Since 2022, the number of EV vehicles has been overwhelming with increasing advancements in technology. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, this number may exceed 42 million by 2030. As the EV market expands, tow truck operators are also bound to face more EVs vehicles recovery than traditional vehicles recovery in the year ahead. Although traditional and EV vehicles seem alike, there’s a huge difference in their recovery process due to different design characteristics and distinct technologies. Let’s find the difference between traditional vehicles recovery and EVs vehicles recovery to make the right decision for your vehicle.
Towing Recovery Techniques:
Traditional Vehicles Recovery:
Traditional vehicles usually have basic operations and accessible features that make them easy to tow. Experts are mostly concerned with ensuring the vehicle’s suspension and drivetrain remain intact during towing traditional vehicles. Some of the common towing techniques used for conventional vehicles are wheel lift towing and hook-and-chain towing.
EVs Vehicles Recovery:
EV vehicle recovery is more intricate as they are operated on electric drivetrains. These vehicles demand extra care while towing to ensure no part of the high-voltage battery may impaired. Recovery experts should tow EVs vehicles with advanced towing techniques, such as a flatbed recovery vehicle, to avoid any type of damage.
Note: In the case of sports care recovery, especially electric sports cars, towing becomes more challenging. If you have to tow high-performance electric vehicles, like Rimac Nevera or others, specialized recovery methods will be required to handle complexity.
Different Power Sources and Recovery Methods:
Traditional Vehicles Recovery:
Traditional vehicles are based on combustion engines operated by diesel or gasoline. So breakdown or damage issues related to this are usually drained battery, flat tire, or engine malfunction. Recovering all these faults is quite simple as specialists are most familiar with their mechanical components and fuel systems.
EVs Vehicles Recovery:
Electric vehicles depend on lithium-ion batteries and electric motors more than traditional ones. A flat tire or any such minor issue can be resolved on-site. The damage of the batter or related component will need specialist support and assistance. Most recovery providers offer charging packs to handle all such fuss.
Battery and Charging Issues:
Traditional Vehicles Recovery:
The typical recovery process of ICE vehicles involves refueling the tank. If the car runs on gas, the recovery vehicle process might need to refill it. They don’t rely on complex systems like EV vehicles. In case the car is facing a jump start or charging issue, the common solution is to run the engine.
EV Vehicles Recovery:
Dead batteries are one of the most common issues in EV vehicles. Recovery may start by checking the status of the battery. To run EV vehicles, drivers need to recharge their batteries. Keep in mind, unlike traditional vehicle recovery, here, special equipment is required to charge the battery safely on-site. You may also visit the charging station if the issue is big.
EV batteries are sensitive and demand extra care in handling, even if they are exhausted. During towing EV vehicles, a minor mistake may lead to battery damage, so recovery professionals must be vigilant to avoid depleted battery situations.
Other Systems Maintenance:
Traditional Vehicles Recovery:
Traditional vehicles have multiple systems that may need maintenance. But their maintenance is not very complex. Along with engine maintenance, the exhaust system and transmission system are also in demand. Some of the components, such as mufflers, exhaust pieces, and catalytic converters, also require inspection. Recovery operators must be careful while recuperating. As mangling these parts may lead to major problems.
Depletion in transmission fuel may reduce your vehicle’s performance or affect transmission. Traditional vehicles entail more frequency of transmission maintenance than EV vehicles.
EV Vehicles Recovery:
Battery maintenance of EVs vehicles is different from that of traditional cars. You don’t need to change oil frequently. But to improve their longevity, a regular check and monitoring is necessary. Brake system maintenance and software updates are also essential to consider. In EV vehicles, the brake system is regenerative, improves its efficiency, and prevents wear and tear on brake pads. In case of any damage to the brake system, special care from a specialist will be required due to complexity.
The other crucial factor that is often overlooked in EV vehicle recovery is software updates. Traditional vehicles involve physical interventions, while the performance of EV vehicles relies on software. Most EVs vehicles benefit from OTA updates that play their role in increasing performance, energy efficiency, and other system functionality.
Safety Considerations:
Let’s have a look at the safety considerations that every recovery professional must take care of during the recovery process;
Traditional Vehicles:
As we have discussed above, traditional or ICE vehicles are easy to handle. As they are for centuries, experts are more aware of the ups and downs of all conventional vehicles systems and others. However, you must be careful during the recovery vehicle. Be cautious about possible risks related to fuel leaks and other rule spills during the handling process.
EVs Vehicles:
Electric vehicles came to market a few years ago. Therefore, most people are unaware of possible threats they may face during recovery. Such as due to high-voltage batteries, there is always a heightened risk of electrical faults during accidents. Thermal runaway is one of the major potential dangers. So, the recovery service provider must be heedful and check all the damages. Make sure during the recovery process that your expert has complete knowledge about EV vehicles. Furthermore, to prevent accidental activation, switch off the electric vehicle processing, and the key should be kept at a distance.
Cost of Traditional vs. EVs Vehicles Recovery
As both traditional and EV vehicles have different restoration necessities, recovery costs would also be different. According to research by Total Motion, EV breakdown recovery costs more than conventional recoveries.
Although service, maintenance, and repair costs, EV charges less than traditional vehicles. But as their service demands special expertise and equipment that makes it expensive. Some additional expenses related to EV vehicles involve insurance premiums, relacing EV windscreen and requiring recalibration, etc.
Conclusion:
The increasing importance of electric vehicles has also evolved the vehicle recovery industry. Traditional vehicle recovery depends on simple and time-tested recovery methods, while that of EVs vehicles requires advanced tools and techniques. Furthemore, their recovery also demands special expertise related to their spare parts specification. To handle electric vehicle recovery, advanced towing techniques, and high-voltage safety measures are essential. The above-mentioned differences between traditional vehicles recovery vs EVs vehicles recovery will help you make an informed decision for your vehicles in an emergency.
Whether it’s a sports car or any latest electric vehicle, recovery professionals with the right tools and expertise can ensure your prized vehicle is in good hands.
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