Can You Tow With An Electric Car?
Electric vehicles are known to be extremely powerful cars, with instant torque from a standstill. However, despite their power, not all electric cars are capable of towing.
If you are unsure what the rules are when it comes to towing with electric cars, or if your current electric vehicle is suitable for towing, this blog will provide you with the information you need to buy the right towing accessories for your lifestyle.
This blog will cover the following:
- Can all electric cars tow?
- What are the rules for towing with an electric car?
- Best electric cars for towing
- Towing rules for electric cars
- What can you tow with an electric car?
- Which towbars can I use on my electric car?
Can all electric cars tow?
The short answer is no. Towing is not something that the majority of electric cars are designed to do.
There are a few reasons why many electric cars can't tow and struggle to tow heavier loads:
Electric motors: While offering instant torque, electric motors generally have lower continuous power output compared to traditional combustion engines. This can lead to struggles maintaining speed and uphill climbs while towing, especially heavier loads.
Battery drain: Towing significantly increases energy consumption due to the added weight. This can drastically reduce the electric car's range and make long journeys impractical.
Brakes and suspension: Most electric cars are not designed for the additional stress of towing. Regular brakes and suspension systems may not handle the increased weight and stopping power required for safe towing.
Unintended regenerative braking: Some regenerative braking systems can malfunction when towing, potentially causing damage to the battery or even accidents.
However, the good news is that there are some electric car models that are approved for towing, which can be fitted with a towbar for your next adventure.
Best electric cars for towing
The idea of gliding through the countryside in near silence with a caravan in tow sounds like the makings of a very relaxing holiday. Whilst some electric cars aren't made with towing in mind, there are plenty of electric cars that are. But which electric cars can do the job? Here is a list of some electric car models that have been type-approved to tow.
- BMW iX
- Tesla Model X
- BMW i7
- Genesis Electrified GV70
- Audi Q8 E-tron
- Mercedes EQS SUV
- Mercedes-Benz EQC
- Mercedes-Benz EQA
Find a towbar for your electric car now.
What are the rules for towing with an electric car?
The core rules for general towing safety are mostly the same whether you're using an electric, petrol, or diesel car.
Drivers must:
- Have a full driver's licence
- Not exceed the manufacturer's specified towing capacity for your vehicle.
- Ensure trailers exceeding a certain weight have their own independent braking system.
- Use a properly installed and maintained towbar approved for your car model.
- All trailer lights and indicators must function correctly and be visible.
- Weight should be distributed evenly in the trailer for stability
- Proper tire pressure must be maintained on both car and trailer.
- Wide-angle mirrors must be used if the trailer obscures rear view visibility.
- Drivers must stick to reduced speed limits when towing.
- Drivers should avoid sudden manoeuvres.
What can you tow with an electric car?
What you can tow depends on the maximum towing limit of your electric vehicle, which can be confirmed by your vehicle's manufacturer. As long as your electric vehicle has been type approved to tow, and what you're towing does not go over the towing weight of the vehicle, you can pretty much tow anything!
If you're wondering what exactly to tow behind your vehicle, here are a few options:
- A-Frames
- Two-wheeled dollies
- Trailers
- Caravans
A-Frames
A-frames can be used for a variety of different things, including the transportation of other vehicles and heavy loads.
Two-wheeled Dollies
Two-wheeled dollies are handy for towing other cars that have broken down or are unable to drive. With this type of dolly, one set of the car's tires, front or rear, is on the ground, while the other end is suspended on the dolly.
Can an electric car tow a trailer?
As long as your trailers contents does not go over the towing capacity of your electric vehicle, you can use a trailer to lug almost anything! However, you may need a trailer with a braking system if it is over 750kg when fully loaded.
Can an electric car tow a caravan?
Yes, some electric cars can tow a caravan. However, due to the lower power outputs of electric cars, they may be less capable of hauling heavy loads compared to petrol or diesel vehicles. Therefore, it is important to check your car's specifications before attempting to tow with an electric car.
Generally, electric cars can tow up to 1,000 kg of weight. This is unlikely to be enough for larger caravans and heavier loads but should be sufficient for smaller trailers or boats. It is important to also check the battery life of your electric car before attempting a long-distance journey with a caravan in tow.
If you have any doubts about the viability of using an electric car for towing, it is best to consult with a professional who will be able to advise you on whether it is suitable for your vehicle and intended purpose. Additionally, make sure that your electric car has been fitted with the necessary towbar and hitch attachments before attempting any type of towing.
It is important to be aware of the limitations that this type of vehicle has in terms of power and battery life. Make sure to get professional advice before attempting any caravan towing with an electric car and ensure that all necessary attachments have been fitted. With appropriate care and attention, an electric car can handle most caravan towing journeys safely and effectively.
How far can an electric car tow a caravan?
The maximum distance an electric car can safely tow a caravan will depend on the model and make of the vehicle. Some manufacturers recommend keeping the journey within around 50 miles as some models may be more at risk of battery drain due to increased weight when towing a caravan. Always refer to your manufacturer's guidelines for exact information.
The distance an electric car can tow a caravan depends on several factors including battery size, motor output and the weight of the load being towed. Most manufacturers list the exact specifications for their models in the owner's manual.
As a general rule of thumb, most electric cars should be able to pull around 1 tonne (1000kg) with ease over long distances and up to 2 tonnes (2000kg) over shorter distances.
Which towbars can I use on my electric car?
We sell a range of Towbars that are suitable for use on electric cars. Our range of towbars differ in look and versatility and the range consists of the following:
Fixed Flange: This towbar is permanently attached and is ideal for serious towing, including caravans and boats.
Detachable Flange: This towbar is just as robust as the fixed flange, but the detachable flange comes with the added benefit of being removable. Which is perfect for if you want to keep the original aesthetic of your electric car.
Fixed Swan Neck: This towbar has a sleeker design than the flange, but does the same job.
Detachable Swan Neck: This towbar has the same visuals as the fixed swan, but is also detachable, helping you keep the original look of the car.
Retractable Towbar: This towbar is permanently attached, but is ideal for owners of electric cars that want to keep the cars original visuals. This towbar can be folded away out of sight, and used when you need it.
Check out our range of towbars now and see what works for your electric car.
So, if you're all ready to get your electric car on the road, it's time to explore! As long as everything is carefully loaded, and is secure in place, you should have no problem
Find a towbar for your electric car now.
Which towbars can I use on my electric car?
We sell a range of Towbars that are suitable for use on electric cars. Our range of towbars differ in look and versatility and the range consists of the following:
Fixed Flange: This towbar is permanently attached and is ideal for serious towing, including caravans and boats.
Detachable Flange: This towbar is just as robust as the fixed flange, but the detachable flange comes with the added benefit of being removable. Which is perfect for if you want to keep the original aesthetic of your electric car.
Fixed Swan Neck: This towbar has a sleeker design than the flange, but does the same job.
Detachable Swan Neck: This towbar has the same visuals as the fixed swan, but is also detachable, helping you keep the original look of the car.
Retractable Towbar: This towbar is permanently attached, but is ideal for owners of electric cars that want to keep the cars original visuals. This towbar can be folded away out of sight, and used when you need it.
Check out our range of towbars now and see what works for your electric car.
So, if you're all ready to get your electric car on the road, it's time to explore! As long as everything is carefully loaded, and is secure in place, you should have no problem!
