Towing Your EV in Malaysia: The Golden Rule (and Why It Matters!) | MyMechanic

The Golden Rule of EV Towing: Flatbed Only. No Exceptions.

This is the most important thing you’ll read today: An Electric Vehicle MUST be towed on a flatbed truck, with all four wheels completely off the ground.

Why? Because if you tow an EV with its drive wheels rolling on the road (like with a traditional hook-and-chain tow), it forces the electric motors to spin. This generates electricity, and if that electricity has nowhere to go, it can literally fry the car’s inverter, battery management system, or the motor itself. This isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a strict requirement from every EV manufacturer, from Tesla to BYD.

Is It a Law? Understanding the 'Rules'

While there might not be a specific traffic law that says, “EVs must use a flatbed,” the universal industry standard, backed by every EV manufacturer, is the rule you need to follow. A tow operator who ignores this and damages your vehicle is acting negligently. The most important ‘regulation’ is the one in your car’s owner’s manual.

When you call for roadside assistance, your first words should be: “I am driving an Electric Vehicle.” This immediately tells any professional service what kind of truck to send.

How a Professional EV Tow Works

When the right flatbed truck arrives, a trained operator will follow a specific procedure:

1. Activate 'Tow Mode' or 'Transport Mode': The operator will either know how to do this or ask you to activate it via your car's screen. This releases the parking brake and lets the wheels spin freely for loading.
2. Wheel Dollies for Dead EVs: If your EV is completely dead and won't go into Tow Mode, a good operator will use wheel dollies. These lift the drive wheels off the ground, allowing the car to be winched onto the flatbed without any rotation.
3. Secure with Tyre Straps: Your EV will be secured to the flatbed using soft straps over the tyres. A pro will never hook chains to your EV's suspension or chassis.

How MyMechanic Guarantees a Safe EV Tow

We take the guesswork and risk out of EV towing for you.

• EV-Aware Dispatch: The moment you tell us you have an EV, our system automatically flags it for a mandatory flatbed assignment. We know the risks, and we don't take chances.
• Trained and Vetted Partners: Our tow operators across Malaysia are experienced with the specific procedures for different EV models, including using wheel dollies for non-responsive vehicles.
• Peace of Mind: With MyMechanic, you don't have to worry about the wrong truck showing up or arguing with an operator. We know the rules, and we enforce them to protect your vehicle.

Your Questions, Answered

The Takeaway

When it comes to towing an EV, the most important rules are the ones set by the car's manufacturer. The requirement for flatbed towing is non-negotiable. As the owner, your main job during a breakdown is to clearly tell your roadside assistance provider that you have an electric vehicle. This ensures a professional service like MyMechanic will send the right equipment and expertise to protect your valuable investment.