Electric Vehicle Towing Ottawa: Can You Tow An EV Safely? (2026)
⚡ Short Answer
Yes, you can tow an electric vehicle — but it must be done on a flatbed. Towing an EV with any wheels on the ground can cause severe damage to the electric motor, regenerative braking system, and battery. 613 Towing operates a fleet of flatbed tow trucks equipped to handle all electric vehicle towing in Ottawa — Tesla, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Chevrolet, and every other EV brand. Call (613) 295-2264 for safe EV towing 24/7.
Electric vehicles are no longer niche — they are everywhere on Ottawa’s roads. From Teslas in Kanata’s tech park to Hyundai Ioniq 5s in Barrhaven driveways to Chevy Bolts navigating the Queensway, EVs now make up a growing share of the vehicles that eventually need roadside help. And when an EV breaks down, the single most important thing to know is this: it cannot be towed the same way as a gas car.
Towing an electric vehicle incorrectly — with the drive wheels on the ground — can destroy the electric motor, damage the battery pack, and generate thousands of dollars in repair bills. Yet many towing operators, especially those chasing accident scenes or using outdated equipment, still attempt to wheel-lift or hook EVs the way they would a traditional car. This guide explains exactly why electric vehicle towing requires a flatbed, what can go wrong, which EV models need special attention, and how to make sure your EV is towed safely in Ottawa.
Why Electric Vehicles Must Be Flatbedded
The engineering of an electric vehicle is fundamentally different from a gas car — and those differences make conventional towing methods dangerous:
🚨 The Bottom Line
Every major EV manufacturer — Tesla, Rivian, Hyundai, Kia, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, Chevrolet, Volkswagen — explicitly states in their owner’s manual that the vehicle must be transported on a flatbed. Wheel-lift towing, dolly towing, and hook-and-chain are all prohibited. If a tow operator suggests anything other than a flatbed for your EV, refuse the tow. For more on why the tow method matters, read our does towing damage your car guide.
Towing Requirements By EV Brand
While the universal rule is “flatbed only,” some EV models have additional requirements you should know about:
When you call for a tow, always tell the dispatcher your vehicle is electric and give the exact make and model. This ensures we send a flatbed large enough for your vehicle and an operator trained in EV loading procedures. For a comparison of flatbed vs wheel-lift methods, read our flatbed vs wheel-lift guide.
Common EV Breakdown Scenarios In Ottawa
Electric vehicles break down for different reasons than gas cars. Here are the most common EV roadside emergencies Ottawa drivers experience:
🔋 Range Depletion (“Running Out Of Charge”)
The EV equivalent of running out of gas. Ottawa’s cold winters dramatically reduce EV range — batteries can lose 30–50% of their rated range at -20°C. If your EV’s battery is fully depleted, the vehicle cannot move under its own power and must be flatbedded to a charger or home. This is especially common on Highway 417 and 174 where the distance between charging stations can exceed a cold-weather range estimate.
⚠️ 12V Battery Failure
Every EV still has a traditional 12-volt battery that powers the computer systems, door locks, and contactors. When this 12V battery dies — common in Ottawa winters — the EV cannot “wake up” even if the main drive battery is fully charged. A battery boost to the 12V system often gets you moving again. If not, a flatbed tow to a dealer or service centre is needed. See our battery replacement guide for warning signs.
🛞 Flat Tire (No Spare)
Most EVs do not come with a spare tire — they carry a tire repair kit and inflator instead. If the damage is beyond repair kit capability (sidewall puncture, large slash, rim damage from potholes), the vehicle must be towed. This is a growing issue during Ottawa’s pothole season. Our tire change service can help if you carry a spare.
🔧 Software / System Errors
EVs are computers on wheels. Software glitches, failed over-the-air updates, and sensor errors can leave a vehicle undriveable even though the battery and motor are fine. “Turtle mode” (drastically reduced power) may get you off the highway, but if the vehicle shuts down completely it needs a flatbed to the dealer.
💥 Collision Damage
After any collision involving an EV, even a minor fender bender, a flatbed is essential. The battery pack could be compromised without visible external damage. Do not allow the vehicle to be driven or wheel-lifted until a qualified technician inspects it. See our car accident guide for the full post-collision process.
How Much Does It Cost To Tow An Electric Vehicle In Ottawa?
EV towing costs the same as any other flatbed tow — there is no “EV surcharge” with 613 Towing:
For a full pricing guide covering all tow types, see our Ottawa towing cost guide. Many EV roadside incidents are covered by your manufacturer’s roadside assistance program — check your warranty or contact your dealer before paying out of pocket.
What To Do When Your EV Breaks Down In Ottawa
Move To Safety
If possible, pull to the right shoulder or a parking lot. Turn on hazard lights. On Highway 417 or 174, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on.
Call (613) 295-2264 — Specify It Is An EV
Tell the dispatcher the exact make, model, and year of your electric vehicle. This ensures we dispatch a flatbed — not a wheel-lift — and an operator who knows EV loading procedures.
Activate Transport Mode (If Available)
Tesla, Ford, and BMW EVs have a “Transport Mode” in their settings that releases the parking brake and disables the drive system for loading. Check your owner’s manual. If the 12V battery is dead and you cannot access the screen, tell the operator — they will know the manual release procedure.
Refuse Any Non-Flatbed Tow
If a tow truck arrives without a flatbed, do not allow them to hook your vehicle. Under Ontario’s TSSEA towing laws, you have the right to choose your own tow company. Call 613 Towing for a proper flatbed. Read our tow truck scam guide for more on your rights.
Take Photos Before & After Loading
Document your EV’s condition before it goes on the flatbed — body panels, wheels, undercarriage. Do the same when it comes off. This protects you if any damage occurs during transport.
Ottawa Winter & EV Range: Why Cold Weather Causes Breakdowns
Ottawa is one of the coldest major cities in Canada where EV adoption is growing rapidly. That combination creates a specific problem — cold-weather range loss leads to more roadside calls:
30–50%
Range loss at -20°C compared to ideal conditions
–30°C+
Ottawa regularly reaches extreme cold that further reduces battery performance
Heat Use
Cabin heating draws directly from the drive battery — unlike gas cars using engine waste heat
The practical impact: an EV rated at 400 km of range may deliver only 200–280 km in a deep Ottawa January. Drivers who commute to Kanata or Orléans on the 417 without sufficient charge buffer risk depletion, especially if they hit unexpected traffic. Pre-conditioning your EV while it is still plugged in, using seat heaters instead of cabin heating, and keeping your charge above 20% are the best ways to avoid a cold-weather range emergency. For more winter preparation tips, see our winter battery prevention guide.
How To Choose An EV-Safe Towing Company
Not every towing company is equipped or trained to handle electric vehicles safely. Before you need a tow, know what to look for:
✅ Flatbed Fleet — Non-Negotiable
The company must operate flatbed tow trucks, not just wheel-lifts. Ask when you call: “Do you have a flatbed available for my EV?” If the answer is anything other than a clear yes, call someone else.
✅ EV Loading Knowledge
Operators should know what “Transport Mode” is, how to manually release electronic parking brakes, and where the 12V battery access points are on common EV models. Ask if they have handled your specific model before.
✅ TSSEA Certification
Ontario’s Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act requires licensed, insured operators. TSSEA certification means published rates, written consent, and liability coverage if something goes wrong during the tow.
✅ Commercial Insurance Coverage
EVs are expensive vehicles. If a towing company damages your battery pack or motor through improper towing, their insurance must cover it. Ask if they carry commercial liability insurance. See our guide to choosing a reliable towing company.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Vehicle Towing
Can you tow a Tesla on a flatbed?
Yes — a flatbed is the only safe way to tow any Tesla (Model 3, Y, S, X, Cybertruck). You should activate “Transport Mode” in the touchscreen before loading to release the parking brake. If the screen is unresponsive, the tow operator can manually release the brake using the procedure in the owner’s manual. Call (613) 295-2264 for Tesla flatbed towing in Ottawa.
Does towing an EV with wheels down damage the motor?
Yes. When an EV’s wheels spin while being towed, the electric motor is forced to generate electricity through regenerative braking. This can overheat the motor, damage the inverter, and potentially overcharge the battery. The resulting repair can cost thousands of dollars. Always insist on a flatbed.
Does EV towing cost more than regular towing?
With 613 Towing, no. EV towing uses the same flatbed trucks and follows the same pricing as any flatbed tow — $125–$225 for local service. There is no EV-specific surcharge. The cost is the same as flatbedding any other vehicle.
My EV ran out of charge on the highway — what do I do?
Pull to the shoulder, turn on hazards, and call (613) 295-2264. We will flatbed your EV to the nearest Level 3 fast charger, your home, or a service centre of your choice. Do not attempt to be towed by another vehicle with a rope or strap — this is dangerous and will damage the EV.
Can a plug-in hybrid be towed normally?
It depends on the model. PHEVs like the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and Hyundai Tucson PHEV have electric motors permanently connected to the drive wheels. Most manufacturers recommend flatbed towing for PHEVs as well. Check your owner’s manual — or just request a flatbed to be safe.
What is Transport Mode on an electric vehicle?
Transport Mode is a special setting available on Tesla, Ford, and some BMW EVs that releases the electronic parking brake and disables the drive system so the vehicle can be rolled onto a flatbed without resistance. It is usually found in the vehicle settings menu under “Service” or “Towing.” Activate it before the tow truck arrives if possible.
Does Ottawa have enough EV chargers to avoid range problems?
Ottawa’s public charging network is growing but still has gaps, especially in suburban areas and along rural highway stretches. The Natural Resources Canada EV infrastructure program tracks available stations. Plan winter routes with charging stops and keep your battery above 20% in cold weather.
Can I boost the 12V battery on an EV?
Yes. Every EV has a 12V accessory battery that can be boosted like a traditional car battery. If your EV will not start but the main battery has charge, a dead 12V battery is likely the issue. 613 Towing offers battery boost service that can get your EV running again without a tow.
What if a tow company tries to wheel-lift my EV?
Refuse the tow. Under Ontario’s TSSEA towing laws, you have the right to choose your own towing provider and refuse service. If a wheel-lift operator damages your EV, they are liable — but prevention is always better. Call 613 Towing at (613) 295-2264 and specify you need a flatbed for your electric vehicle.
Does 613 Towing have experience with electric vehicles?
Yes. 613 Towing regularly handles EV towing across Ottawa — Teslas, Hyundais, Kias, Chevrolets, Fords, BMWs, and more. Our operators are trained in EV-specific loading procedures including Transport Mode activation, 12V access points, and proper securement. We tow to any destination — dealer, charger, home, or body shop.