe we could see flat towable electric vehicles within the next 5 to 10 years as demand from the RV and overlanding community grows.