Electric Vehicle Towing Ottawa

Electric vehicle towing in Ottawa must be done on a flatbed truck. This is not a preference. It is a requirement from every EV manufacturer including Tesla, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Nissan, Ford, BMW, and Volkswagen. Dragging an electric vehicle with any wheels on the ground spins the electric motor in reverse, which generates electricity that feeds back into the battery and inverter. That damages components that cost $5,000 to $15,000 to replace and voids your warranty.

Why EVs cannot be wheel-lift towed

In a gas car, the wheels connect to the engine through a transmission with a neutral gear. Put it in neutral and the wheels spin freely. In an electric vehicle, the wheels connect directly to the electric motor through a fixed-ratio gearbox. There is no neutral. When the wheels turn, the motor turns. When the motor turns, it generates electricity. That electricity has nowhere safe to go during towing, and it fries the inverter and battery management system.

Ontario Towing flatbed-tows every EV we handle. No exceptions. Our drivers know the specific loading procedures for Tesla, Bolt, Ioniq, Leaf, Mach-E, and other popular EVs in Ottawa.

EVs we tow regularly in Ottawa

Electric vehicles on Ottawa roads

Tesla Model 3 and Model YThe most common EVs in Ottawa. Flatbed only. Transport mode must be activated before loading.

Chevy Bolt EV and Bolt EUVGM requires flatbed towing for all Bolt models. We carry the correct strap points documentation.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kona ElectricHyundai specifies flatbed for all electric models. No dolly, no wheel-lift.

Nissan LeafOne of the original EVs still on Ottawa roads. Must be flatbed towed even for short distances.

Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 LightningFord requires flatbed for both models. The Lightning is heavy and needs a properly rated flatbed.

Ottawa EV charging emergencies

A dead battery in an EV is different from a dead battery in a gas car. You cannot bring a can of electricity to the side of the road. If your EV runs out of charge on Hunt Club or in a parking garage in Centretown, you need a flatbed tow to the nearest Level 2 or DC fast charger. We know where the charging stations are in Ottawa and we deliver your vehicle to the closest one.

If a tow company shows up with a wheel-lift for your EV, refuse the tow. Show them the owner's manual. Every EV manual explicitly states flatbed only. A wheel-lift tow on a Tesla can result in a $10,000+ repair bill and a voided warranty. Call Ontario Towing at (613) 619-4545 instead.

Frequently asked questions about electric vehicle towing ottawa

Yes. We flatbed-tow all Tesla models daily in Ottawa. Model 3, Model Y, Model S, and Model X. Our drivers know how to activate transport mode.

Yes. If your EV runs out of charge, we flatbed it to the nearest compatible charging station in Ottawa.

EVs do not have a traditional neutral gear. The wheels are connected directly to the motor. Moving the wheels generates electricity that damages the inverter and battery. Flatbed is the only safe method.

Flatbed towing may cost slightly more than wheel-lift, but it is the only method that protects your vehicle. The alternative is thousands in motor and battery damage.

Need your EV towed in Ottawa?

Flatbed only. Every model, every time. No exceptions.

(613) 619-4545

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