Tesla Model S: Approved Methods for Transporting
A flatbed truck or comparable transport vehicle is the recommended method of transporting Model S. The vehicle can face either direction when using a flatbed.
If Model S must be transported without a flatbed truck, then wheel lifts and dollies must be used to ensure that all four wheels are off of the ground. This method may only be used for a maximum of 35 miles (55 km), and must not exceed the manufacturer speed rating of the dollies. With this method, Tesla recommends the vehicle faces forward so that the front wheels are lifted and the rear wheels are on dollies.
NOTE: Transporting Model S with the front wheels on dollies is not recommended, but may be done if an external steering yoke lock is applied and care is taken to prevent the front wheels from spinning.
CAUTION: DO NOT TRANSPORT YOUR VEHICLE IF THERE IS ANY CHANCE OF ANY OF THE WHEELS SPINNING.
CAUTION: Enable Transport Mode (see Activate Transport Mode) before winching Model S onto a flatbed truck. If Transport Mode is not available or the touchscreen is not accessible, self-loading dollies or tire skates must be used to load the vehicle into the approved transportation position. Tesla is not responsible for any damage caused by or during the transport of Model S, including personal property damage or damage caused by using self-loading dollies or tire skates.
NOTE: Transport Mode is only intended to allow for winching Model S onto a flatbed truck or repositioning the vehicle out of a parking space. While in Transport Mode, the tires are allowed to rotate slowly (under 3 mph or 5 km/h) and for a very short distance (less than 30 feet or 10 meters). See Activate Transport Mode. Exceeding these boundaries can lead to significant damage and overheating that is not covered by the warranty.
WARNING: Model S is equipped with high voltage components that may be compromised as a result of a collision (see High Voltage Components). Before transporting Model S, it is important to assume these components are energized. Always follow high voltage safety precautions (wearing personal protection equipment, etc.) until emergency response professionals have evaluated the vehicle and can accurately confirm that all high voltage systems are no longer energized. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.
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Disable the Self-Leveling Air
Suspension System
NOTE: If Model S has no low voltage power, you need an
external low voltage power supply to use the
touchscreen. See If Vehicle Has No Power.
Your Model S is equipped with an air suspension system
Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Front
(Using Tow Eye)
NOTE: If Model S has no low voltage power, you need an
external low voltage power supply to open the hood or
use the touchscreen. See If Vehicle Has No Power.
CAUTION: To avoid damage, only pull t
Pull Onto Flatbed Truck From Rear
(Using Tow Eye)
NOTE: If Model S has no low voltage power, you need an
external low voltage power supply to open the hood or
use the touchscreen. See If Vehicle Has No Power.
NOTE: Vehicles equipped with a hitch re
SEE MORE:
Electrical system power reduced
Vehicle may shut down unexpectedly
The electrical system cannot maintain the voltage required to support all
vehicle features.
If this alert is present while you are driving, it is possible your vehicle will
shut down unexpectedly. It is also possible
that your vehicle will not restart after the
Charging Status
Charging status displays on the instrument panel when the charge port door is
open.
Time remaining: The estimated time remaining to charge to your set
limit.
NOTE: When charging to 100%, the vehicle may continue to charge with
low power when charging is displayed as
complete. This is ex
