Otis Singleton
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, but can they be flat-towed? Flat towing is the act of towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, and it is considered the gold standard of towing. While it is possible to flat-tow some EVs to recharge them, there are several crucial factors to consider. Firstly, the EV's battery must contain enough charge to be awake and shift into drive, as an electric car in neutral will not regenerate electricity. Secondly, a powerful tow vehicle is required due to the weight of EVs, and both vehicles must have robust brakes and a strong tow strap. Additionally, there are safety concerns, such as the potential for tow-strap breakage or collision, and the possibility of the EV's systems reporting a fault or activating collision avoidance mode. As of now, Rivian's all-electric R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV are the only EVs that the manufacturer has claimed can be flat-towed behind an RV, but they have since retracted this claim.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flat towing an electric vehicle | Flat towing an electric vehicle (EV) is possible, but not recommended. |
| Charging an electric vehicle by flat towing | Flat towing can be used to charge an EV, but only if the battery is low on charge and can accept charging power. |
| Towing an electric vehicle with an RV | Flat towing an EV with an RV is not recommended due to potential hazards and damage to the EV's system. |
| Electric vehicles capable of flat towing | As of April 2022, Rivian claimed that their R1T and R1S models could be flat-towed behind an RV. However, this information has not been corroborated, and Rivian is no longer making this claim. |
| Alternative options | Instead of flat towing, options include using alternative transportation, such as Uber or a rental car, or towing the EV on a trailer. |
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What You'll Learn
Flat towing an electric vehicle to recharge it
Flat towing an electric vehicle (EV) to recharge it is possible, but it comes with several challenges and safety concerns. Flat towing refers to towing a vehicle with all four wheels on the ground, and it is considered the gold standard in towing. While it may be tempting to consider flat towing an EV to recharge it, there are several crucial factors to consider.
Firstly, not all EVs are suitable for flat towing. As of 2024, Rivian is the only EV manufacturer that has claimed that its R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV can be flat-towed behind an RV. However, they have since retracted this claim, and it is now recommended that their vehicles be placed on a flatbed trailer for towing. This retraction highlights the ongoing challenges and uncertainties in the EV industry regarding flat towing.
Secondly, flat towing an EV comes with safety hazards. Darren Palmer, Ford's general manager of battery-electric vehicles, expressed concerns about potential dangers, including tow-strap breakage, collisions between the towing vehicle and the towed EV, and the possibility of the EV's system reporting a fault under towing conditions. These concerns are shared by other experts, who warn that flat towing an EV could damage the electric drive motors or, in a worst-case scenario, cause the vehicle to catch fire.
Thirdly, flat towing an EV requires careful consideration of the braking systems. By law, an auxiliary braking system is required in most of North America when flat towing any vehicle. This system reduces the strain on the RV's braking system and provides additional safety in case of a breakaway. Additionally, there would need to be a way to interface with the EV's systems to allow its brake, signal, and taillights to operate in sync with the RV's systems while being controlled by the RV driver.
Finally, the EV's battery charge must be sufficient for flat towing to be effective. The battery must contain enough charge for the EV to be fully "awake" and shift into Drive, as an electric car in neutral will not regenerate electricity, regardless of whether it is being flat-towed or rolled down a hill. Therefore, flat towing an EV with a low battery may not result in a successful recharge.
While flat towing an EV to recharge it is technically possible, it is essential to approach this method with caution. The safety hazards, mechanical challenges, and battery considerations make it a complex and potentially risky endeavor. It is always recommended to consult with EV manufacturers, follow their guidelines, and explore alternative charging methods whenever possible.
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The dangers of flat towing an EV
Flat towing an EV is generally not recommended due to various dangers and complexities associated with the practice.
Firstly, flat towing an EV can potentially damage the vehicle's electric motor. Unlike in a traditional drivetrain, shifting an EV into neutral does not disconnect the motor from the wheels. Instead, it only stops the power flow to the motor. As a result, towing an EV can cause substantial wear and tear on the electric motor.
Secondly, there are safety concerns related to tow-strap breakage and potential collisions between the towing vehicle and the towed EV. A broken tow strap or a sudden stop by the towing vehicle could lead to hazardous situations and damage to both vehicles. Additionally, the EV's systems, such as collision avoidance mode and warning systems, may not function properly during flat towing, increasing the risk of accidents.
Thirdly, flat towing an EV requires careful consideration of the braking systems in both vehicles. The towed EV must have a functional auxiliary braking system, and the towing vehicle must have robust brakes to handle the additional weight of the towed EV. Improper braking systems can lead to unsafe conditions and increase the risk of collisions.
Furthermore, flat towing an EV can be challenging due to the unique front-end assembly of electric vehicles. The absence of a conventional grille and limited underhood access can make it difficult to safely connect the towing platform or towbar mounting and wiring to the EV. Improper connections can lead to electrical or mechanical issues.
Lastly, flat towing an EV may void the warranty of the vehicle. Manufacturers' guidelines and handbooks should be carefully consulted before attempting to flat tow an EV to avoid any warranty-related issues.
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The Rivian R1T and R1S can be flat towed
Flat towing is towing with all four wheels of the vehicle on the ground. This is considered the gold standard of towing. However, not every car can be flat towed. In fact, most electric vehicles are not to be towed four wheels down behind a motorhome. This is because there is no way to disengage the electric motors from the wheels in EVs, making flat towing a quick way to overheat and damage the motors.
However, it is important to note that there have been mixed messages from Rivian on this issue. While they initially confirmed that the vehicles are flat tow capable, more recently, customer service has said that they are not. It is recommended to wait for an official statement from the company.
It is also worth noting that flat towing an electric vehicle comes with some crucial considerations. First, the battery must contain enough electrons to be fully "awake" and shift into drive. Second, a powerful tow vehicle is required as most battery-electric vehicles are relatively heavy. Third, both the tow vehicle and the towed EV need robust brakes and a strong tow strap.
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Flat towing an EV with an RV
Flat towing is towing with all four wheels of the towed vehicle on the ground. This is considered the gold standard of towing. However, not every car can be flat-towed. The main reason many cars can't be flat-towed is that their transmission is only lubricated when the engine is running. Without that lubrication, the transmission can overheat and may burn up while towing, causing expensive damage.
In general, electric vehicles (EVs) are not to be towed four wheels down behind an RV. This is because the wear and tear on their electric motors would be substantial while being towed. An EV's electric motor is often directly connected to the wheel(s) it's powering. So, as you tow your electric vehicle behind your RV, the wheels will spin the motors, which may cause damage to the electric motors. EVs also don't have the same type of transmission as gasoline engines, which is typically required for flat towing.
However, there are some exceptions. The all-electric Rivian R1T pickup truck and the Rivian R1S SUV can be flat-towed behind an RV. These two vehicles are built on the same platform. Ford has also patented a way to charge electric vehicles by flat towing them, although it is unclear whether this is safe. There are also rumors that Tesla may consider modifying its control software to allow limited flat towing, using the energy generated while flat towing to recharge the main battery of the Tesla through regenerative braking.
If your vehicle isn't suitable for flat towing, there are other options. You can use a dolly or a trailer, although this isn't ideal as it must be stored somewhere on the campsite. You can also use Uber or a rental at your destination. If you already have a vehicle you'd like to flat-tow and it isn't factory-rated as suitable, most RV dealerships and repair centers carry and can install decouplers, lubrication pumps, and other such devices.
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The challenges of connecting a towbar to an EV
Electric vehicles (EVs) are designed differently from conventional cars, and these differences present unique challenges when it comes to connecting a towbar. Firstly, EVs are powered by large battery packs located at the base of the car, which affects weight distribution and towing techniques. If the wheels remain on the ground while towing an EV, the energy generated by the spinning wheels can cause severe damage to the battery. This is a crucial consideration when connecting a towbar and towing an EV.
Another challenge is the lack of a conventional grille and limited underhood access in EVs. The front-end assembly and 'frame' assemblies differ significantly from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, making it difficult to attach a towing assembly and towbar tabs. Modifying the structure of an EV to accommodate a towbar may be necessary but could also void warranties and increase costs.
Additionally, the advanced software in modern EVs, which manages battery usage and vehicle diagnostics, must be properly configured during towing to ensure the car's systems remain in a safe state. This often requires specialized knowledge and tools, and improper handling could lead to system failures or data loss. The potential for battery depletion is also a concern, as it can result in significant service complications and damage to an EV.
Furthermore, the regenerative braking system in EVs, which helps recharge the battery during driving, needs to be properly managed during towing to avoid damage. Specialized recovery techniques and equipment are essential to handle these systems effectively and ensure the safe towing of EVs.
Lastly, legal and safety considerations come into play when connecting a towbar to an EV. Towing regulations can vary by region, and it is crucial to adhere to specific protocols, safety standards, and industry certifications to protect both the tow operator and the vehicle. Continuous training and education on EV towing challenges are essential to remain compliant and effective in handling EVs and their unique requirements.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2024, there do not appear to be any all-electric vehicles that are capable of being flat-towed, with all four wheels on the ground. However, some hybrid vehicles can be flat-towed, and it is possible that in the future, more electric vehicles will be able to be flat-towed.
Electric vehicles cannot be flat towed because the electric drive motors are permanently engaged at the wheels. Flat towing will burn up the electric drive motors and could even cause the vehicle to catch on fire.
Electric vehicles can be towed using a flatbed trailer. It is also possible to use a tow bar to tow an electric vehicle, but this is not recommended due to potential hazards such as tow-strap breakage and collision.
