Canadians will soon be able to purchase electric vehicles yet many have already voiced their concerns about the availability of charging stations as well as the longevity and replacement cost of batteries.
But what about towing? There is actually a very specific technique required to tow a stranded EV.
Most of these cars come with front-wheel drive. Logically, lifting the front axle should prevent any form of damage to the components, particularly the powertrain. However, towing companies don't use all the same equipment and techniques, and that's exactly the point that needs clarification.
Let's take the Nissan LEAF. Of course, it goes without saying that you have to put the car on neutral. But unlike a conventionally-powered vehicle, the car must be switched on first. Consequently, the uneducated tow guy who decides to lift the rear axle could cause some serious damage.
Similar misfortunes could happen if the car's front end stuck in the air with the parking brake engaged.
Therefore, Nissan recommends towing by a platform at all times. General Motors (Volt) and Mitsubishi (i-MiEV) also make the same suggestion.
By the way, Nissan offers LEAF buyers free towing service for three years... although said buyers must ask for it beforehand. That's good news, but it won't prevent improperly trained tow crews from potentially wrecking a perfectly-good electric car.
Source: Edmunds
But what about towing? There is actually a very specific technique required to tow a stranded EV.
Most of these cars come with front-wheel drive. Logically, lifting the front axle should prevent any form of damage to the components, particularly the powertrain. However, towing companies don't use all the same equipment and techniques, and that's exactly the point that needs clarification.
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| Nissan LEAF (Photo: Nissan) |
Let's take the Nissan LEAF. Of course, it goes without saying that you have to put the car on neutral. But unlike a conventionally-powered vehicle, the car must be switched on first. Consequently, the uneducated tow guy who decides to lift the rear axle could cause some serious damage.
Similar misfortunes could happen if the car's front end stuck in the air with the parking brake engaged.
Therefore, Nissan recommends towing by a platform at all times. General Motors (Volt) and Mitsubishi (i-MiEV) also make the same suggestion.
By the way, Nissan offers LEAF buyers free towing service for three years... although said buyers must ask for it beforehand. That's good news, but it won't prevent improperly trained tow crews from potentially wrecking a perfectly-good electric car.
Source: Edmunds