Right, let’s talk about electric cars and towing. You’d think, wouldn’t you, that with all that instant torque and electric wizardry, these EVs would be perfect for dragging around your caravan, horsebox, or whatever other heavy things you fancy lugging behind you. And on paper, they should be! But, as with many things in life, what works in theory doesn’t always translate to the real world.
You see, the problem is twofold: range and weight. When you attach a trailer to an electric car, the range plummets faster than a lead balloon. We’re talking under 100 miles in some cases—barely enough to get from your driveway to the end of the road, let alone on a cross-country jaunt. Then there’s the weight issue. Stick a load behind an already heavy electric car, and suddenly you’ve got a gross train weight that could make a freight train blush.
But hang on, before you dismiss the idea entirely, the times they are a-changin’. Manufacturers are getting their act together, and now there are a few electrified steeds out there that can tow with the best of them. They’re not quite up to the heavy-lifting standards of your diesel chugging beasts, but they’re getting closer. Let’s have a look at a few of them.
First up, the Kia EV9. This big beast can haul up to 2500kg, which is massive for an EV. It’s also a pretty nifty tow car, managing to pull an Adria caravan from 30-60mph in just 5.5 seconds. Not too shabby! Plus, it’s a proper family SUV, with six or seven seats and enough space in the back for adults to stretch out without feeling like sardines.
Then there’s the BMW iX. Yes, the styling might be a bit, shall we say, divisive, but this thing can tow 2500kg and still manage a range of up to 382 miles. It’s got the muscle—516bhp and a whopping 564lb ft of torque—to tow with the best of them, and it does it all with that classic BMW four-wheel-drive traction. Even the cheaper xDrive40 model is no slouch.
Finally, we’ve got the Tesla Model X. It can tow up to 2268kg, which is enough to pull a hefty twin-axle caravan. With over 800lb ft of torque on tap, it’ll barely break a sweat, although don’t expect to go far before needing a charge. It’s got air suspension as standard, which makes hitching up easier, and the seven seats and big boot add a bit of practicality. Just don’t expect it to be fun to drive, and be prepared for those gullwing doors to attract a few stares at the campsite.
So, there you have it. Electric cars can tow, and some of them are pretty good at it, too. Just keep an eye on that range and maybe pack an extra-long extension cord.