Electric cars are everywhere on South East London’s roads now, and that means EV recovery calls are a growing part of what we do. Here’s what actually changes when the car on the back of our truck is electric rather than petrol or diesel — using a Å koda Enyaq we recovered in Greenwich as the example.
Not every recovery is a flat battery
There’s a common assumption that “EV recovery” mostly means cars that have run out of charge. In reality, EVs break down and get into accidents for all the same reasons petrol and diesel cars do — this Enyaq was recovered after a rear-end collision, nothing to do with its battery at all. Flatbed recovery for accident damage, breakdowns, and no-charge situations are three different jobs, and we’re set up for all three.
Why EVs need a flatbed, not a tow
This is the part most drivers don’t know: most electric vehicles cannot be towed on two wheels. Many EV drivetrains will be damaged if the wheels are allowed to turn while the car isn’t switched on, because the electric motor keeps spinning and can generate current with nowhere for it to go. That’s why every EV we recover — battery-flat, broken down, or crash-damaged — goes on a flatbed with all four wheels off the ground. It’s not optional, and it’s one of the main reasons EV owners specifically need a recovery company that knows what it’s doing.
Extra care around a damaged EV
When the vehicle has been in a collision, like the Enyaq here, there’s an added layer of care:
- High-voltage awareness. Modern EVs are engineered with safety cut-offs, but after a crash we’re always conscious of battery and cabling location before touching bodywork.
- Careful loading points. With the rear bumper and tailgate damaged, our operator worked out safe places to strap the car down that wouldn’t stress the impact area further.
- No unnecessary movement. The car gets loaded once, strapped properly, and driven straight to its destination — minimising handling on a vehicle that’s already compromised.
Common reasons we get called to EVs
- Flat 12V battery (yes, EVs have one of these too, separate from the main battery)
- Running out of charge somewhere with no nearby charger
- Accidents and collisions, exactly like this one
- Software or system faults that leave the car immobilised
- Charging equipment faults at home or on the road
That flat 12V battery is often the quickest fix on the list – our team carries jump start kits suited to EVs and can usually get you powered back up on the spot, without a full tow. If it keeps happening, we’ll recover the car to a garage or charge point in South East London instead.
Covering South East London, day or night
Whether it’s a Tesla, a Å koda Enyaq, an EV6, an ID.4, or anything else with a plug, we’ve got the flatbed equipment and the know-how to move it safely. We cover Greenwich, Woolwich, and the wider South East London area 24/7.
If your electric car has broken down, been in a collision, or just run out of charge somewhere inconvenient, get in touch with Recovery Car and we’ll come and sort it — properly, on a flatbed, every time.
EV broken down in South East London? Call RecoveryCar on 07547 907000 — flatbed EV recovery, day or night, across Woolwich, Greenwich, Lewisham, Eltham and Bexley.
Frequently asked questions
Can an electric car be towed with its wheels on the road?
Most EVs should not be towed with the drive wheels turning, as it can damage the motor. We move EVs on a flatbed, fully off the ground.
What happens if my EV runs out of charge in South East London?
We can collect it and take it to the nearest suitable charger, your home or your garage, on our flatbed.
Do you recover hybrid and electric vans too?
Yes. We recover electric and hybrid cars and small vans across South East London, 24/7. Call 07547 907000.