How To Tow An EV Correctly To Prevent Expensive Damage: Mahindra Explains With A XEV 9e [Video]
Whenever a car breaks down on the road, the natural instinct is to pull the car to the left-side shoulder, open the bonnet, and start checking what might have gone wrong. Many may not know what is wrong, but this is a habit we have seen among most car owners. You usually call for RSA or a mechanic who can visit the spot and help you. There are instances where you have to tow your vehicle to the workshop. If this happens with an EV, there are several Dos and Don’ts. Here, we have a video where Mahindra is explaining how to tow an EV correctly in case it breaks down.
We have come across several videos where electric vehicles break down in the middle of the road. In some cases, the car runs out of charge, but in many cases, people face issues and are forced to stop. Unlike an ICE vehicle, these vehicles cannot be fixed on the roadside and have to be taken to a workshop for a detailed inspection.
We have several private agencies that offer towing services in such cases. In case you find yourself in such a situation, ensure that your vehicle is being towed in the right manner. If it is not towed properly, the chances of damaging parts during towing are pretty high. The video here showcases the right way to do it.
How To Tow An EV
Mahindra mentions that they are offering emergency tow hooks located at both the front and rear of the eSUV. The tow hook comes with the vehicle and is located in the toolkit organiser beneath the luggage compartment. Once the tow hook is installed in the tow eye, you can fasten a tow cable and pull it.
It should be noted that Mahindra only recommends flatbeds for transporting EVs in case of a breakdown. They do not recommend rear-wheel lift, front-wheel lift, or flat towing with EVs. This is to prevent the vehicle from any kind of expensive damage that might occur during transportation.
Mahindra also has a set of instructions that one must follow in such incidents. Mahindra advises you to call a professional towing service if you need help. In case of an emergency, the vehicle can be moved forward (approximately 10 feet) a minimal distance with the ignition ON and in Neutral (N) position. This is to avoid damage to internal components.
Mahindra also mentions that any other type of towing process may cause irreversible damage to high-value components related to the electric vehicle. This is the reason why Mahindra recommends flatbeds for towing.
Compared to a conventional diesel/petrol engine vehicle, the force required to push an EV is higher, and vehicle movement would be very slow. Continuous pushing is not recommended; use a 'Push and Release' technique for minimal movement.
Many people don’t know how to respond in such situations, and we hope many EV owners come across this video and understand the risks involved if they don’t follow the instructions.