How much will it cost to have a car towed in Sydney?

The base price for having a vehicle towed in Sydney ranges from $150 to about $400. However, the cost varies based on several reasons, including factors affecting the removal, your location, and the type of vehicle needed to be removed from its current location.

Why choose Southside Towing Sydney?

There are several reasons to trust Southside Towing Sydney for your auto removal needs. First, we are not just a leading car towing and transport specialist in NSW, but we pride ourselves on being available anytime you need to have your vehicle towed.

What are your operating hours?

Southside Towing Sydney is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide local Sydneysiders with the appropriate towing service they need. As a leading car towing service provider, the company works to help bridge the common gaps and inconveniences when owning an unused vehicle or while on the road. Call us anytime, and we'll take care of your problem.

How much does a tow truck cost in Sydney?

This is often one of the pressing questions for car owners who need to have their vehicles towed. The minimum tow truck costs in Sydney range from $110 to about $300. The base price may or may not include extra fees depending on the location, equipment needed, and complexity of the job.

Is it illegal to have a car towed in NSW?

Towing a vehicle in NSW is not considered illegal, given the proper grounds, permission, and equipment are used to avoid compromising road safety. Only trust qualified experts to do the job when you require such a service.

Is my vehicle or machinery insured while being towed?

Service insurance gives you the right mentality to trust a towing company. Southside Towing Sydney is a fully insured company locally recognized for providing a reliable and trustworthy service. Complete and comprehensive insurance covers your vehicle or machinery.

Towing Hybrid and Electric Vehicles in Sydney: Safety & Regulations

Posted on 01^th, Oct 25

The automotive landscape in Sydney is rapidly evolving, with hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) becoming increasingly popular. These vehicles offer significant environmental benefits, lower running costs, and cutting-edge technology. However, when it comes to towing, hybrid and electric vehicles require specialised knowledge, equipment, and adherence to strict safety protocols.

At Southside Towing, we understand the unique challenges of towing these advanced vehicles. Our team provides safe, compliant, and efficient towing solutions for hybrid and electric vehicles across Sydney, ensuring both the vehicle and its occupants are protected.

Understanding Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

Before diving into towing methods, it’s important to understand the key differences between conventional vehicles and hybrid/EVs:

Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrids combine an internal combustion engine (ICE) with an electric motor and battery pack. Examples include the Toyota Prius and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. They can run on petrol, electricity, or a combination, which introduces unique considerations during towing.

Electric Vehicles (EVs)

EVs run entirely on electricity and rely on large high-voltage battery packs. Popular EVs in Sydney include the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai Ioniq, and Nissan Leaf. Unlike traditional vehicles, EVs are sensitive to incorrect towing methods that could damage their drivetrain or battery systems.

Key Takeaways:

EVs have high-voltage battery systems that pose electric shock hazards if mishandled.
Hybrids require careful attention to both electrical and mechanical components.
Improper towing can void manufacturer warranties or cause costly repairs.

Why Towing Hybrids and EVs is Different

Towing hybrid and electric vehicles is not the same as towing petrol or diesel cars. Some of the main differences include:

Drivetrain Complexity
- Hybrids and EVs often have electrically-driven wheels. Towing them incorrectly (e.g., flat-towing with all wheels on the ground) can damage the motor or transmission.
High-Voltage Batteries
- EV batteries store hundreds of volts. Mishandling these during towing can be dangerous for both the operator and the vehicle.
Electronic Systems
- Many hybrids and EVs have electronically-controlled brakes, steering, and power systems that can malfunction if the vehicle is towed improperly.
Weight Distribution
- EVs tend to be heavier than conventional vehicles due to battery packs. This affects towing dynamics, requiring specialised equipment and techniques.

Safety Guidelines for Towing Hybrid and Electric Vehicles

To safely tow hybrid and electric vehicles, operators must follow these industry best practices:

1. Consult the Owner’s Manual

Manufacturers provide specific towing instructions for each model. These instructions indicate:

Whether the vehicle can be flat-towed, lifted, or requires a tow dolly.
The correct towing speed and distance limitations.
Any precautions regarding battery management or parking brakes.

2. Use the Correct Towing Method

Depending on the vehicle type:

Flat Towing (All Wheels on Ground) – Usually prohibited for EVs and most hybrids.
Dolly Towing (Front or Rear Wheels on Dolly) – Often recommended to prevent drivetrain damage.
Flatbed Towing – The safest and most common method, especially for EVs.

3. Disconnect or Secure the Battery System

For hybrids and EVs, the high-voltage battery must be in a safe state to prevent electric shock. This may involve:

Activating “Transport Mode” if available.
Ensuring the vehicle is powered off.
Following manufacturer-specific safety protocols.

4. Check Brakes and Steering

Some EVs have electronic parking brakes that engage automatically. Towing without disabling these can lock wheels and damage the system.

5. Use Trained Personnel

Only tow operators trained in hybrid and EV handling should manage these vehicles. At Southside Towing, all staff are trained in:

EV and hybrid vehicle safety protocols.
Emergency procedures for battery incidents.
Manufacturer-specific towing requirements.

Regulations for Towing EVs and Hybrids in Sydney

Sydney and NSW have regulations in place that impact towing, particularly for high-voltage and heavy vehicles:

1. Work Health & Safety (WHS) Compliance

Towing operators must comply with WHS requirements to ensure personal safety and avoid injury from high-voltage systems.

2. Australian Design Rules (ADR)

Hybrid and EVs must be towed according to ADR guidelines to prevent damage and preserve compliance with manufacturer warranties.

3. Road Transport Regulations

NSW Road Rules require that towed vehicles be securely fastened, properly signalled, and transported using appropriate equipment.
Overloaded or improperly secured vehicles can result in fines or penalties.

4. Environmental Considerations

EVs and hybrids contain lithium-ion or nickel-metal hydride batteries. Improper towing that causes damage can result in hazardous material exposure, which is subject to strict environmental laws.

Southside Towing’s Approach to EV & Hybrid Towing

At Southside Towing Sydney, we specialise in:

Flatbed Towing Services
- Safely transport EVs and hybrids on fully enclosed or open flatbeds.
Emergency Roadside Assistance
- Jumpstarts, battery issues, and towing solutions for hybrid and electric vehicles.
Commercial & Fleet Services
- Support for businesses operating hybrid or electric fleets, including delivery vans and corporate vehicles.
Compliance-Focused Operations
- All towing operations comply with WHS, ADR, and environmental regulations to protect clients and their vehicles.

Cost Considerations

Towing hybrid and EVs may cost more than conventional vehicles due to:

Specialised flatbed equipment.
Trained personnel requirements.
Safety protocols for high-voltage batteries.

Tip: Always request a detailed quote before booking a tow, especially for fleet or commercial vehicles.

Common Myths About Towing EVs and Hybrids

Myth	Fact
All EVs can be flat-towed like a regular car	Most EVs cannot; flatbed towing is safer and recommended.
Towing doesn’t affect EV batteries	Improper towing can damage battery management systems and void warranties.
Any tow truck can handle hybrids and EVs	Only trained operators with correct equipment should tow these vehicles.
Towing is faster and cheaper than using a flatbed	Using incorrect methods can cause costly damage and safety risks.

FAQs

Can my electric vehicle be flat-towed in Sydney?

Most EVs cannot be flat-towed due to potential drivetrain and battery damage. Flatbed towing is the safest method.

Are there special safety precautions for hybrid vehicles during towing?

Yes. Operators must disconnect or secure high-voltage systems, check brakes, and follow manufacturer-specific towing instructions.

How do Southside Towing staff stay trained for hybrid and EV towing?

All personnel undergo specialised training on EV and hybrid safety protocols, emergency procedures, and manufacturer-specific requirements.

Do towing insurance policies cover electric and hybrid vehicles?

Many do, but coverage can depend on correct towing methods. Always verify with your provider and use professional towing services like Southside Towing.

Fast Enquiry