Can You Tow Electric and Hybrid Vehicles Safely in Alaska?

Yes, electric and hybrid vehicles can be towed safely in Alaska. The part that matters is how they are towed. In most cases, a flatbed is the safest choice because it keeps every wheel off the ground and reduces the chance of drivetrain or system damage during transport.

That is true for EVs, hybrids, and many newer vehicles with complicated electronic parking systems. A truck that works fine for an older two-wheel-drive car is not always the right truck for a Tesla, Prius, or AWD hybrid crossover.

Why EVs and hybrids need extra care

Electric and hybrid vehicles are not fragile, but they are specific. Some have motors tied directly to the axles. Some have regenerative braking systems. Some can enter tow mode. Some should not be rolled at all except under very narrow conditions. That is why the owner's manual matters and why the tow method should not be guesswork.

Cold weather adds one more variable. A depleted battery, frozen charge port, or disabled electronic shifter can change how the vehicle needs to be loaded.

Why flatbed towing is usually the safest option

• All four wheels stay off the road.
• There is less risk of drivetrain stress during transport.
• Non-running vehicles can be winched on carefully.
• Low-clearance front fascias and battery-protective undertrays are easier to protect.

For many EV and hybrid owners, the safest move is to request a flatbed first and skip the debate on the shoulder.

What to tell the tow operator

If you drive an EV or hybrid, mention that on the first call. Say the make and model. Say whether the battery is fully dead, whether the car rolls, and whether any warning lights or collision damage are involved. If you know the vehicle has a transport mode or neutral override procedure, say that too.

You do not need to be the expert. You just need to give the operator enough information to avoid surprises when the truck arrives.

Cold-weather issues Alaska drivers run into

Some winter problems are not dramatic. A car may simply refuse to wake up after a cold night. The high-voltage system may be fine, but the vehicle still will not shift, charge, or move. That can turn a routine service call into a loading problem if the wheels are locked or the car cannot be placed in the right mode.

When that happens, careful winch loading is more valuable than speed. The goal is to move the vehicle without scraping the underside or forcing components that are not responding.

When to avoid driving after a warning light or impact

If an EV or hybrid has collision damage, battery alerts, coolant warnings, or obvious underbody impact, stop trying to make it home. That is the moment to request transport. The same goes for a vehicle that took a hard hit from road debris, a curb, or a slide-off in snow.

If you need to get the vehicle to a shop or to your home, the contact page is there for non-emergency requests. For a roadside problem, calling is the faster path.

FAQs

Can an electric car be towed with two wheels on the ground?

Some models have limited procedures, but in general a flatbed is the safer default. The exact rule depends on the manufacturer.

Should I tell the towing company that the battery is dead?

Yes. A dead battery can affect whether the car shifts, unlocks, or enters transport mode. That changes the loading plan.

Are hybrids treated the same as EVs for towing?

Not always. Hybrid drivetrains vary, but the safe habit is the same: share the exact model and request the towing method that protects the vehicle best.

EVs and hybrids are common on Alaska roads now, and towing them safely is not unusual. The best outcome comes from matching the truck and the loading method to the vehicle before anyone starts improvising at the roadside.