Can You Tow with an Electric Car? Everything You Need to Know
The electric car landscape is transforming rapidly, and 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for EV enthusiasts. From affordable city cars to luxury SUVs, manufacturers are preparing to launch some of their most innovative and exciting models yet.
What makes this new wave of electric vehicles particularly interesting is the growing diversity in price points, vehicle types, and ever-improving charging infrastructure, finally making sustainable driving accessible to a wider range of buyers.
Let’s explore the top 10 most anticipated electric cars our customers are looking forward to the most.
The shift to electric vehicles (EVs) is accelerating, and with it comes an important question: "Can electric cars tow?" While some might assume EVs lack the power for towing, many electric vehicles are actually ideal for the job, thanks to their instant torque delivery.
From caravans to trailers, modern EVs can often match or exceed the towing capabilities of petrol and diesel vehicles - when properly equipped. Let's explore everything you need to know about towing with an electric car.
What is Towing Capacity and How is it Calculated?
Before diving into electric vehicles specifically, it's important to understand towing capacity and how it's measured. There are two key types of towing capacity you'll encounter:
Braked Towing Capacity: This refers to the maximum weight your car can tow when the trailer has its own braking system. For example, the BMW iX can tow up to 2,500kg with a braked trailer.
Unbraked Towing Capacity: This is the maximum weight your car can safely tow when the trailer doesn't have its own brakes. This is typically much lower than the braked capacity, often around 750kg.
Manufacturers determine these capacities based on several factors:
Vehicle's own weight and structural strength
Power and torque output
Braking system capabilities
Suspension design
Battery and electrical system capacity (for EVs)
For safety reasons, experts recommend staying within 85% of the maximum towing capacity, especially if you're new to towing. This provides an extra margin of safety and makes the vehicle easier to handle.
The Basics of EV Towing
Electric vehicles have several unique characteristics that make them particularly well-suited for towing:
Instant Torque Delivery: Unlike petrol or diesel engines that need to build up revs, electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly. This means better control and smoother starts when pulling heavy loads, especially on hills or in challenging conditions.
Weight Distribution: EVs typically have their heaviest component – the battery pack – mounted low in the chassis. This lower center of gravity can provide better stability when towing, helping to reduce sway and improve handling.
Regenerative Braking: Electric vehicles use regenerative braking to recapture energy when slowing down. While towing does affect this system, it can still help maintain controlled deceleration with a trailer, working alongside the conventional brakes.
However, it's important to understand that not all electric vehicles are certified for towing.
Manufacturers must specifically design and test their EVs for this purpose, ensuring the electrical systems can handle the additional strain of pulling a heavy load.
Can Electric Cars Really Tow?
Yes, electric cars can definitely tow - but not all of them are designed or approved for this purpose. The key is to check whether your specific EV is "type-approved" for towing.
This means it has undergone testing to ensure its braking system, suspension, and electrical components can safely handle the additional load.
Several modern EVs offer impressive towing capabilities. Here are some standout examples:
BMW iX: Up to 2,500kg
Polestar 3: Up to 2,200kg
Tesla Model Y: Up to 1,600kg
Hyundai Ioniq 5: Up to 1,600kg
When considering real-world towing with an EV, keep in mind that while your car may be capable, towing will significantly impact your range. Most drivers report their towing range is reduced by 30-50%, depending on factors like load weight, terrain, and driving style.
This doesn't mean EVs aren't suitable for towing - it just means you'll need to plan your charging stops more carefully on longer journeys.
It's also worth noting that some EVs that could technically handle towing aren't certified to do so.
This is often a business decision by manufacturers who want to focus on maximising range figures rather than towing capabilities. However, as EV technology continues to advance and demand grows, we're seeing more manufacturers certify their vehicles for towing.
Key Factors to Consider When Towing with an EV
When towing with an electric vehicle, there are several crucial factors that need your attention:
Impact on Range
The biggest consideration is how towing affects your vehicle's range and efficiency. Expect your normal range to decrease by 30-50% when towing, depending on:
Weight of your load
Aerodynamics of what you're towing
Driving speed
Weather conditions
Terrain type
Charging Considerations
When towing with an EV, charging requires extra planning as the infrastructure isn’t always good:
Many charging stations aren't designed for vehicles with trailers
You may need to unhitch to access some chargers
Look for pull-through charging stations on your route
Consider charging station layouts and space for maneuvering
Some service stations offer dedicated EV towing bays, but these are currently limited
Battery Management
Towing puts additional strain on your EV's battery system. The regenerative braking system may need to work differently when towing, and you'll need to:
Monitor battery temperature more closely
Plan charging stops more frequently
Allow for longer charging times due to higher energy consumption
Weight Distribution
Proper weight distribution is crucial for safe towing. With EVs:
The heavy battery pack provides good stability
Nose weight (the downward force on the towbar) must be within specified limits
Load distribution in your trailer or caravan needs careful attention
Power Delivery
While EVs offer instant torque, which is great for towing, you need to consider:
Power settings and driving modes that might affect towing performance
Temperature management of both motor and battery
Appropriate speed limits for towing (often lower than regular driving)
Top Electric Cars for Towing
When it comes to towing capability, several electric vehicles stand out from the crowd. Here are some of the best options currently available:
BMW iX M60
Towing capacity: 2,500kg
Range: 300 miles
Notable features: Premium SUV with exceptional performance
Starting price: £122,775 (from £734 per month with salary sacrifice*)
Kia EV9 GT-Line
Towing capacity: 2,500kg
Range: 265 miles
Notable features: Spacious 7-seater, ultra-fast charging
Starting price: £73,245 (from £439 per month with salary sacrifice*)
Tesla Model Y
Towing capacity: 1,600kg
Range: 331 miles
Notable features: Excellent cargo space, high ground clearance
Starting price: £44,990 (from £269 per month with salary sacrifice*)
Tesla Model 3
Towing capacity: 1,000kg
Range: 374 miles
Notable features: Efficient performance, minimalist design
Starting price: £42,990 (from £257 per month with salary sacrifice*)
Hyundai IONIQ 5
Towing capacity: 1,600kg
Range: 315 miles
Notable features: Award-winning design, 800V charging architecture
Starting price: £46,940 (from £281 per month with salary sacrifice*)
*Salary sacrifice savings calculated for a 40% taxpayer on a 48-month lease. Actual savings may vary based on your tax bracket and lease terms.
As EV technology continues to advance and more manufacturers focus on towing capabilities, we can expect to see even more options become available. Whether you're looking to tow a caravan, trailer, or boat, there's likely an electric vehicle that can handle the job.
Ready to explore electric vehicles with strong towing capabilities? Get a quote to see how much you could save with salary sacrifice, or contact our team for personalised advice on choosing the right EV for your needs.
Last updated 05.12.24
