Can You Tow A Caravan With An Electric Car? EV Caravan Questions Answered

Electric cars are becoming more popular. In 2022, 14% of all new cars sold were electric vehicles, contributing to more than 26 million EVs on the road.

So what does this mean for caravan owners? Towing a caravan requires a decent amount of power, so can electric cars go the distance?

Here, we’ll answer all your questions about EVs and caravans.

Can you tow a caravan with an electric car?

Yes, many electric cars are suitable for towing a caravan. Unlike fuel-powered vehicles, EVs can reach full power instantly, which means they can tow other vehicles with ease. They also offer a smoother, quieter ride, even when towing another vehicle.

However, the flipside is that towing a heavy vehicle like a caravan will impact your battery range. This is also the case with fuel-powered cars; towing a caravan reduces your fuel economy, meaning fewer miles per gallon.

But with EVs, you’re more limited in terms of where you can charge your car. You’ll need to plan any towing journeys carefully to make sure you don’t run out of range.

In addition, towing a caravan with an EV can put pressure on your brakes and suspension, potentially leading to greater wear and tear.

Not all electric cars are suitable or approved for towing. So it’s important to understand the capabilities of your car before you hitch your caravan.

Can you tow a caravan with a Tesla?

Yes. Certain Teslas have been issued with a maximum towing capacity, making them suitable for towing. See Tesla towing capacities in the table below:

Tesla model	Max towing capacity
Tesla Model Y	1,600kg
Tesla Model S	1,600kg
Tesla Model X	1,588 to 2,300kg, depending on wheel size
Tesla Model 3	Not supported for towing

Tesla offers a towing package for supported vehicles to ensure safe towing.

Which electric cars have the highest towing capacity?

The following electric cars have some of the highest towing capacities, making them suitable for towing many larger caravans:

Electric car	Max towing capacity
BMW iX	2,500kg
Tesla Model X (Wheel/rim size: 275/45R20 110 V/Y)	2,300kg
Polestar 3	2,200kg
Genesis GV70	1,800kg
Volvo XC40 AWD	1,800kg
Mercedes-Benz EQA 300/350 4Matic	1,800kg

Find out more about vehicle weight and towing in our guide to caravan rules and regulations.

How far can an electric car tow a caravan?

The distance you’ll get with your electric car depends on several factors:

• The towed vehicle weight — Heavier caravans will reduce the range more than lighter towed objects.
• The weight of your car — Cars that weigh more often have a higher towing capacity, but will also reduce your range.
• Your planned route — You’ll get more range when driving on the motorway than if you’re travelling uphill or on rural roads.
• Your car’s standard range — Your maximum range will determine how far you can travel.

It’s inevitable that towing a caravan will reduce your range. So plan your journey carefully to make sure you can charge en route.

Can you get an electric car with a towbar?

Yes. Many electric cars that are approved for towing are available with a tow hitch as an add-on.

Can you put a towbar on an electric car?

It’s best to get a towbar direct from the manufacturer. This will ensure your towbar is appropriate for your EV, and can handle the weight of your towed vehicle.

If you decide to fit your own towbar, check your owner’s manual to ensure you get a towbar with the right spec. This is essential for safe towing. Learn more about improving caravan and motorhome safety.

Can you tow a caravan with a hybrid car?

Yes. There are currently more safe towing hybrid car options than all-electric vehicles, so this could be an option if you can’t find an EV that suits your needs, but you’re still keen to take on a low-emissions vehicle for towing your caravan.

These hybrid cars have some of the highest towing capacities:

Hybrid car	Max towing capacity
Audi Q7 TFSIe	2,700kg
Volvo XC90 T8 Recharge	2,700kg
Volvo V60 Twin Engine	1,800kg
Mercedes C350e	1,600kg
Volkswagen Passat GTE	1,600kg

Can you get an electric motorhome or campervan?

If you’re not keen on towing a caravan, you might prefer to invest in an electric motorhome or campervan.

Unfortunately, electric motorhomes aren’t currently available. But there are a couple of options for those looking for an electric campervan:

• Volkswagen ID. Buzz — The all-electric version of the classic VW campervan, the ID. Buzz is great for those who want to pair retro style with modern driving tech.
• Toyota Proace Eco REVOLUTION — This modular campervan comes with a long-lasting leisure battery along with its all-electric motor, giving you everything you need for a comfortable camping experience.

As electric vehicles grow in popularity, it’s likely that manufacturers will start to produce more electric campervans and motorhomes.

Should you switch to an EV for towing your caravan?

If you’re thinking about exchanging your petrol or diesel car for an electric vehicle, there are several options available that are approved for towing heavy loads, including caravans. Tesla, Polestar, BMW, and other well-known manufacturers have all created all-electric cars that are suitable for towing.

Whether now is the right time for you to switch is up to you. EVs may become cheaper and more accessible as more of them are seen on the roads, leading to greater variety.

In addition, as manufacturers strive to make them more competitive compared with fuel-powered cars, battery ranges are likely to become longer, meaning you can get more distance from each charge.

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