EV Towing in Malta — What Every Electric Vehicle Driver Needs to Know

Electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly common sight on Malta's roads. The Nissan Leaf, BYD, BMW i3, Hyundai Ioniq, Kia EV6, Leapmotor, Smart and a growing range of plug-in hybrids are now regular fixtures in car parks, residential streets, and on the motorway. But while EV ownership in Malta is rising steadily, knowledge of what happens when an electric vehicle needs to be recovered is still limited — even among experienced drivers.

If you drive an electric vehicle in Malta, this guide covers everything you need to know: how EVs are safely transported, what to do if you run out of charge, and what to expect if your EV is involved in an accident.

How Electric Vehicles Are Towed — The Key Principle

The most important thing to understand about EV recovery is this: no wheels should be rotating freely during transport. This is what distinguishes EV towing from standard vehicle towing, and it is the reason why specialist knowledge and equipment matter.

In a conventional petrol or diesel car, the driven wheels can often rotate freely when the car is in neutral, making a standard wheel-lift tow straightforward. In an electric vehicle, the electric motor is directly connected to the drivetrain — and in many EVs, it is not always possible to fully disengage the motor by putting the vehicle into a traditional neutral. If the wheels spin while the vehicle is being towed, the motor rotates, which can in some cases generate uncontrolled electrical load on the battery management system.

The practical solution depends on the vehicle and the situation:

•        Flatbed transport — the vehicle is loaded onto a flat platform with all four wheels stationary. This is the preferred method for most EV recoveries and is always the first choice.

•        Wheel-lift with dollies — when a flatbed is not available or the vehicle cannot be safely loaded onto one (for example due to access restrictions or the vehicle's condition), a wheel-lift is used to raise one axle while dollies are placed under the other pair of wheels, ensuring all four wheels are lifted clear of the road. This is a legitimate and commonly used recovery method when correctly applied.

The method used in any given situation depends on the vehicle, its condition, the location, and what equipment is available. A good recovery operator will assess the situation on arrival and use the safest approach for your specific vehicle. When you call Super Road Assistance for an EV recovery, tell us the make and model and we will dispatch the right equipment.

AWD Vehicles — The Same Principle Applies

This consideration is not exclusive to electric vehicles. All-wheel-drive (AWD) petrol and diesel vehicles have a mechanically connected drivetrain across all four wheels. Towing an AWD vehicle with only two wheels on the ground places stress on the transfer case and driveshaft that they were not designed to handle. The same solutions apply — flatbed preferred, or wheel-lift with dollies when needed.

If you drive a Range Rover, Audi Quattro, Subaru, or any AWD vehicle in Malta, mention this when you call so we can confirm the right approach.

What Happens if Your EV Runs Out of Charge in Malta?

Running out of fuel in a petrol car means a short walk to a petrol station with a jerry can. Running out of charge in an EV is a different situation — you cannot carry electricity in a container. If your EV reaches zero battery on the road, your options are to be towed to a charging point or to your home.

Malta's public charging infrastructure is growing but is not yet uniformly distributed across the island. The risk of running low is higher on routes to Gozo, on isolated roads like the Delimara Peninsula, or in the south and west of the island where public chargers are less frequent.

If your EV runs out of charge in Malta, here is what to do:

•        Switch on your hazard lights and pull off the road safely if possible.

•        Call Super Road Assistance on +356 7713 1071 — we dispatch immediately.

•        Tell us your exact location and vehicle type so we send the correct equipment.

•        We transport your EV to your home charging point, a public charger, or a dealership if there is an underlying fault.

•        If you are on a busy road, stay with your vehicle or move to a safe distance from the carriageway.

What If My EV Is Involved in an Accident?

An EV involved in a collision requires additional consideration beyond standard vehicle recovery. There are a few things worth being aware of:

Battery integrity

The high-voltage battery pack in most EVs is located in the floor of the vehicle. In a significant collision, the battery can sustain damage even if the external bodywork appears relatively intact. In rare cases, a damaged lithium battery can develop thermal runaway — a process where internal temperatures rise uncontrollably. For this reason, a damaged EV should be inspected by a qualified EV technician and ideally stored in a well-ventilated outdoor area until cleared.

High-voltage systems

Modern EVs operate at 400V or 800V. Recovery operators need to be aware of this during any post-accident recovery. Super Road Assistance operators are trained in EV recovery procedures, including locating the manual service disconnect and following safe approach protocols for post-accident electric vehicles.

Recovery method after an accident

After a collision, the vehicle's condition and the damage to its systems will determine the most appropriate recovery method. Our operator will assess the vehicle on arrival and use the safest transport approach given the circumstances — flatbed where possible, wheel-lift with dollies where needed.

Lowered and Modified EVs in Malta

Some EV owners in Malta modify their vehicles with lowered suspension or aftermarket body kits, reducing ground clearance. This can affect loading onto a flatbed if the ramp angle is too steep for the front spoiler or undertray. Super Road Assistance operates flatbed trucks with low-angle loading ramps for lowered vehicles. When you call, mention if your vehicle has reduced ground clearance so we bring the right truck.

EV Towing Malta — Frequently Asked Questions

Which electric vehicles does Super Road Assistance recover in Malta?

All models — Tesla Model 3, S, Y and X, BMW i3 and i4, Nissan Leaf, Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, Kia EV6, Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4, Renault Zoe, Peugeot e-208, and all plug-in hybrids. If your model is not listed, call us — we recover all electric vehicles.

Do you always use a flatbed for EVs?

Flatbed is our preferred and first-choice method for EV transport. When a flatbed is not possible due to access, the vehicle's condition, or other circumstances, we use a wheel-lift with dollies to ensure all four wheels are clear of the road. We assess on arrival and use the safest method for your specific vehicle and situation.

What if I run out of charge on the way to Gozo or in Gozo?

Call +356 7713 1071. We handle Malta-to-Gozo and Gozo-to-Malta vehicle transport 24 hours a day, including EV recovery with ferry logistics managed by us.

Can you recover my EV from a basement car park in Malta?

Yes — we operate specialist low-clearance vehicles designed for underground car parks and enclosed parking structures. Tell us the ceiling height and access conditions when you call.

My EV was in an accident — what should I do?

Once everyone is safe and the necessary reports have been completed, call Super Road Assistance on +356 7713 1071. We attend, assess the vehicle, and transport it safely to your chosen destination — home, garage, or insurance facility.

How much does EV towing cost in Malta?

Pricing depends on the service and distance. Our dispatcher gives you an exact price before dispatch — no hidden fees, no membership required.

EV Drivers in Malta — Save This Number

Electric vehicles work extremely well on Malta's roads — short distances, stop-start traffic, and warm weather suit EV efficiency well. But when something goes wrong, having a recovery service that understands your vehicle makes a real difference.

Super Road Assistance provides 24/7 EV recovery across Malta and Gozo. We carry the equipment to handle your vehicle correctly regardless of the situation, and we give you an honest price before we start. Average arrival: 15–30 minutes across Malta.

Call +356 7713 1071 any time — or WhatsApp your location to the same number for the fastest dispatch.

For general towing, roadside assistance, or accident recovery across Malta and Gozo, see our services pages.