Can You Tow with an Electric Car in the UK?

Summary

• Many electric cars can tow, but not all — tow ratings range from 0 kg to 2,500 kg depending on the model, with some EVs explicitly rated as non-towable.
• Towing significantly reduces EV range, typically by 30–50%, because the extra weight and aerodynamic drag increase energy consumption dramatically.
• The best EVs for towing in the UK combine high tow ratings with large batteries — models like the Tesla Model X, BMW iX, and Kia EV9 are among the top choices.

Can you tow with an electric car? The answer is yes — but with important caveats. Not every EV has a tow rating, and those that do see a significant drop in range when towing. Here is what you need to know before hitching up a trailer or caravan to an electric car.

Which EVs Can Tow?

Not all electric cars are approved for towing. You must check the manufacturer's tow rating before attaching anything. Here are some popular EVs and their braked tow capacities:

Model	Braked Tow Rating	Battery Size
Tesla Model X	2,250 kg	100 kWh
BMW iX xDrive50	2,500 kg	105 kWh
Kia EV9	2,500 kg	100 kWh
Mercedes EQE SUV	1,800 kg	91 kWh
Hyundai Ioniq 5	1,600 kg	77 kWh
Tesla Model Y	1,600 kg	75 kWh
Volkswagen ID.4	1,000 kg	77 kWh

Many smaller EVs like the Nissan Leaf, Renault Zoe, and Fiat 500e have no tow rating at all. Towing with these vehicles would void your warranty and insurance.

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How Towing Affects EV Range

This is the big question. Towing dramatically increases energy consumption. Expect your range to drop by 30–50% depending on the weight of the trailer and driving conditions.

• Light trailer (500 kg): Range reduction of 25–35%.
• Medium caravan (1,200 kg): Range reduction of 35–45%.
• Heavy caravan (1,800+ kg): Range reduction of 40–55%.

A car with a normal range of 300 miles might only manage 150–180 miles when towing a medium caravan. This means more frequent charging stops on long journeys.

Plan your towing route carefully. Identify rapid chargers along the way and allow extra time for more frequent stops. Not all charging stations are accessible with a trailer attached.

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Practical Challenges Of Towing With An EV

Beyond range, there are some practical issues to consider:

1. Charging with a trailer: Many charge point car parks are not designed for vehicles with trailers. You may need to unhitch to charge.
2. Route planning: Not all rapid chargers are on sites with enough space for a car-and-caravan combination.
3. Speed limits: Vehicles towing are limited to 50 mph on single carriageways and 60 mph on motorways and dual carriageways.
4. Weight calculations: You must account for the trailer's total weight including contents, not just the empty trailer weight.
5. Towbar fitting: Ensure you use a manufacturer-approved towbar. Aftermarket fittings may not be compatible with all EV systems.

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Benefits Of Towing With An EV

It is not all challenges. EVs actually have some advantages for towing:

• Instant torque: Electric motors deliver maximum pulling power from standstill, making towing feel effortless.
• Smooth power delivery: No gear changes mean smoother acceleration with a heavy load.
• Regenerative braking: Helps control speed on downhill stretches and recovers some energy.
• Low centre of gravity: Battery placement gives EVs excellent stability when towing.
• Quiet: Electric towing is remarkably quiet compared to a diesel tow vehicle.

Many caravan and trailer owners who switch to EVs report that the towing experience itself is superior. The main limitation is range, not capability.

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Best EVs For Towing In The UK

If towing is important, choose an EV with a high tow rating and a large battery. The best current options include:

• BMW iX xDrive50: 2,500 kg tow rating, 105 kWh battery, 380 miles range (untowed).
• Kia EV9: 2,500 kg tow rating, 100 kWh battery, excellent value.
• Tesla Model X: 2,250 kg tow rating, 100 kWh battery, access to Tesla Supercharger network.
• Hyundai Ioniq 5: 1,600 kg tow rating, fast 800V charging architecture for quick top-ups.
• Mercedes EQE SUV: 1,800 kg tow rating, luxury cabin for long towing trips.

Before buying any used EV for towing, always run a car history check and verify the tow rating in the V5C logbook.

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Key Tips For Towing With An Electric Car

• Plan charging stops. Use Zap-Map to find chargers with enough space for a car and trailer.
• Check your tow rating. Never exceed the manufacturer's maximum braked towing weight.
• Monitor your range. Keep a close eye on remaining range and plan conservatively.
• Drive smoothly. Gentle acceleration and braking maximise range when towing.
• Charge before you hitch. Start with a full battery to maximise your towing range.

EV towing is practical and improving rapidly as batteries get bigger and charging networks expand. More manufacturers are adding tow ratings to their electric models every year, giving UK drivers an ever-growing range of capable towing EVs to choose from. For a full comparison of running costs, see our guide on electric car running costs vs petrol.

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