Can Electric Cars Tow?

The question on many people’s lips: can electric cars tow? Electric cars are the perfect match for a busy lifestyle. Numerous models propelling you and the family over 200 miles on a single charge. Not to mention the amazing comfort, accompanied by bikes, bags and all the paraphernalia that modern life requires, without polluting! However, should you want to push that break to tour or move, how do electric cars measure up? After all, they have more power than most SUV’s so surely, they would be perfect. Right?

Well, No. Electric Cars Can’t Tow.

That’s at least if you want to go pure electric. But if you go the plug-in hybrid route there are a few options worthy of merit! Now, many of you may have heard that EV’s can tow. But then again, there is a huge difference between a few mountain bikes and a horsebox! Let’s explore the options!

The Audi e-Tron, Mercedes EQC and Tesla Model X are rated to tow around 2 tonnes. Which, in fairness, does sound very useable for a whole raft of caravans (and yes, they will tow them!). Touring will be very relaxing, but don’t expect any trips across the channel unless you have a few weeks. A Tesla, for example, will typically have its range reduced by 70% when towing. Plus, taking it off-road invalidates its warranty! What’s more, it’s probably the most capable of the current crop when it comes to towing! Fine for the odd tip trip with a trailer, but certainly not a reliable option. Go for a Jaguar I-PACE and it’s even worse; a few bikes or a very small trailer is your lot, and we’d advise against anything more than bikes.

However, before you despair and order the diesel, look at the plug-in hybrid market. These cars cover around 25 miles on pure electric, more than enough for the average commute! If your commute is longer then it will automatically switch over to petrol or diesel. Here, you will find cars that have pulled on the highways and lanes of Britain for years; Volvo, BMW and plenty of others, just in the plug-in hybrid form!

Which Cars Can Tow?

At the real premium end, you have the likes of the Range Rover Sport P400e and the Porsche Cayenne. These bad boys can pull the poshest caravans to St Tropez and beyond, and not look out of place. The Cayenne is rated to tow 3,500kg! You could also have a BMW X5 hybrid or Audi Q7. This would manage pretty much any 2 horse trailers and look the part at the livery yard. For lighter loads, the Volvo XC90 T8 or the Mitsubishi Outlander will also tow. Although, a pretty poor 1,500 kg from the Outlander. To be fair to it, that’s not bad for a car barely costing more than the diesel version. Remember though, fuel economy will plummet when you exhaust the batteries, and that will happen in 10 miles max if you’re towing!

So, All in All, What’s the Best Option for Towing?

Well if it’s local, then a plug-in hybrid could be perfect. But if you want to explore the coast and beyond, you will have to pollute on the commute and stick to diesel! At least for now, but watch this space!

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