Towing an electric car.
Flatbed only, all four wheels off the ground, tow mode set first and never on dollies.
In shortPrestige CK Towing tows electric cars, Tesla, Rivian and every other make, on a flatbed only, with all four wheels off the ground and the car in tow mode, 24 hours a day across Oak Lawn and southwest Cook County. A dead 12-volt battery is jump-started on the spot; an empty traction pack is taken to a charger on the deck.
What to expect
What dispatch would tell you on the phone.Why flatbed only
An EV's drive motors are connected to the wheels all the time, so towing one with two wheels on the ground turns the motors and can damage the drive unit. Every electric car we move rides with all four wheels off the ground on the flatbed. We do not use dollies on a battery car.
Tow mode and the 12-volt battery
Before the car is winched onto the deck the driver puts it in transport or tow mode so it rolls freely. If the 12-volt battery is flat and the car will not wake up, the driver jumps the 12-volt system first, which is what unlocks the doors and lights the screen.
Out of charge
A pack run to zero cannot be jumped. It is a flatbed to the charger of your choice, a Supercharger, a dealer or your garage. Tell dispatch which and where; the drop is quoted on the phone before the truck rolls.
What it costs
The same flat local rate as any other car: hook-up and the first 10 miles for one number, quoted on the phone, the same at night. Beyond the local ring it is per mile and told upfront. We direct-bill most roadside plans, including the ones bundled with the car.
Asked a lot
Anything else, call and ask.01Can you tow a Tesla?
Yes. Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, Chevrolet Bolt, Hyundai Ioniq, Ford Mustang Mach-E and every other EV, on the flatbed with tow mode set.
02My EV is dead and the doors will not open.
That is the 12-volt battery. The driver jumps the 12-volt system to wake the car, then loads it. Have the key card or phone key with you.
03Will you take it to a Supercharger or a dealer?
Either. Tell dispatch where and it is quoted on the phone. A closed dealer is fine; we use the key drop and text you a photo of where the car sits.
04Does my EV roadside plan cover you?
We direct-bill most plans. If yours is not on the list, pay us and the receipt we text you is what they need to reimburse you.
