Electric cars are lauded for their impressive performance and torque. Then, it’s no surprise that many electric car owners are curious about whether they can tow a caravan like their non-electric counterparts. So, can electric cars tow a caravan, and if so, what are the best ones?
This article will take you through the various electric cars capable of towing a caravan. I will also discuss the factors you should consider before using your vehicle for towing, the impact towing may have on your electric car and the various towing capacities for different electric vehicles.
Can Electric Cars Be Used for Towing?
What Factors Affect Your Electric Car’s Towing Capacity?
Your electric vehicle’s towing capacity will depend on its maximum weight limit, the type of battery pack fitted, and its electric motor’s efficiency. To effectively tow a caravan, your vehicle must have a stronger engine and higher-capacity battery.
While electric cars are heavier than their non-electric counterparts and boast impressive performance, towing a caravan puts tremendous strain on your car’s braking system and range on a single charge.
On a similar note, I also wrote a related article about Tesla Towing. Here I explain the exact RV towing procedures. Check it out!
Suppose your electric vehicle has a range of about 250 miles (402.33 km) on a single charge. Towing a caravan will shorten this range.
Therefore, I recommend the considering following factors before using your vehicle to tow a caravan:
Maximum Towing Weight
It is crucial to determine the top weight limit for your vehicle for both a braked and unbraked trailer.
Typically, the vehicle’s manufacturer has this information on their website. If you can’t find the maximum weight limit, it’s likely that your electric car isn’t suitable for towing a trailer or caravan.
Battery Pack
The weight and number of cells in your car’s lithium-ion battery pack will influence its maximum towing capacity. If the battery pack is already heavy, adding additional weight (i.e., a caravan) may introduce too much strain on your car’s components. Some battery packs can weigh as much as 900 pounds.
Can electric cars have tow bars? I compared the maximum towing capacities and extra costs in this detailed and helpful article that I wrote. Check it out! Electric car towing capacities can vary significantly between models, making it essential for potential buyers to do their research. Many electric vehicles are surprisingly capable when it comes to towing, and understanding the specifics can help you choose the right one for your needs. Be sure to consider both the weight of the trailer and the vehicle’s battery range when planning your adventures.
Motor
Using your electric car to tow a caravan can also place too much strain on your car’s powertrain. Towing a caravan up a hill will most likely overwhelm its electrical system.
This is because, unlike conventional combustion engines, your car’s electric powertrain converts kinetic energy into electric charge for its batteries once you release the accelerator pedal.
Essentially, your vehicle’s motor doubles as a generator once you release the acceleration. This causes your car to slow down, which can be problematic on a steep slope, hill, or incline.
Range
The added strain on your vehicle’s components from towing may significantly reduce its range. As evident from this video, placing as much as 4,500 pounds (2,041.16 kg) on most cars may compromise the range to a significant extent:
What Are the Best Electric Cars for Towing?
| Vehicle Model | Towing Capacity | |
| 1 | Tesla Model X | 2,270 kilograms (5,000 lbs) |
| 2 | Audi E-Tron | 1,800 kilograms (4,000 lbs) |
| 3 | Mercedes EQC | 1,800 kilograms (4,000 lbs) |
| 4 | Tesla Model 3 | 910 kilograms (2,000 lbs) |
| 5 | Polestar 2 | 1,500 kilograms (3,300 lbs) |
| 6 | Volkswagen ID4 | 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lbs) |
| 7 | Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lbs) |
| 8 | Kia EV6 | 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lbs) |
| 9 | Tesla Model Y | 3,500 lbs (1,587 kgs) |
| 10 | Tesla Cybertruck | 14,000 pounds (6,350 kgs) |
1. Tesla Model X
Although different electric vehicles can tow a caravan when you consider the weight limit and range, only the Tesla Model X SUV is officially approved for towing a trailer. Not only does this car boast a maximum towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs (2,267.96 kg), but it also has a trailer mode.
This trailer mode will disable most of your vehicle’s assistive features while also activating the Trailer Sway Mitigation feature, optimizing your car’s automatic braking and preventing dangerous swaying when towing a caravan.
Therefore, this is the best option in the market if you want an electric car capable of towing a caravan. With its impressive towing capacity, it effortlessly combines functionality with eco-friendliness. For those seeking more information on making the switch to electric vehicles, the ultimate guide to electric cars is an invaluable resource that covers everything from charging options to model comparisons. Embracing this technology not only benefits the environment but also enhances your travel experience with efficiency and style. Additionally, selecting the best tires for electric cars can significantly improve performance and range, ensuring a smooth drive. It’s essential to consider tires designed specifically for electric vehicles, as they often provide better grip and lower rolling resistance. By investing in quality tires, you can maximize your electric car’s potential while enjoying the benefits of eco-friendly travel.
However, the Tesla Model X SUV starts at just under $90,000. So, it’s one of the most expensive electric cars in the market and may be out of most buyers’ price range.
If this car is a little too pricey for you, there’s no need to worry. Other alternatives to electric vehicles can tow a caravan with minimal impact on your vehicle’s components.
2. Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model 3 has a towing capacity of approximately 2,000 pounds (907.18 kg). While this is on the lower side, it’s sufficient to tow a smaller caravan.
The Model 3 comes with a tow hitch in Europe, but it’s important to note that neither Model X nor Model Y are rated for heavier loads.
Although Model 3 has been proven to tow, it’s not approved for towing in the United States. While there have been suggestions that Tesla may finally unveil a tow hitch for the electric vehicle in the United States, this is yet to become a reality.
3. Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds (1,587.57 kg). This model has a tow package option, which features a two-inch hitch retriever and a high-strength tow bar. It also comes with a trailer harness and a standard connector at an additional fee.
Model Y’s instant torque makes it more suited for towing than its gasoline-powered counterparts. However, this comes at an efficiency cost, just like any other vehicle. Typically, towing a caravan can cut your vehicle’s range by half. So, take that into consideration when making travel plans.
4. Tesla Cybertruck
The Tesla Cybertruck is set to be released sometime in 2022. Because the release was initially planned for 2019, we don’t know when exactly the company will roll out the new vehicle. However, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk announced that owners of this pickup truck will be able to attach a camper to their truck.
With an expected towing capacity of over 14,000 pounds (6,350.29), this electric pickup truck will provide one of the most powerful and ideal options to pull a caravan once it hits the market.
5. Mercedes EQC
The Mercedes EQC has a towing capacity of up to 1800 kilograms or approximately 4,000 pounds. Although this model is the manufacturer’s first dig at the electric car market, it’s definitely a competitive player in this space.
It doesn’t score high on efficiency benchmarks compared to the Tesla Model X, but it has been rated as a more efficient option than other alternatives such as the Jaguar I-Pace and the Audi E-Tron, which have lower towing capacities.
6. Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 has a towing capacity of 3,300 pounds (1,496.85 kg). By virtue of its quick acceleration and torque, this vehicle can easily pull a six-berth caravan. It has an optional semi-electric towbar which you can purchase online to hitch your caravan.
7. Audi E-Tron
The Audi-E-Tron has a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds (1,814.36 kg). However, this vehicle is suitable for shorter distances and isn’t practical for long ranges. It can easily tow your average fishing boat or ski boat with minimal difficulties with this towing capacity.
This model can also easily fit the two most small caravans at or below 4,000 lbs (1,814.36 kg).
8. Volkswagen ID4 IV
This electric vehicle has a 1,200 kilograms (2,700 lbs) towing capacity. It features a factory-installed tow hitch, allowing you to tow a braked trailer weighing up to 2700 pounds (1,224.69 kg).
With this towing capacity, this vehicle can also tow a light trailer, two kayaks, or a light boat, making it one of the best options available in the market for towing.
9. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a 3,500 lbs to 3,700 lbs (1,587.57 to 1,678.29 kg) towing capacity rating. It’s a heavy unit due to its battery pack, weighing just under 2 tonnes. This enhances its stability, particularly when navigating corners.
Only the 73kWh model can tow a caravan, primarily because it has a much longer range when compared to the 58kWh model. The US variant has 2,000 lbs (907 kilograms) towing capacity.
10. Kia EV6
Boasting a towing capacity of 1,600 kilograms (3,500 lbs), the Kia flagship electric car with the 77.4kWh battery is also one of the best towing electric cars on the market. This towing rating is, however, for EU/UK variants.
Like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 models in the United States have a towing capacity of 1,000 kilograms (2,300 lbs), which is significantly lower than the EU and UK variants. Nevertheless, this car can easily tow a small caravan over shorter distances.
