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Can You Tow an Electric Car? How to Tow a Tesla Safely
As electric vehicles (EVs) become increasingly common in Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area, owners often ask: can you tow an electric car like a gas-powered vehicle?
Yes, an electric car can be towed, but it should go on a flatbed with all four wheels off the road, not be towed with wheels rolling. At GTA Flatbed Towing & Float Services, we transport electric vehicles on flatbeds. We take EV tow calls 24/7. Our experienced operators use specialized equipment to move your vehicle safely. This guide explains why EVs require flatbed transport and how to prepare your vehicle.
Can You Tow an Electric Car With a Wheel-Lift Truck?
To understand the risks of EV towing, it is important to recognize how electric vehicles differ from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
In a gas-powered vehicle, placing the transmission in neutral disconnects the drive wheels from the engine. This allows standard wheel-lift tow trucks to lift the front wheels and let the rear wheels roll freely along the pavement without damaging the engine.
Electric vehicles do not have a mechanical neutral. The electric motors are directly coupled to the drive axles. When an electric vehicle is towed with its drive wheels rolling on the pavement, the spinning wheels force the motors to turn. Because the system is designed to generate power through regenerative braking, the spinning wheels turn the motors and can damage drivetrain components.
For this reason, Tesla and most EV makers recommend flatbed transport. Tesla’s owner’s manual names a flatbed as the recommended way to transport a Tesla, and other makers give similar guidance, so check the manual for your exact model. Turning the wheels can damage the drive system, and any method that leaves the drive wheels in contact with the road is not recommended.
The Solution: Flatbed Towing for EVs
The method most EV makers recommend for transporting an electric vehicle is flatbed towing. By elevating the entire vehicle onto a solid deck, flatbed transport eliminates all road contact and prevents the wheels from spinning. Our guide to flatbed vs wheel-lift towing explains the difference in detail. See our flatbed towing service for how a standard transport works.
Zero-Degree Tilt Trays for Low-Clearance Protection
Many modern EVs feature low-mounted battery enclosures to maintain a low centre of gravity, along with aerodynamic bodywork that reduces ground clearance. A standard flatbed ramp can be too steep, risking damage to the battery pack or front splitter.
GTA Flatbed utilizes zero-degree tilt trays that lower flush with the ground. This creates a gentle approach angle, allowing low-clearance EVs to be loaded smoothly without scraping the underbody aero panels.
Safe Securement Using Wheel Nets
Securing an EV requires careful attention. Our operators never use metal chains or hooks. Instead, every EV is secured using non-abrasive soft straps and wheel nets placed directly over the tires. By anchoring solely to the tires, the vehicle remains stable without mechanical load on the suspension or battery enclosures.
Decision Guide: How to Prepare Your EV for Transport
If your electric vehicle requires transport, taking the right steps before the tow truck arrives ensures a smooth process.
1. Engage Transport Mode (or Tow Mode)
Many electric vehicles feature a setting designed for towing, often called “Transport Mode” or “Tow Mode.” This software setting disengages the parking brakes and prepares the vehicle’s systems to roll slowly onto the flatbed deck.
Because activation procedures vary significantly between manufacturers, always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to understand if your car has this feature and how to activate it. Follow your manual closely.
2. Handling a Stalled or Depleted EV
If your EV has run out of charge or suffered a complete system shutdown, you may not be able to activate Transport Mode (or Tow Mode) or release the parking brakes. In these situations, the vehicle cannot roll freely, so treat it as an emergency towing call and tell dispatch the wheels are locked.
GTA Flatbed is fully equipped to handle non-running EVs. We utilize a winch to draw disabled EVs smoothly onto the deck. We can load vehicles with locked or missing wheels, using specialized equipment to maneuver the car without forcing the wheels to turn. If the EV slid off the road in winter, our winter ditch recovery checklist explains what to do before we arrive.
3. What to Tell Dispatch
When you call for a tow, providing accurate information allows us to dispatch the correct equipment. Be prepared to provide:
- Make, model, and year Identifies the vehicle’s weight and handling requirements.
- The vehicle’s state Tell us if the battery is depleted and if the car can be placed in Transport Mode (or Tow Mode).
- Wheel status Clearly state if the parking brakes are locked.
- Exact location and destination Include specific details like underground parking restrictions.
Understanding EV Towing Costs
GTA Flatbed provides transparent pricing for every transport job. For local towing across Toronto and the GTA, our pricing is:
- $150 hook-up fee
- $5 per kilometre
The $150 hook-up fee covers dispatching the flatbed, travelling to your location, and securely loading your EV. The $5 per kilometre rate covers the transit, charged from the first kilometre.
If your EV is completely dead and the wheels are locked, additional winching is required to load the vehicle safely. Any extra charge for winching is confirmed with you before dispatch. There are no hidden fees. See the pricing section on our flatbed towing page for the full rate breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why must Tesla and electric vehicles be towed on a flatbed?
Tesla and most EV makers recommend flatbed transport because turning the wheels can damage the drive system. When an EV is towed on rolling wheels, the spinning wheels force the motors to turn, which can damage drivetrain components. A flatbed keeps all four wheels stationary on the deck.
Can you flat tow an electric car?
No. Most EVs should not be flat towed or dolly towed with drive wheels turning. Turning the drive wheels can damage drivetrain components. Always use a flatbed and check your owner’s manual for specific guidelines.
Can a tow truck charge my EV?
No. A flatbed moves your EV, but it does not charge the battery. The truck carries the car to the destination you choose, such as a charging station, your home or a service centre. Tell dispatch whether the battery is depleted and where the car needs to go, so we can plan the load and route.
What happens if my EV is completely dead and won’t go into neutral?
If your EV has no power and the parking brakes are engaged, the wheels will be locked. We can load vehicles with locked or missing wheels using specialized equipment and controlled winches, allowing us to safely pull the car onto the flatbed without damaging the drivetrain.
How much does it cost to tow a Tesla in Toronto?
Pricing is based on our standard flatbed rate: a $150 hook-up fee plus $5 per kilometre. If the vehicle is disabled and requires complex winching due to locked wheels, an additional recovery fee applies. Any extra charge is confirmed with you before dispatch.
Schedule Your EV Transport
Protect your electric vehicle with professional flatbed transport from GTA Flatbed Towing & Float Services. We serve Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Oakville, Burlington, Milton, North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Oshawa and the other cities in our service areas.
Call or WhatsApp our team at 416-830-8854 for an exact quote confirmed before dispatch, or use our contact page. For more information on handling high-value vehicles, explore our exotic car towing services.
