Can You Jumpstart an EV? — The Complete Guide for DFW Drivers

Most modern EVs include a 'Transport Mode' or 'Tow Mode' accessible through the vehicle's infotainment screen. Activating this mode disables regenerative braking, prevents the car from locking while on the flatbed, and in some cases puts the 12V system in a low-power state that reduces drain during transport. For Teslas, Transport Mode is found in Controls → Service. For Rivians, it's in the Off-Road menu.

Our operators are trained on transport mode activation for the most common EVs in the DFW market before they attempt loading. For unfamiliar models, we carry printed reference sheets with the procedure for every major EV currently on the road. If transport mode cannot be activated due to a drained 12V battery, our operators know the external power supply procedures to bring the vehicle's systems online.

A collision-damaged EV presents hazards beyond those of a damaged gasoline vehicle. High-voltage battery packs can sustain internal damage that isn't visible externally, and a compromised lithium-ion cell can enter thermal runaway hours or even days after the initial damage event. For this reason, post-crash EVs should be stored away from other vehicles and structures until a qualified battery inspection has been performed.

NW Towing operators who handle post-accident EVs follow a specific protocol: they do not attempt to move the vehicle if any battery warning lights are active, they maintain communication with emergency services if the vehicle shows signs of active damage, and they transport the vehicle to a facility equipped to handle high-voltage systems. We do not transport visibly sparking or actively smoking EVs under any circumstances.

The jump-start service that works for a gasoline car is largely irrelevant for EVs. The high-voltage traction battery that powers the drivetrain is not accessible for jump-starting, and attempting to boost it with a conventional jump pack can damage control electronics. However, most EVs do have a conventional 12V auxiliary battery that powers the car's electronics and can go dead independently — and this battery can be jumped normally.

If your EV's touchscreen is completely unresponsive and the vehicle won't unlock or power on, the auxiliary 12V battery is likely the culprit. Our roadside technicians carry 12V jump packs and can restore power to the vehicle's electronics in most cases, allowing you to check range, activate transport mode, and proceed. If the traction battery itself is depleted, a flatbed to the nearest charging station is the only option.