Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly common on Brisbane roads. Tesla, BYD, Polestar, MG, Kia, Hyundai and a growing range of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles now make up a significant part of the vehicles travelling around South East Queensland.
But when an EV or hybrid breaks down, loses charge or simply will not move, arranging transport can be a little different from towing a conventional petrol or diesel car.
If your EV or hybrid has broken down in Brisbane, the most important thing is not to assume it can simply be dragged or towed with its wheels on the road.
The correct transport method depends on the vehicle, drivetrain, condition of the car and manufacturer instructions.
At TowFast Brisbane, we provide tilt-tray vehicle transport for suitable electric and hybrid vehicles throughout Brisbane. If your vehicle will not drive, let us know the make, model, location and what has happened so the correct loading approach can be considered before dispatch.
Can an Electric Car Be Towed?
Yes. An electric vehicle can be transported, but that does not mean it should be towed in exactly the same way as every conventional vehicle.
Many EV manufacturers specify that the vehicle should be transported with its wheels off the road.
This is particularly important because rotating the wheels of some electric vehicles can rotate the electric drive motors. Tesla specifically warns that its motors generate power when the wheels spin and recommends a flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle for the Model 3 and Model Y.
BYD provides similar model-specific guidance. For example, the Australian BYD SEAL handbook describes a flatbed as the preferred method when the vehicle needs towing and warns that leaving wheels on the ground can cause damage to high-voltage components. The SEALION 6 handbook similarly states that the front and rear wheels should be off the ground during towing.
See the BYD SEAL handbook and SEALION 6 handbook, under “If the Vehicle Needs Towing”.
This is why checking the manufacturer's instructions for the exact vehicle model is important.
Why a Tilt Tray or Flatbed Is Often Suitable for EV Transport
A tilt-tray truck allows the vehicle to be loaded onto the tray rather than being transported over a long distance with drive wheels rotating on the road.
For many EVs, this corresponds with the transport method recommended by the manufacturer.
The vehicle can usually be winched onto the tray when it cannot drive, provided it can be placed into the appropriate towing or neutral mode and the correct manufacturer-approved loading point can be used.
However, an EV that will not turn on can present a different situation.
A completely discharged low-voltage system may prevent the electronic parking brake, gear selection or towing mode from operating normally. That does not automatically mean the vehicle cannot be moved—it means the towing operator needs to know about the problem before attempting to load it.
Towing a Tesla in Brisbane
Tesla vehicles require particular attention when they cannot be driven.
Tesla recommends a flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle for both the Model 3 and Model Y. Tesla's instructions also explain that the vehicle's Tow Mode is intended to allow it to roll slowly for positioning and to be winched onto a flatbed—not for conventional road towing over distance.
On the Model 3 and Model Y versions covered by the linked manuals, Tow Mode is accessed through the vehicle's touchscreen under the towing controls when the necessary conditions are met.
If the Tesla has lost low-voltage power or the touchscreen cannot be accessed, tell the towing company when booking.
Do not assume that simply putting a Tesla into Neutral makes it suitable to be dragged for kilometres with its wheels rotating.
Manufacturer references: Tesla Model 3 transporter instructions and Tesla Model Y Australian manual. Follow the version that applies to your vehicle.
Tesla won't turn on?
This is important information to give us when requesting the tow.
Tell us whether the touchscreen works, whether you can access the vehicle, whether the car recognises the key or phone, whether it is currently in Park, and whether it is somewhere with restricted access.
That information can affect how the vehicle needs to be approached and loaded.
Towing a BYD in Brisbane
BYD vehicles also have model-specific towing instructions.
BYD Australia's published documentation recommends using professional towing assistance when a vehicle requires transport. The BYD SEAL handbook says a flatbed is the preferred choice for a faulty vehicle requiring towing, while the SEALION 6 handbook states that a flatbed truck is the best option and that its wheels should be off the ground during transport.
The linked ATTO 3 handbook also contains specific instructions around its towing eye and emergency towing procedures and recommends professional rescue assistance when required.
Whether you drive a BYD ATTO 3, DOLPHIN, SEAL, SEALION or another BYD model, the transport method should be checked against the instructions for that particular vehicle rather than assuming every BYD is identical.
See also the BYD ATTO 3 handbook. Manual editions and model years can differ.
What About Hybrid Vehicles?
Hybrid does not describe one single drivetrain.
A conventional hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-wheel-drive hybrid may have very different mechanical and electrical layouts.
Some hybrid vehicles drive only one axle. Others use electric motors on another axle or have more complicated transmission arrangements.
Because of these differences, it is better not to make a blanket statement such as:
“All hybrids can be towed with two wheels on the ground.”
That may be wrong for the particular vehicle.
When transporting a hybrid, the safest approach is to identify the exact make, model and drivetrain and follow its manufacturer-specified towing procedure.
What If My EV Has Just Run Out of Charge?
Running out of battery does not necessarily mean there is a mechanical fault.
But if the car cannot reach a charger under its own power, vehicle transport may be required.
If you have roadside-assistance cover, check the applicable towing distance, destination and approval conditions with your provider before arranging a separate tow.
If you need TowFast to transport the vehicle, tell us that the vehicle has run out of charge rather than mechanically broken down.
We can then discuss the pickup location and where you want the car transported.
My EV Is Stuck in Park. Can It Still Be Moved?
Possibly, but do not force it.
Modern EVs often use electronic parking brakes, electronic gear selectors and electronic towing modes. If the low-voltage electrical system has failed, these systems may not behave normally.
The loading method can therefore be different from a vehicle that powers on and rolls freely.
When requesting a tow, simply tell us:
“The vehicle won't turn on and appears to be stuck in Park.”
That is much more useful than attempting to drag or force the vehicle yourself.
What Should I Tell the Tow Truck Company?
The more we know before arriving, the easier it is to assess the job.
When contacting TowFast about an EV or hybrid, provide the make and model, pickup suburb, destination, whether the vehicle powers on, whether it can select Neutral or its towing mode, whether the wheels roll, and whether there are any access restrictions.
Also tell us if the vehicle is located in an underground car park, tight driveway, apartment complex or another restricted-access location.
A standard tilt tray cannot automatically access every underground car park, so clearance and access should be discussed before dispatch.
Can You Tow a Tesla With a Dead Battery?
A Tesla with a discharged traction battery may still be transportable.
However, a vehicle with no usable low-voltage power can be more complicated because systems required for loading—including the touchscreen and Tow Mode—may not be available.
Tesla's transport instructions specifically address situations where low-voltage power is unavailable and provide alternative procedures for professional transporters.
For the owner, the important part is simple:
Tell the towing company that the Tesla has no power when you book it.
Do not try to force the wheels to move.
Can an EV Be Towed With a Rope?
This should not be treated like towing an old manual car a few kilometres down the road.
Manufacturer requirements vary, but both Tesla and BYD publish specific restrictions around how their electric vehicles are transported.
For example, BYD's Australian SEAL manual advises against pulling the vehicle using only ropes or chains, while Tesla provides specific approved vehicle-transport procedures.
For a breakdown requiring transport across Brisbane, professional vehicle transport is the safer approach.
What If the EV Has Been in a Serious Crash?
A collision involving an electric vehicle can be different from a straightforward mechanical breakdown.
EVs contain high-voltage battery systems. Tesla's transporter guidance warns that high-voltage components may be compromised following a collision and should be treated accordingly until properly assessed.
TowFast Brisbane focuses on breakdown towing and vehicle transport rather than accident or insurance towing.
If the vehicle has been involved in a significant collision, has visible battery damage, is smoking, leaking, unusually hot or has been involved in a fire, keep clear and do not attempt to load it. Call 000 if there is fire, smoke or immediate danger. Otherwise, contact your insurer or an appropriately equipped recovery provider and explain the circumstances.
EV & Hybrid Vehicle Transport Across Brisbane
TowFast Brisbane can assist with suitable EV and hybrid vehicle transport across Brisbane and surrounding areas.
Whether your Tesla won't turn on, your BYD has run out of charge, your hybrid has a mechanical problem or you simply need the vehicle transported to a workshop, tell us exactly what vehicle you have and what condition it is in.
We can assess the job before dispatch rather than treating every electric vehicle as though it needs the same towing procedure.
Need Your EV or Hybrid Transported?
Call TowFast Brisbane on 0434 869 062 for current truck availability and a towing quote.
Have the vehicle make and model, pickup suburb, destination and vehicle condition ready when you call.
You can also request a quote online.
TowFast Brisbane
Brisbane breakdown towing and vehicle transport
Phone: 0434 869 062
Vehicle loading and transport requirements vary by manufacturer, model, drivetrain, vehicle condition and access. Manufacturer instructions should always be followed.