Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing in popularity across the UK, but many drivers still wonder: can you tow with an electric vehicle? While EVs provide unique advantages, towing with them presents distinct challenges. This guide explores the ins and outs of electric vehicle towing in the UK and offers practical advice for getting the most out of your EV when hauling loads.
Advantages of Electric Vehicle Towing
- Instant Torque for Power: One of the key benefits of electric vehicle towing is the immediate torque that EVs offer. This means that electric cars can pull trailers, caravans, or other loads more efficiently from a standstill compared to traditional petrol or diesel vehicles. If you’re exploring options for electric vehicle leasing, these benefits are key to making EVs a great choice for towing.
- Quieter Towing Experience: EVs are known for their quiet operation, which makes long trips more comfortable and less fatiguing. The lack of engine noise can also reduce stress on longer journeys.
- Environmentally Friendly: Towing with an electric vehicle produces zero tailpipe emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice, particularly useful when travelling through clean air zones in cities like London. This aligns with eco-friendly electric car hire services, helping reduce your carbon footprint while towing.
Challenges of Electric Vehicle Towing
- Significant Range Reduction: Does towing reduce the range of an electric vehicle? Absolutely. Towing a load can drastically reduce your EV’s range. In some cases, the range can drop by up to 50%, which means you’ll need to plan your journey carefully, ensuring access to suitable charging stations along your route.
- Charging Infrastructure Limitations: UK charging stations are not always equipped to accommodate vehicles with trailers. In many cases, you may need to unhitch your caravan or trailer before charging, which can be inconvenient, especially in busy locations. If you’re using a car subscription service, it’s worth ensuring your plan includes EVs with sufficient range for your towing needs.
- Towing Capacity Limitations: Which electric vehicles are best for towing? Not all electric vehicles are approved for towing and even those that tend to have lower towing capacities compared to traditional cars. Popular models such as the Tesla Model X and Audi e-tron can tow up to 2,250kg, but many smaller electric cars are not suited for towing.
Top EVs for Towing in the UK
Here are some of the best electric vehicles for towing available in the UK:
- Tesla Model X: With a towing capacity of 2,250kg, the Model X is one of the top choices for electric vehicle towing. It also offers excellent range and a dedicated towing mode to adjust suspension and performance.
- Audi e-tron: The Audi e-tron can tow up to 1,800kg and is ideal for those seeking a luxury SUV that combines comfort and towing capability.
- Volvo XC40 Recharge: Offering a towing capacity of 1,500kg, the Volvo XC40 Recharge is perfect for smaller trailers and caravans.
Check out a wide range of electric vehicles available through vehicle rental services at AMT auto, equipped with towbars and available nationwide to help you with your journey.
Tips for Maximising Range While Towing
Since towing can significantly reduce your EV’s range, it’s important to adopt strategies that maximise efficiency. Here are some tips to extend your electric vehicle’s range while towing:
- Drive at Lower Speeds: Reducing your speed can lower wind resistance and energy consumption, helping you travel further without needing to recharge as often.
- Reduce Weight: Keep the trailer or caravan as light as possible by removing unnecessary items. Excess weight strains the battery, shortening your range.
- Use Regenerative Braking: Take advantage of regenerative braking, which helps recover energy when decelerating. This is particularly useful when driving downhill.
- Plan Charging Stops Strategically: Map your route with charging stations in mind, ensuring that you can charge without running your battery too.
Legal Considerations for Electric Vehicle Towing in the UK
When towing with an electric vehicle in the UK, there are legal requirements you need to be aware of:
- Driving Licence Requirements: Since 2021, UK drivers with a full car licence (category B) can tow trailers weighing up to 3,500kg without needing to pass an additional test, not sure? Find out more about UK Gov licence rules.
- Towing Capacity and Fines: It’s crucial to stay within your vehicle’s “maximum train weight,” which includes the weight of the vehicle, trailer, passengers, and cargo. Exceeding this limit could result in fines of up to £300.
- Towing Mirrors: If your trailer or caravan is wider than your electric vehicle, you are legally required to fit towing mirrors for better visibility. Failing to do so could result in fines of up to £1,000, find out more about towing mirror rules.
Best Charging Apps for Electric Vehicle Towing
Charging while towing can be challenging, but several apps can make the process easier:
- Zap-Map: One of the UK’s most popular apps for locating charging stations, Zap-Map helps you find suitable spots along your route. It includes filters for specific EV types, charging speeds, and availability of stations.
- A Better Route Planner (ABRP): A better route planner allows you to plan routes based on your EV’s range and load. It’s perfect for longer towing journeys where you need to ensure access to compatible charging points.
- PlugShare: Another useful app, PlugShare provides a comprehensive map of charging stations across the UK and lets users leave reviews of specific locations, making it easier to find trailer-friendly stops.
The Future of Electric Vehicle Towing
The electric vehicle market is evolving rapidly, and we can expect to see more models with increased towing capacity and improved range in the coming years. Manufacturers are already working on expanding battery life and enhancing charging infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand for electric vehicle towing.
If you’re considering a quality used car, it’s worth looking for EVs that offer strong towing capacity alongside excellent range.
For now, electric vehicle towing is best suited for shorter journeys or well-planned long-distance trips. If you’re considering towing with an electric vehicle, make sure to choose the right model, plan your routes carefully, and stay within your vehicle’s towing capacity.