Electric vehicles (EVs) like the Mahindra XEV 9e are revolutionizing travel with their eco-friendly performance and advanced technology. However towing it incorrectly can lead to serious damage. A recent YouTube video highlighted a Mahindra XEV 9e stranded en route to Leh, towed with all four wheels on the ground in Drive mode to extend range via regenerative braking. This led to a gear-shifting error on the instrument cluster, raising concerns about proper EV towing practices.
EVs may need towing due to a flat or burst tire, depleted battery charge, software glitches, or simply for transportation to another location. To help you avoid costly mistakes, I’ll walk you through the best practices for towing a four-wheel EV in a conversational Q&A format, drawing lessons from this incident.
Towing an EV with all four wheels on the ground in Drive mode, as seen in the Mahindra XEV 9e case, is a big no-no. Here’s why:
Constant Regenerative Braking Causes Issues: In Drive mode, an EV’s regenerative braking system kicks in as the wheels turn, generating electricity to send back to the battery. However, EV systems and sensors aren’t designed for constant regen. This can overheat the motor and inverter faster than the cooling system can handle, leading to thermal imbalance.
Risk of Electrical or Drivetrain Failure: Without normal driving inputs like acceleration or braking, the vehicle’s electronic control unit (ECU) might interpret the constant regen as a malfunction. This could trigger a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), causing the vehicle to engage the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) and leave you stranded.
Battery Overcharge Risks: If the Battery Management System (BMS) doesn’t limit the incoming charge properly, constant regen could overcharge sections of the battery, potentially damaging it.
Throttle Faults and Emergency Shutoffs: Some EV systems may detect the lack of driver input as a throttle fault, triggering an emergency shutoff to protect the drivetrain, further complicating the towing process.
In the Mahindra XEV 9e incident, towing with the front tow hook and all four wheels on the ground in Drive mode likely caused these issues, resulting in the gear-shifting error displayed on the instrument cluster.
Yes, the same risks apply if the wheels connected to the motor are on the ground in Drive mode. For a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) EV, this means the rear wheels; for a front-wheel-drive (FWD) EV, it’s the front wheels; for a all-wheel-drive (AWD) its all the wheels. As soon as those wheels spin, the motor engages, and regenerative braking kicks in. This leads to the same problems: overheating, potential ECU malfunctions, and battery overcharge risks. The motor will be under constant stress, and without proper cooling or driver inputs, you’re gambling with your EV’s drivetrain health.
You might think Neutral (N) mode is a safe bet, like in an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, but it’s not always the same for EVs. In an ICE vehicle, Neutral disconnects the engine from the wheels, allowing them to spin freely. In an EV, however, Neutral typically stops the inverter from sending current from the battery to the motor, but the motor itself remains mechanically connected to the wheels.
When you tow an EV in Neutral with the drive wheels on the ground, the wheels’ rotation still turns the motor. This creates eddy currents and internal friction, which can heat up the motor and inverter. Since the EV’s systems assume no load in Neutral, active cooling may not engage, increasing the risk of overheating and potentially reducing the motor’s lifespan or causing permanent damage.
Towing in Neutral with the drive wheels off the ground is much safer. When the motor isn’t engaged, there’s no regenerative braking, no electrical current flow, and no overheating risk. The ECU sees everything as idle and normal, so you’re unlikely to trigger software faults or DTCs.
However, always check your EV’s owner’s manual first. Some EVs may have a dedicated tow or service mode that must be engaged for safe towing. Following the manufacturer’s instructions ensures you’re not overlooking model-specific requirements. Some suggest to do it for only small distance (approx 10ft) to move the vehicle to the side of the road.
The gold standard for towing an EV is using a flatbed tow truck. With all four wheels off the ground, no wheels spin during transport, eliminating any risk of motor engagement, regenerative braking, or overheating. This method is foolproof and ensures your EV arrives at its destination without damage.
Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire, a dead battery, a software glitch, or just need to transport your EV, a flatbed tow is the safest option. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific towing instructions, and if your EV has a tow or service mode, make sure to activate it.
The Mahindra XEV 9e incident in Leh is a stark reminder that towing an EV requires careful consideration. Avoid towing with all four wheels on the ground in Drive mode, as it risks overheating, battery damage, and software errors. Even Neutral mode can be risky if the drive wheels are on the ground. For peace of mind, opt for a flatbed tow or ensure the drive wheels are off the ground, and always follow your EV’s manual for model-specific guidance. By towing your EV the right way, you’ll protect its drivetrain, battery, and overall longevity.
In summary, if the EV must be moved a short distance and a flatbed is not available, ensure that only the non-driven wheels are in contact with the ground. The vehicle must be placed in Neutral or Transport/Tow/Service mode (as per the owner's manual) to avoid damage.
Stay safe on the road, and happy EV driving!
Stay tuned to ElecTree for more educational content on electric vehicles.
Very helpful
Suhail Gulati
Suhail Gulati is the founder of ElecTree and an economist by training, with a passion for electric vehicles that goes far beyond numbers and analysis. A former banker turned EV enthusiast, Suhail writes to share the latest insights, trends, and future possibilities in the world of electric mobility. Through ElecTree, he hopes to connect with fellow enthusiasts and anyone curious about the shift toward sustainable transportation. Outside of his work in the EV space, Suhail has a deep love for music, good food, and the thrill of a football match. Whether he’s analyzing market trends or discovering the newest electric innovations, he’s always excited to bring readers along for the journey.