Two technicians working beneath a raised vehicle in a garage, dark blue-tinted image with large outlined overlay text reading E-MOBILITY, smaller solid WHICH, and red-outlined PLATFORM?

Which lift is suitable for electric cars? Lifting platforms & electromobility

As of July 23, 2026

Electromobility is on the rise and presents new challenges for workshops. Electric cars are not only designed differently, but they are above all one thing: significantly heavier. This has a direct impact on the choice of the right lifting platform. Find out here what you need to pay attention to.

The biggest change: Heavy battery packs change everything

The main reason for the high weight of electric vehicles is the massive battery pack, which is usually installed in the underbody. For example, a Tesla Model 3 weighs between 1.6 and 1.8 tons depending on the configuration, while a comparable VW Golf 8 weighs only around 1.3 tons. Premium electric SUVs can even exceed the 2.5-ton mark.

This additional weight and the central, low position of the battery fundamentally change the vehicle's statics:

Higher overall weight: The lifting platform must be designed to handle the increased load.
Altered center of gravity: The center of gravity is lower and often different from that of combustion vehicles.
Special mounting points: The manufacturer-specified mounting points must be precisely aligned to avoid damage to the sensitive underbody and battery.

Important: Overloading the lifting platform or using incorrect mounting points can not only damage the vehicle but also pose a significant safety risk to workshop personnel!

Which lifting platforms are suitable for electric cars?

Not every lifting platform is prepared for the new requirements of electromobility. The higher weight and the specific mounting points of electric vehicles demand the right equipment. Here is a detailed overview of the most common types and their suitability.

The 2-post lift: The flexible classic

2-post lifts are the standard in most workshops and remain a very good choice for electric cars if they meet the necessary requirements. They provide the best access to the entire underbody, including the central battery box.

Advantages: Perfect access to wheels, brakes, suspension, and especially the battery pack.
Challenges: Positioning can be challenging with long wheelbases and specific mounting points. Stability critically depends on the correct mounting of the vehicle.
What you need to pay attention to:
- Load capacity: At least 4 tons are mandatory to be equipped for heavy electric SUVs and vans.
- Flexible support arms: Flat, often telescopic support arms are necessary to reach under the low car bodies. Asymmetric arms make it easier to open the doors.
- Special mounting pads: Rubberized, often raised mounting pads (e.g., for the Tesla Model 3/Y) are essential to protect the sensitive battery areas and securely meet the load points.

The in-ground lift: The premium solution

In-ground lifts are the most elegant and space-saving solution. All the technology disappears into the ground, leaving a completely free workshop area when not in use.

Advantages: Maximum space around and underneath the vehicle. Perfect accessibility to all components, including the battery. Very professional and clean appearance.
Challenges: Significantly higher acquisition and installation costs due to complex foundation work (excavation). Retrofitting in existing buildings is often difficult.
What you need to pay attention to: As with the 2-post lift, flexible mounting systems (support arms, pads) are crucial to safely mount the specific points of electric cars.

Wheel-gripper lifts: The mobile, flexible powerhouse

When it comes to maximum safety in handling very heavy electric vehicles and battery removal, the technology of the wheel-gripper lift is the best choice.

Advantages: This mobile solution consists of four individual lifting columns that are attached to the wheels. They offer maximum flexibility in terms of location and enormous load capacity, capable of lifting vehicles weighing up to 64 tons. The key advantage for battery replacement: The entire area between the axles is completely accessible, greatly facilitating battery removal and installation.
Challenge: Attaching and synchronizing the columns takes slightly longer than driving onto a fixed platform.

Conclusion: The right choice for your e-mobile future

Electromobility requires a rethinking of workshop equipment. A lifting platform with a load capacity of at least 4 tons should now be the standard. Additionally, make sure to use flexible support arms and suitable mounting pads for 2-post lifts.

For workshops like yours that want to future-proof their setup and ensure maximum flexibility and safety, a high-performance in-ground/piston lift or wheel-gripper lift is often the best investment. These options combine stability with excellent access and easy handling for heavy and sensitive electric vehicles.

At hebebuehne24.de, we are happy to advise you on the best solution for your individual requirements. Contact us for professional and future-proof equipment for your workshop!