While the performance of electric powertrains is ideally suited to towing, it’s worth nothing that towing with an EV will drastically affect battery range. Moreover, stopping to charge an electric car with a caravan attached isn’t exactly an easy task at most charging spots.
If your use case for a tow car is going on regular long-distance caravan holidays it’s likely that sticking with a diesel or petrol tow car might be more convenient. The reduction in range and difficulty fitting into public charging bays with a trailer attached could make like with an EV difficult. If you typically tow for shorter distances, however, an electric car could be ideal.
Which electric cars can tow the heaviest trailers?
While the phenomenon hasn’t quite reached the UK yet, some seriously impressive electric tow cars are already available in the US, a market with an appetite for large, powerful pick-up trucks.
The Rivian R1T, for example, can haul 4,989kg, while the Ford F-150 Lightning can managed 10,000lbs – or around 4,535kg.
While some of these cars may make it to the UK in due course, not all of us would be allowed to make full use of those capacities: drivers with a standard licence can only tow a maximum of 3,500kg, although those who passed before 1 January 1997 are allowed a combined maximum weight (car and trailer) of 8,250kg.
Can plug-in hybrids tow?
According to the Caravan and Motorhome Club, hybrid cars are the best choice for anyone who wants to use an alternative-fuel vehicle for towing a caravan.
Hybrids have a great combination of performance and economy when towing – and refuelling on the go is a little easier if you’re caught short.
In fact, there are several plug-in hybrid vehicles certified for towing, including the Land Rover Defender P400e, Toyota RAV4, Lexus NX 450h+ and BMW X5 xDrive50e
The Defender is as brawny as you would hope, with a 3,000kg braked rating. That’s down 500kg from the diesel equivalent, but still more than any electric car available in the UK. The X5 gets close with its 2,700kg rating.
The Toyota RAV4 isn’t intended as a working vehicle but can still hold its own, with a braked limit of 1,500kg – the same as its Lexus NX sibling.
Lots of miles to cover? These are the longest range electric cars on sale…
