When a Tesla Model X or a Mercedes EQS is stranded on the roadside, it might look like a routine job. But the recovery technician arriving at the scene knows better. The weight is often 300–500 kilograms higher than equivalent combustion engine vehicles. The battery pack sits low in the chassis, making the undercarriage vulnerable. And many EVs – especially those with permanent magnet motors – simply cannot tolerate being towed on their own wheels without risking serious damage.

Norway has the world's highest share of electric vehicles. This means that what Norwegian recovery professionals are learning right now is what the rest of Europe won't encounter for another five to ten years. We are not just early adopters – we are defining the standard.

What Makes It Different

  • Weight: An Audi e-tron weighs around 2.6 tonnes. A BMW iX can hit 2.5 tonnes. By comparison, a standard family car weighs around 1.5–1.8 tonnes. This places entirely new demands on lifting gear, chain attachments, and how the vehicle is secured on a flatbed.
  • Towing Challenges: Many EVs cannot be towed in the traditional manner without the motor generating power back into the system – which, in the worst-case scenario, can damage the electronics. The solution is often a full lift or using dollies, but this requires equipment and expertise that not all stations possess today.
  • Battery Safety: A damaged lithium-ion battery can ignite hours or even days after a collision. This requires specific protocols for handling, storage, and alerts – both during transport to the workshop and during interim storage.

What This Means in Practice

For many stations, this has already led to new investments:

  • Flatbeds with lower approach angles and higher payload capacities
  • Battery fire blankets for safe transport and storage
  • Training in high-voltage systems and the safe handling of damaged EVs
  • Closer dialogue with workshops regarding what can – and cannot – be done during transport

It is no longer enough to know how to recover a car. You need to know exactly what kind of car it is, what can go wrong if mistakes are made, and what is required to do the job safely.

The Opportunity Within

Yes, EVs complicate things. But they also create a clear divide between those who have the capability and those who do not. Stations that invest in the right equipment and expertise will become the go-to partners for insurance companies, leasing firms, and workshops that need someone who can handle these vehicles safely.

And when the rest of Europe eventually catches up to where we are now, it will be Norwegian recovery professionals who hold the experience.

Looking Ahead

Towards 2030, the EV will become the standard, not the exception. This means that what currently feels like a specialized job will just be a regular assignment in a few years. The question is not whether to adapt – but when, and how well-prepared you are when the time comes.

We are already seeing that stations taking this seriously report fewer warranty claims, safer operations, and better dialogue with clients. It isn’t rocket science. It’s craftsmanship meeting new technology – and a willingness to learn along the way.

This is part two of the "Recovery 2030" series. Next week, we’ll take a look at what the annual cycle actually looks like – and why summer isn't a low season, just a different season.

See you at the Storefjell Exhibition on June 19–21, 2026. Drop by for a coffee and a chat about how your station handles EVs today.

Best regards, The Assist Team – together with Tracksys