Hybrid cars combine an internal combustion engine with an electric motor, and that combination is exactly what makes towing them more complex. A hybrid can't be towed as casually as a regular gasoline car, but the rules for pure EVs don't fully apply either. Here's what a hybrid owner should know in case of a breakdown or accident.
How a hybrid differs from a regular car and an EV
A hybrid car has two sources of propulsion: an internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors. They work together or alternately depending on the driving mode and the specific model.
- Unlike a pure EV, a hybrid has a traditional fuel tank and engine, which makes some problems (like running out of gas) the same as with a regular car;
- Unlike a regular car with a manual or automatic transmission, a hybrid has a high-voltage battery and electric motor that require the same caution during transport as a pure EV;
- Hybrid transmissions are often more complex than a classic automatic, making rope towing even riskier than for a regular automatic. We covered these risks in our article on towing cars with an automatic transmission apply even more strongly to hybrids.
Hybrid types: HEV, PHEV, mild hybrid
- HEV, full hybrid. The classic type, where the electric motor and engine work together, and the battery is charged only through regeneration and engine operation, with no external plug-in charging;
- PHEV, plug-in hybrid. Has a larger battery that can be charged from an external source like an EV, and can drive some distance on pure electric power;
- Mild hybrid. Uses a small electric motor mostly to assist the engine during acceleration and to recover braking energy, but usually can't drive any meaningful distance on electric power alone;
- The type of hybrid system affects how complex and risky towing on the wheels is. But in every case, a flatbed remains the safest universal solution for all types.
Why hybrids are harder to tow than a regular car
- Spinning the wheels without the control system active can generate parasitic voltage in a hybrid's electric motor, similar to what happens in pure EVs;
- In some hybrids, the wheels stay mechanically connected to the electric motor even when the combustion engine isn't running, making towing on those wheels especially risky;
- Hybrid manufacturers typically state serious towing restrictions in the owner's manual, or prohibit it on the wheels entirely.
Differences between hybrid brands
- Toyota and Lexus. Among the most common hybrids on Ukrainian roads (Prius, Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid). Usually have clear towing instructions in the manual, including a special neutral mode for service situations;
- Honda. Hybrid models (Accord Hybrid, CR-V Hybrid) also have their own towing restrictions worth checking for the specific model year and trim;
- European PHEVs, plug-in hybrid models from BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen. Often have a larger, more powerful electric component, making compliance with safe transport rules even more important.
Towing a hybrid after an accident
After an accident, towing a hybrid calls for the same attention to the high-voltage battery as a pure EV:
- A hard impact, especially to the underbody, can damage the battery pack, which in many hybrids sits under the rear seats or in the trunk area;
- Signs of battery damage, like a burning smell, smoke, or unusual sounds, call for immediately moving to a safe distance and calling emergency services in addition to a tow truck;
- We tow hybrids from accident scenes with the same care as pure EVs: exclusively on a flatbed, with no load on the wheels or transmission.
How to properly call a tow truck for a hybrid
To make sure the crew arrives prepared, tell the dispatcher when you call:
- The make, model, and hybrid type (full hybrid, plug-in, mild), if you know it;
- The reason for the call: a technical fault, an accident, out of fuel, or a dead battery;
- Whether the car can be shifted into neutral to make loading easier;
- Whether there's visible damage, especially to the underbody, if this relates to an accident.
Bottom line
A hybrid car combines the characteristics of both a combustion-engine car and an EV, which means it needs extra caution on both fronts at once. Rope towing is risky for hybrids: it can damage several expensive powertrain components at once. A flatbed remains the only genuinely safe way to transport any type of hybrid, regardless of make or model.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a hybrid be jump-started from a regular booster if the 12V battery dies?
Yes, most hybrids have a separate standard 12V battery for starting the onboard systems, and it can be jump-started the usual way. This is different from the high-voltage traction battery.
Does towing a PHEV differ from a regular full hybrid?
The transport principles are the same: a flatbed, no load on the wheels. A PHEV's battery is usually larger, making careful loading even more important, but the towing procedure itself isn't fundamentally different.
Can a hybrid drive at all without the combustion engine running if the electric motor fails?
For most HEVs and mild hybrids, no, since the electric motor serves as an auxiliary rather than primary power source. For a PHEV, a short distance on electric power alone might be theoretically possible, but it depends on the specific fault.
Do hybrid cars need a low-bed platform?
Not all of them. Most production hybrids have standard ground clearance. A low-bed platform matters only for select sports or lowered models, just as with regular cars.
How do I know if a fault is in the hybrid system specifically, rather than the regular engine?
An accurate diagnosis requires specialized shop equipment. It's hard to pinpoint the source of the problem at the breakdown scene, so it's safer to call a tow truck right away rather than try to self-diagnose.
Is repairing a hybrid powertrain more expensive than a regular engine?
Usually yes. Repairing hybrid system components (battery, inverter, electric motor) tends to cost more than classic combustion engine repair, which makes careful towing especially worthwhile financially.