Towing is one area where EVs have historically lagged behind petrol and diesel cars. But the situation is improving. Here's what you need to know about towing with an electric car.
Can EVs Tow?
Yes, many can. But there are important considerations:
EVs Suitable for Towing
Higher Towing Capacities
| EV | Towing Capacity | Range (No Trailer) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model X | 2,250kg | 348 miles | Strong tow capacity |
| BMW iX | 2,500kg | 324 miles | Excellent for towing |
| Mercedes EQE SUV | 1,800kg | 340 miles | Good all-rounder |
| Audi e-tron | 1,800kg | 280 miles | Established tow vehicle |
| Kia EV9 | 2,500kg | 336 miles | Family tow vehicle |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 1,600kg | 315 miles | Popular choice |
| Tesla Model Y | 1,600kg | 331 miles | Common tow vehicle |
| VW ID.4/ID.5 | 1,200kg | 320 miles | Light towing only |
Lower/No Towing Capacity
| EV | Towing Capacity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | 910kg | Light trailers only |
| MG4 | Not rated | No towing |
| Nissan Leaf | Not rated | No towing |
| Vauxhall Corsa Electric | Not rated | No towing |
| Mini Electric | Not rated | No towing |
How Towing Affects Range
The Big Impact
Expect 40–60% reduction in range when towing a caravan.
| Scenario | Range Without Towing | Range With Caravan |
|---|---|---|
| 300-mile EV | 300 miles | 120–180 miles |
| 250-mile EV | 250 miles | 100–150 miles |
| 400-mile EV | 400 miles | 160–240 miles |
Why Range Drops So Much
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Weight | Pulling 1,000–2,000kg+ |
| Aerodynamic drag | Caravan is a massive wind block |
| Rolling resistance | More tyres, more friction |
| Speed | Motorway speeds compound all factors |
Real-World Examples
Tesla Model X towing a caravan:
Kia EV9 towing:
Practical Considerations
Journey Planning
Towing with an EV requires more planning:
Charging With a Caravan Attached
Options:
Challenges:
Campsite Charging
Many campsites offer:
Charging from hookup:
Range Management Tips
Before Your Trip
On the Road
| Strategy | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Reduce speed (50–55mph) | Significant range gain |
| Use Eco mode | Maximises efficiency |
| Avoid steep gradients if possible | Hills drain range |
| Charge at destination | Use downtime productively |
| Charge little and often | Stay in efficient battery range |
Speed Matters
Approximate range at different speeds (while towing):
| Speed | Range Impact |
|---|---|
| 50mph | Best range |
| 55mph | -5–10% |
| 60mph | -15–20% |
| 65mph | -25–30% |
| 70mph | -35–40% |
Towing at 55mph instead of 65mph can add 30+ miles of range.
EVs vs Traditional Vehicles for Towing
EV Advantages
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Instant torque | Pulls away smoothly with load |
| Low centre of gravity | Stable towing platform |
| Quiet operation | Pleasant driving experience |
| No gear hunting | Smooth power delivery |
EV Disadvantages
| Disadvantage | Impact |
|---|---|
| Range reduction | More stops needed |
| Charging time | Longer overall journey |
| Charger access | Difficult with trailer attached |
| Limited towing EVs | Fewer options than diesel |
Total Journey Time Comparison
Example: 250-mile towing trip
| Vehicle | Stops | Time Per Stop | Total Journey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel | 0–1 | 10 mins (if any) | ~5 hours |
| EV (no towing) | 1 | 20 mins | ~5 hours |
| EV (towing) | 2–3 | 30 mins each | ~6.5 hours |
Reality check: EV towing adds time. For very long trips, this is significant.
Best EVs for Caravanning
Top Recommendations
For regular caravanning:
For occasional towing:
For light trailers only:
What to Look For
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Towing capacity | Can you tow your caravan? |
| Battery size | Larger = more range when towing |
| Fast charging speed | Minimises stop time |
| Heat pump | Better efficiency, especially cold weather |
The Future of EV Towing
Improving Rapidly
Coming improvements:
Electric Pickup Trucks
| Vehicle | Towing Capacity | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 4,500kg | Not yet UK |
| Rivian R1T | 5,000kg | Coming to UK |
| Tesla Cybertruck | 4,500kg | Future UK |
| RAM 1500 REV | 6,350kg | Future |
When these arrive: EV towing will rival diesel capability.
Is an EV Right for Towing?
Good Match If:
Challenging If:
Honest Assessment
For regular caravanners: Diesel or plug-in hybrid still makes sense for many people. The range reduction and charging complexity are real trade-offs.
For occasional towers: An EV can work well with planning. The quiet, torquey towing experience is genuinely pleasant.
Future outlook: In 3–5 years, with larger batteries and better infrastructure, EV towing will be much more practical.
Summary
| Factor | Current State |
|---|---|
| Can EVs tow? | Yes, many models |
| Range when towing | 40–60% reduction |
| Charging with trailer | Challenging, requires planning |
| Best current EVs | Kia EV9, BMW iX, Tesla Model X |
| Future outlook | Rapidly improving |
The Bottom Line
EVs can tow caravans, but it requires more planning than a diesel. If you're an occasional tower who doesn't mind adding charging stops, it works. If you're a regular long-distance caravanner, consider whether the current limitations fit your needs — or wait a few years for the technology to improve further.
The experience of towing with instant torque and a quiet cabin is excellent. The range reduction and charging logistics are the compromises you make for it.