As electric vehicle (EV) technology has advanced over the years, it’s become possible for holidaymakers who love a caravan holiday to hit the open road using an EV. Whether it’s a UK staycation or something further afield, there are now plenty of EV models on the market offering impressive towing capabilities.

If you’re thinking about an EV for your next towing adventure, there are some factors to keep in mind to make sure it’s a journey you’ll remember for all the right reasons. We might not be able to plan for the weather, but with a little bit of preparation, you can make sure that travelling between destinations goes smoothly.

In this article, we take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of towing a caravan with an EV, and consider why an electric vehicle might just be the perfect choice for your next road trip. 

Can you tow with an electric car?

The short answer to this is yes, you can tow with an electric car. Here are some of the reasons why an EV is great for towing things like caravans:

• Instant torque: Electric motors (found in all EVs) provide instant torque, which is advantageous for towing, especially when starting from a standstill or climbing hills as it helps to keep steady momentum and avoid jerking movements that can often happen in a petrol or diesel car. 
• Smooth acceleration: Electric cars offer smooth acceleration, which provides a nice stable towing experience.
• Extended range: Many electric cars have regenerative braking systems that can help extend your range, particularly when going downhill. Kinetic energy that may otherwise be wasted is converted into electrical energy and returned to the battery.

There are some other considerations if you are planning to tow a caravan or anything else with an EV. Here are a few of them:

• Weight considerations: The additional weight of towing affects the vehicle’s performance, handling, and energy consumption.
• Reduced range: Because of the extra weight, towing a caravan can significantly reduce the driving range of an electric vehicle. It’s essential to plan trips with charging stations in mind to overcome this.

Charging infrastructure: While the charging infrastructure in the UK and abroad is continually improving, finding suitable charging stations that accommodate towing setups may need a bit of upfront planning.

How far can an electric car tow a caravan?

One of the biggest considerations when towing a caravan with an electric car is the range. Electric vehicles generally have a shorter range when towing compared to driving without a load. The additional weight and aerodynamic drag of a caravan can significantly reduce the distance an EV can usually travel on a single charge.

It’s very difficult to predict the exact number of miles an electric car can tow a caravan because there are also lots of variable factors that can affect the range, such as the season, the elevation of the roads and if you need to have the air con or heating on subject to weather conditions..   

Here are some top tips to remember for towing with an electric car:

1. Plan Your Route: Ensure there are enough EV charging stations along your route, and consider the additional time required for charging.
2. Monitor Your Load: Keep your caravan within the recommended towing capacity of your electric vehicle.
3. Drive Efficiently: Make sure you drive as steady as possible to help maximise range and efficiency.

What electric cars can tow a caravan?

Lots of electric cars on the UK market are well-suited to towing. There are some fantastic options available if you want to consider the benefits of a lease with ElectriX through a Personal Contract Hire, Business Lease or Salary Sacrifice scheme. Here are some of the top contenders that are worth taking a look at:

Electric car towing capacity

Understanding the towing capacity of an electric car is crucial. Towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. Exceeding this limit can be dangerous and cause significant damage to your car. Here are those same five cars again with the specific towing capacity:

• Audi e-tron: It can tow up to 1,800 kg, making it suitable for many mid-sized caravans.
• Hyundai Ioniq5: Also has a towing capacity of up to 1,600 kg, offering a good balance of luxury and functionality.
• Polestar 2: This car can tow up to 1,500 kg, making it a versatile option for smaller caravans.
• Ford Mustang Mach-E: With a towing capacity of up to 1,000 kg, it’s suitable for lightweight towing needs.

It’s important to check the specific towing capacity of your chosen electric vehicle and ensure your caravan’s weight falls within this limit. Additionally, consider the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and gross combination weight rating (GCWR) to ensure safe and legal towing.

Should you lease an electric car if you have a caravan?

Towing a caravan with an electric car in the UK is becoming increasingly viable as more models are introduced with substantial towing capacities. Brands such as Tesla, Audi and Mercedes-Benz have all brought vehicles to the market with huge towing capacities, proving the point that electric cars can be both powerful and practical for towing a caravan. But it’s important to make sure you check the towing capacity of any EV you are interested in before you get behind the wheel to ensure it will suit your needs and be suitable for a caravan you may already have or are planning to get.

While it’s important to consider the reduced range and the need for careful route planning if you are towing a caravan, the benefits of smooth acceleration, instant torque, and quiet operation can make electric cars an excellent choice for towing. When you also consider the growing availability of charging infrastructure and advancements in battery technology, the future of towing with electric vehicles looks even brighter (whatever the weather brings!). So whether you’re a seasoned caravanner or completely new to the world of towing, electric cars can offer a sustainable and enjoyable way to explore the open road.

Make sure to browse our range of EV deals and to explore the benefits of an electric car lease! 

ElectriX powered by LV= General Insurance, part of Allianz Group, is your one-stop solution for electric car adoption. We aim to simplify the transition to EVs by offering tailored leasing options, smart home charging solutions, and specialised insurance – all in one place.