Electric Vehicle
Towing ExpertsSan Diego 24/7
Your electric vehicle is a precision machine worth tens of thousands of dollars. It demands towing professionals who understand high-voltage systems, regenerative braking, and the absolute requirement for flatbed-only transport. We are San Diego's EV towing specialists.
San Diego's Trusted EV Towing Service
Electric vehicles are revolutionizing transportation, but they also require a fundamentally different approach to towing. A conventional wheel-lift or dolly tow that works fine for a gas-powered sedan can cause thousands of dollars in damage to an EV's drivetrain, battery system, and onboard electronics. At CloseBy Towing, we have invested in the training, equipment, and expertise to transport every electric vehicle safely — from a compact Nissan Leaf to a massive Rivian R1T.
Tesla Towing Expertise
Tesla vehicles are the most common EVs on San Diego roads, and we tow more Teslas than any other electric brand. We understand Transport Mode activation for every model, proper tie-down points that avoid the underbody battery enclosure, and the specific loading procedures that Tesla recommends in their service documentation. Whether it's a Model 3 with a flat tire, a Model Y after a fender bender, or a Cybertruck that needs long-distance transport, our drivers handle it with precision.
Charging Station Transport
Ran out of charge? Unlike a gas car where we can bring fuel to you, a dead EV needs to be physically transported to a charging station. We will flatbed your vehicle to the nearest compatible charger — whether that is a Tesla Supercharger, an Electrify America CCS station, a ChargePoint location, or your home Level 2 setup. Our dispatchers know the San Diego charging network and can recommend the fastest option based on your vehicle and current location.
Strict Flatbed-Only Policy
We enforce a zero-tolerance flatbed-only policy for every electric vehicle we tow. No exceptions. No wheel-lift. No dollies. No conventional hook-and-chain. Every EV is loaded onto a hydraulic flatbed carrier with all four wheels completely off the road surface. This is not a preference — it is the only safe method recognized by Tesla, Rivian, Lucid, BMW, and every other EV manufacturer. We will never compromise your vehicle's safety for convenience.
EV-Specific Precautions
Our technicians follow a comprehensive EV handling checklist for every job. This includes verifying the vehicle is powered down, engaging Transport Mode when available, identifying and avoiding high-voltage components during tie-down, using soft straps that will not scratch alloy wheels or body panels, and confirming proper load weight distribution given the heavy battery pack. After accidents, we also inspect for battery damage indicators before loading.
Why EVs Need Special Towing
Towing an electric vehicle the wrong way is not just risky — it can destroy the drivetrain, damage a battery pack worth $15,000 or more, and even create a fire hazard. Here is why every detail matters.
Never Use Wheel-Lift or Dolly Towing
Conventional tow methods rotate the wheels, which forces the electric motor to spin and generate electricity through regenerative braking. This uncontrolled back-feeding of current can destroy the motor windings, damage the inverter, and even cause thermal runaway in the battery pack. Every EV must be loaded onto a flatbed with all four wheels completely off the ground.
Regenerative Braking Concerns
Even with the vehicle powered off, many EVs will engage regenerative braking when the wheels are rotated externally. This is a built-in safety feature that cannot be fully disabled. The generated electricity has nowhere to go safely when the vehicle systems are not managing the charge cycle, leading to potential overheating of electrical components and battery cells.
High-Voltage Battery Safety
EV battery packs operate at 400 to 800 volts — enough to be lethal. Our technicians are trained to identify orange high-voltage cabling, understand battery enclosure integrity, and recognize signs of thermal events. After an accident, a compromised battery can release toxic gases or ignite hours later. We follow manufacturer-specific safety protocols for every make and model.
Weight Distribution & Loading
Electric vehicles are significantly heavier than their gas counterparts due to the battery pack mounted under the floor. A Tesla Model S weighs over 4,800 lbs; a Rivian R1T exceeds 7,000 lbs. Our flatbed trucks are rated for these weights, and our operators know how to balance the load correctly. Improper weight distribution during transport can damage suspension components and the battery enclosure.
Need Your EV Towed Right Now?
Our EV-trained drivers are standing by with flatbed equipment across San Diego County. Average response time: 15-25 minutes.
EV Brands We Tow
We have hands-on experience towing every major electric vehicle brand on the road today. Our drivers know the specific loading procedures, tie-down points, and Transport Mode activation for each manufacturer.
Don't see your EV brand listed? We tow all electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Call us at (858) 999-9293 for immediate assistance.
How Our EV Towing Process Works
A safe, methodical approach from your first call to final delivery.
Call & Describe
Tell us your EV make, model, location, and situation. We immediately dispatch the nearest flatbed truck equipped for electric vehicles.
Upfront Quote
We provide a transparent price before dispatch. No hidden fees, no EV surcharges beyond standard flatbed rates. Price locked before we roll.
Safe Loading
Our technician activates Transport Mode (if applicable), positions the flatbed, and loads your EV using manufacturer-approved procedures and soft straps.
Secure Delivery
Your EV is transported to your chosen destination — charging station, dealership, body shop, or home — with all four wheels off the ground the entire way.
Complete EV Towing Service Coverage
Emergency EV Towing — 24/7 Response
Breakdowns do not wait for business hours, and neither do we. Whether your Tesla lost power on the I-5 at midnight, your Rivian had a tire blowout on the I-15, or your BMW iX showed a critical battery warning on Highway 163, we respond with the same urgency and professionalism around the clock. Our flatbed trucks are pre-positioned across San Diego County to ensure the fastest possible response to any EV emergency. When you call, we dispatch immediately — no membership verification, no call center delays, just a trained EV towing professional heading your way within minutes.
Every emergency call follows our strict EV safety protocol. Our dispatcher will ask about your vehicle's condition, any warning lights displayed, and whether you smell anything unusual — all critical information for safely approaching and loading an electric vehicle, especially after an accident or system failure.
EV Accident & Collision Recovery
Recovering a damaged electric vehicle after an accident requires additional safety considerations that most towing companies simply do not account for. A compromised high-voltage battery pack can present serious hazards including thermal runaway, toxic gas release, and delayed ignition — sometimes hours after the initial impact. Our technicians are trained to visually inspect the battery enclosure for signs of damage, identify leaking coolant from the thermal management system, and follow the specific shutdown procedures recommended by each manufacturer.
We coordinate with first responders and insurance companies to ensure a safe, documented recovery process. All damaged EVs are loaded using our flatbed equipment with extra care taken around the undercarriage where the battery pack is mounted. We provide detailed documentation and photographs for your insurance claim.
Long-Distance EV Transport Across California
Need your electric vehicle transported from San Diego to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, or anywhere in California? We provide safe long-distance flatbed transport for all EV brands. Unlike driving your EV hundreds of miles with multiple charging stops, our flatbed service gets your vehicle to its destination without adding a single mile to the odometer or a single charge cycle to the battery. This is ideal for moving, selling a vehicle to an out-of-area buyer, or transporting an EV to a specialized repair facility. We offer competitive flat-rate pricing for long-distance EV hauls.
EV Towing FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about towing electric vehicles in San Diego.
Why do electric vehicles need special towing?
Electric vehicles have unique drivetrain architectures that differ fundamentally from traditional gas-powered cars. EVs use electric motors connected directly to the wheels through fixed-ratio gearboxes. When the wheels turn without the motor being powered, it can force the motor to spin and generate electricity through regenerative braking — even when the vehicle is off. This back-feeding of current can overheat and permanently damage the motor, inverter, and battery management system. Additionally, EVs carry high-voltage battery packs (typically 400V-800V) that require careful handling during transport. Only flatbed towing eliminates these risks entirely by keeping all wheels off the ground.
Can you tow a Tesla with a regular tow truck?
You should never tow a Tesla using a wheel-lift or dolly-style tow truck. Tesla explicitly states in their owner's manuals that all models must be transported on a flatbed. Even placing the vehicle in "Transport Mode" does not make it safe for conventional towing — Transport Mode only disengages the parking brake and allows the car to roll freely onto a flatbed. At CloseBy Towing, every Tesla tow uses our hydraulic flatbed trucks to ensure zero wheel rotation and zero risk of drivetrain damage.
How much does EV towing cost in San Diego?
EV towing pricing is comparable to standard flatbed towing in San Diego. Your total cost depends on the base hook-up fee, the distance towed, and the travel distance to reach your location. Because we exclusively use flatbed equipment for EVs, there is no additional surcharge beyond our standard flatbed rate. We provide an exact upfront quote before dispatch so you know the total cost with no surprises. Call us for an instant quote.
What happens if my EV runs out of charge on the road?
If your electric vehicle runs out of battery charge while driving, the car will gradually lose power and coast to a stop. Unlike gas cars, you cannot simply bring fuel to an EV on the roadside. The solution is a flatbed tow to the nearest compatible charging station — whether that is a Tesla Supercharger, a CCS/CHAdeMO DC fast charger, or your home charging setup. We can transport your EV to any charging station or destination within San Diego County and beyond. Our dispatchers can also help you identify the nearest fast-charging location.
Do you handle EV accident recovery?
Yes, we provide full accident and collision recovery services for electric vehicles. Our technicians are trained in high-voltage safety protocols specific to damaged EVs, including identifying compromised battery enclosures, exposed high-voltage cabling, and coolant leaks from the thermal management system. We coordinate with emergency responders and follow manufacturer guidelines for safely loading a damaged EV onto our flatbed. If the battery pack is visibly damaged or leaking, we follow additional safety procedures before transport.
Can you tow an EV to a specific dealership or body shop?
Absolutely. We regularly tow electric vehicles to authorized dealerships, EV-certified body shops, and specialty repair facilities throughout San Diego County and beyond. Whether you need your Tesla delivered to a Tesla Service Center, your Rivian taken to an authorized shop, or any EV transported to your preferred mechanic, we handle door-to-door delivery. We can also coordinate with your insurance company if the tow is related to a claim.
Is it safe to tow an EV in the rain or at night?
Yes, our flatbed towing is safe in all weather conditions and at all hours. The vehicle is securely strapped to the flatbed with no wheels touching the road, so rain, wet roads, and low visibility do not affect the safety of transport. Our trucks are equipped with full lighting, reflective markers, and all DOT-required safety equipment. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including during storms and inclement weather.
What areas in San Diego do you cover for EV towing?
We provide specialized EV towing throughout all of San Diego County. This includes Downtown San Diego, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Scripps Ranch, Mira Mesa, University City, Pacific Beach, Mission Valley, Hillcrest, North Park, Chula Vista, National City, El Cajon, Santee, La Mesa, and all surrounding communities. We also handle long-distance EV transport to Los Angeles, Orange County, and anywhere in California.
Your EV DeservesExpert Towing
Do not risk thousands in damage with a conventional tow. Get flatbed-only, EV-safe transport from trained specialists in 15-25 minutes.
Explore Our Other Services
CloseBy Towing provides a full range of towing and roadside services across San Diego County.