Over the past three years, Guardian Fleet Services® has worked diligently to address the growing challenges associated with the towing and storage of electric vehicles (EVs). As EV adoption continues to rise nationwide, it is creating new operational costs and safety concerns for the towing and recovery industry, especially when vehicles are damaged, disabled, or involved in collisions.

Heavier Vehicles Mean Higher Towing Equipment Costs

Electric vehicles are significantly heavier than traditional passenger vehicles, with some models weighing up to 10,000 pounds. This added weight places greater strain on towing equipment and increases wear, maintenance costs, and long-term operating expenses for towing fleets. EVs also include advanced technology that requires specialized training for tow operators, since many cannot simply be placed in neutral and towed like conventional vehicles. In many situations, manufacturers recommend flatbed towing or the use of dollies or skates to prevent drivetrain damage, especially for all-wheel-drive models or vehicles that cannot be placed into tow mode.

EV Storage Creates New Safety and Space Challenges

The storage of damaged electric vehicles presents even greater concerns for towing and recovery companies. Federal safety guidance recommends that severely damaged EVs be stored in isolation because of the risk of lithium-ion battery thermal runaway. In many cases, this requires dedicating a 50-foot by 50-foot safety area, or approximately 2,500 square feet, to a single vehicle unless specialized containment barriers are installed. Electric vehicle battery fires also present unique hazards. While internal combustion vehicle fires typically burn at temperatures around 1,700 degrees, Lithium-ion battery fires can reach temperatures approaching 5,000 degrees and may require more than 20,000 gallons of water to extinguish. These fires may also reignite hours or even days later, sometimes after transport or while in storage, creating additional safety concerns for towing operators and storage facilities.

Legislative Efforts to Address EV Towing and Storage Costs

During the most recent legislative session, the towing industry supported House Bill 37, sponsored by Representative Danny Nix and Senator Danny Burgess. The bill would have allowed towing companies to charge additional fees associated with the safe towing and storage of electric vehicles. Although the bill advanced through several Senate committees, it was ultimately amended in the House in a way that prevented it from addressing the industry’s concerns.

Guardian Fleet Services will continue working with industry leaders and lawmakers to raise awareness of these issues and advocate for practical solutions that recognize the real costs, operational demands, and safety responsibilities associated with handling electric vehicles.