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Electric car charging on a tree-lined Vancouver street

EV, Tesla & AWD Towing

Electric and all-wheel-drive vehicles should be towed with all four wheels off the ground. City Tow Truck tows only by flatbed, so Teslas, EVs, hybrids and AWD cars are carried the way their manufacturers recommend, anywhere in Greater Vancouver.

Why it matters

Why EVs and AWD cars need a flatbed

In most electric cars the wheels are connected to the motors. If the wheels turn while the car is being towed, the motors can generate current with nowhere to go, which risks damaging the drive system. All-wheel-drive cars have a similar problem: towing with two wheels down can strain the centre differential and transfer case.

That's why owner's manuals for Teslas, most EVs and most AWD vehicles say to transport them on a flatbed. It's the only way we tow, so there's nothing extra to ask for.

Before we arrive

  • If the car still has 12-volt power, put it in tow or transport mode (Tesla: "Transport Mode" in Service settings).
  • Have the key card, fob or phone key with you so the car can be shifted to neutral.
  • If the car has no power at all, tell us — we'll bring skates for wheels that won't turn.

Common EV calls

We help with

  • Running out of charge before reaching a charger — we'll take you to the nearest working station or your home
  • Dead 12-volt battery that stops the car from waking up
  • Tire damage on cars with no spare
  • Trips to Tesla and other EV service centres
  • Accident towing for EVs and hybrids

Most EVs don't carry a spare tire. If you have a flat, we'll tow you to a tire shop or service centre.

FAQ

EV towing questions

Can you charge my EV on the roadside?

No, we don't carry mobile chargers. We'll tow your car to the nearest charger you choose, or to your home.

Can you tow a Tesla that won't turn on?

Yes. If it can't be put in neutral we use wheel skates so the wheels don't turn while it's winched onto the flatbed.

Is EV towing more expensive?

No surcharge for EVs or AWD. The price is based on hook-up and distance, quoted before we dispatch.

Can you jump-start an EV's 12-volt battery?

Often, yes — a dead 12-volt battery is a common reason an EV won't wake up. Follow your manual's instructions, and if a boost doesn't work we'll tow it in.

Mon–Sat 8am–11pm

Stuck? We'll get you moving.

Call or text 604-265-5888 for an upfront quote and an honest arrival time. Flatbed towing and roadside help across Greater Vancouver.