The already long list of problems caused by electric cars has just gotten a bit longer. This time, it’s about towing, which can become significantly more expensive if it’s an electric vehicle that needs to be removed.

Towing a crashed electric car—such as a Peugeot e-208 in this case—can cost up to 200,000 SEK. This time, however, the insurance company covered the amount. For 26,000 SEK, the car’s battery was placed in a special box, and for another 18,000 SEK, a so-called battery expert was called in.

According to the German insurance giant Allianz, the average cost of towing an electric car is twice as high as for a traditional fossil-fueled car. At the same time, it is claimed that towing companies often add costly extra services that are not really necessary.

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According to Der Spiegel, a “preliminary consultation” before transport can cost 18,000 SEK and ambulance personnel may be alerted unnecessarily.

The batteries can, admittedly, pose a serious hazard after a crash, and a fire can theoretically occur hours after the accident. However, according to Allianz, the situation should be assessed first before maximum emergency measures are taken.

Taking Advantage of Uncertainty

The whole issue is based on the perception that electric cars are more likely to catch fire than gasoline or diesel vehicles—something German towing companies are said to fully exploit. Burning electric vehicles are reported to be more prominent in the media, which leads to a “distorted perception” and demands for an expensive towing and quarantine process.

To ensure proper procedures, a guide has been developed for how to handle electric vehicle accidents.

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