Electric Vehicle Towing Ottawa | Safe Flatbed Transport for Every EV
Electric vehicle towing is not optional when it comes to using a flatbed. It is mandatory. Every major EV manufacturer, from Tesla to Hyundai to BMW, states clearly in their owner's manuals that their vehicles must be towed with all four wheels off the ground. Towing an EV with wheels on the pavement spins the electric motors, generates uncontrolled electricity, and can destroy the drivetrain. Repair costs for this type of damage start at $8,000 and can exceed $20,000.
Ontario Towing provides flatbed-only transport for every electric vehicle. We understand the specific requirements for Tesla Transport Mode, proper jacking points, and high-voltage safety protocols. Call us at (613) 619-4545.
Why EVs Cannot Be Towed with Wheels Down
Unlike gasoline vehicles with traditional transmissions, electric vehicles have motors directly connected to the wheels. There is no neutral gear that fully disengages the motor from the wheels. When an EV's wheels spin during towing, the motor acts like a generator, creating electricity with no proper regulation. This causes extreme heat buildup in the motor, inverter, and battery management system.
The damage happens fast. Even a short tow of a few hundred metres with wheels down can overheat components and destroy them permanently. Tesla, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes all explicitly void powertrain warranties when improper towing methods cause damage. The cost of a new electric drive unit ranges from $15,000 to $25,000, making proper towing the single most important decision you make when your EV breaks down.
EVs We Transport Regularly in Ottawa
Tesla Transport Mode
Tesla vehicles have a specific "Transport Mode" that must be activated before loading onto a flatbed. This mode electronically releases the parking brake and allows the wheels to roll freely at very slow speeds for loading purposes only. Without activating Transport Mode, the parking brake remains engaged and the vehicle cannot be safely winched onto the flatbed.
If the Tesla has a completely dead low-voltage battery, Transport Mode cannot be accessed through the touchscreen. In that case, the low-voltage system must be jump-started first using the access points behind the front bumper tow eye cover. Our drivers know this procedure and carry the equipment to handle it.
What to Tell the Dispatcher
When you call for a tow, the most important thing you can say is: "This is an electric vehicle and I need a flatbed." Give us the make, model, and year of your EV so we can send the right truck with the right weight capacity. If your vehicle has been in an accident, let us know so we can take additional precautions for high-voltage battery safety.
Ontario Towing will never send a wheel-lift truck for an electric vehicle. We understand the requirements and always dispatch the correct equipment. Call (613) 619-4545.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Only flatbed tow trucks can safely transport electric vehicles. Wheel-lift trucks and dolly towing will damage the electric drivetrain and void your manufacturer warranty. Always insist on a flatbed.
Not if it is towed correctly on a flatbed following Tesla's official guidelines. Improper towing with wheels on the ground will void the powertrain warranty. Ontario Towing always uses flatbed transport for Tesla vehicles.
We can still tow your vehicle. For Tesla models, we jump-start the low-voltage system to activate Transport Mode. For other EVs, we use winch loading or wheel skates to safely load the vehicle onto the flatbed without the wheels rotating.
Our pricing is based on distance and service type, not the kind of vehicle. Flatbed towing is flatbed towing. Call (613) 619-4545 and we will give you the price upfront before dispatching.
Yes. Plug-in hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and BMW X5 xDrive45e should also be flatbed towed to protect their electric drivetrain components. We handle them the same way as full battery-electric vehicles.
Need Help Right Now?
Ontario Towing provides 24/7 service across Ottawa and the National Capital Region.
Call (613) 619-4545