Towing a Hybrid or Electric Vehicle: What You Need to Know

Electric vehicle adoption in Manitoba is growing fast, and the questions we receive about EV towing are growing with it. The most important thing to know before you need a tow: electric and most hybrid vehicles cannot be towed with a standard wheel-lift truck. Getting this wrong can cause thousands of dollars in damage.

This guide covers everything Winnipeg EV and hybrid owners need to know — including why flatbed towing is mandatory, the specific risks involved, and how Winnipeg's cold winters add another layer of complexity to EV breakdowns.

Why EVs Must Be Flatbed Towed

In a conventional vehicle, the drivetrain is mechanically disconnected from the wheels when in neutral — the engine isn't turning. In an electric vehicle, the electric motor and the driven wheels are typically directly connected. When those wheels rotate, the motor rotates. When the motor rotates without the control system engaged, it functions as a generator and sends uncontrolled current into the electrical system.

Without the battery management system and inverter actively managing this, you can damage the motor windings, overload control circuits, or in worst cases, create heat in the battery pack. The fix for this type of damage is almost never simple — it often involves replacing high-voltage components that cost as much as the vehicle is worth.

The exceptions

A small number of EVs have a specific tow mode — some Teslas can have their rear wheels unlocked for a limited distance, and certain hybrids can be dolly-towed on the non-driven axle. However, these are vehicle-specific and distance-limited. Unless you've confirmed in your owner's manual that your specific vehicle can be towed with wheels on the ground, assume flatbed is required.

High-Voltage Safety Considerations

EV high-voltage battery packs typically operate between 300 and 800 volts — levels that are immediately lethal on contact. Tow drivers trained in EV handling know the protocols:

• Do not touch or attempt to open any orange-cable components — these are the high-voltage lines
• If the vehicle has been in a collision, assume the battery may be damaged until confirmed otherwise
• Never tow an EV that is smoking, producing unusual smells, or showing thermal runaway signs (excessive heat from under the vehicle)
• A damaged high-voltage battery can reignite hours or even days after an incident

Regenerative Braking Risks During Towing

Regenerative braking is how EVs recover energy during deceleration — the electric motor switches to generator mode, slowing the wheels and charging the battery. When an EV is being transported on a flatbed, this system is inactive and poses no risk.

The problem arises when someone attempts to tow an EV with any wheels on the road surface, especially downhill. The motor will attempt to regenerate, but without the battery management system controlling the charge rate, this can create uncontrolled electrical loads. On steep Winnipeg overpasses or riverside hills, this risk is amplified.

Cold Weather and EV Batteries in Winnipeg

Winnipeg's winters are notoriously hard on lithium-ion batteries. EV range in cold weather is a well-documented concern — many vehicles see 25–40% range reduction at -20°C and below. This means Winnipeg EV drivers need to plan more conservatively in winter and should be aware of the specific risks when a battery-dead EV needs recovery.

• A battery-dead EV in extreme cold cannot simply be fast-charged at the roadside — the battery must be warmed before accepting a charge at full rate
• If the vehicle is extremely cold, attempting to charge at high speed can permanently reduce battery capacity
• The safest option when range anxiety strikes in a Winnipeg winter is to call for a flatbed tow to a charging location or dealership service bay where the vehicle can warm up properly
• Keep your vehicle plugged in overnight whenever possible — this maintains battery temperature management systems

What to Tell Your Tow Company

When you call Jets Towing at (431) 791-1122 for an EV or hybrid tow, give us this information:

• Confirm it's an electric or hybrid vehicle — specify the make and model
• State whether it's a post-collision tow or a breakdown (battery dead, fault, mechanical)
• Tell us if the vehicle is on or in any mode — some EVs have a tow mode that needs to be activated
• Note the tow destination — dealership service centre or preferred EV repair facility
• Mention if the vehicle has been in water or shows any signs of heat or smoke
• Your exact location in Winnipeg

Hybrid Vehicles: Special Cases

Full hybrids and plug-in hybrids vary widely in their towing requirements depending on drivetrain layout. A standard hybrid with a parallel drivetrain (where both ICE and electric motor drive the wheels) generally follows the same flatbed requirement as a full EV when the vehicle is off. A mild hybrid or 48V hybrid with a belt-integrated starter-generator is typically closer to a conventional vehicle for towing purposes.

The safest approach: check your owner's manual under "towing" or "roadside assistance" and follow the manufacturer's instructions. If in doubt, choose flatbed. It is always the safe option and is what Jets Towing's emergency towing service provides for EV and hybrid calls.

Frequently Asked Questions