Can I tow with an electric car? Best EVs for towing
Last updated: Apr 10, 2026
The short answer is yes! Many electric cars are now capable of towing but there are caviats.
Much depends on whether the vehicle is type approved for towing and what the manufacturer’s guidelines state in the owner’s manual.
Unlike ICE vehicles, where towing has long been standard, some EVs were never designed with a towing option in mind.
However, most newer electric vehicle, particularly SUVs with larger battery size and twin motors or four wheel drive, are now built with towing capabilities in mind.
That means if you’re buying a new car and towing matters, it’s entirely possible to choose an EV capable of doing the job safely.
Before you safely tow with an electric vehicle, there are a few essentials to confirm:
- The vehicle is type approved for towing
- The tow bar is correctly fitted and compliant
- You understand the vehicle’s towing limit and maximum capacity
- You’ve accounted for reduced usual range and planned charging stops
You can find out most of the above in your car's user manual or by finding your vehicle on EV database and viewing the towing specs. Speed limits, load distribution, and trailer braking system requirements still apply, just as they would with any other vehicles.
Towing capacity and what it means for EVs
When it comes to towing weight, the vehicle’s towing capacity is everything. This determines the maximum capacity your car can handle without risking excessive wear or compromising safe towing.
Electric cars typically fall into three broad categories:
Smaller models: little to no towing capability
Mid-size EVs: moderate towing limit
Larger EVs: high maximum towing capacity, suitable for towing caravans and heavy loads
Some of the best EVs now offer over 2,000kg of pulling power, putting them firmly in competition with many petrol or diesel cars.
For drivers looking to tow a caravan, this is a major shift. Most caravans, especially when fully loaded, fall within the towing limits of modern electric cars, although larger caravans still require careful matching.
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How towing affects an electric car’s range
One of the biggest differences between electric and petrol or diesel vehicles is how towing impacts range.
With an EV, the additional weight and drag significantly increase energy consumption. This means the electric car’s range drops often by 30 to 50 percent depending on the load and driving conditions.
So while an EV might have an official EV range of 250 miles, the range towing a caravan could fall much closer to 125–175 miles.
This doesn’t mean EV towing isn’t viable, but it does mean planning becomes essential, particularly for long journeys where frequent charging stops are unavoidable.
Charging and towing: the real-world challenge
The UK’s charging network is rapidly expanding, but towing introduces complications that many drivers don’t initially consider.
Unlike a petrol or diesel car, where refuelling takes minutes, EV drivers need to factor in charging time and location. Many chargepoints are also not designed for vehicles with trailers, meaning unhitching may be required before plugging in.
For those towing caravans over long distances, this becomes one of the key practical considerations. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s one of a few reasons why EV towing still requires a different mindset compared to traditional petrol or diesel ownership.
Fortunately charge point mapping service PlugShare, offers a filter that allows you to see EV friendly charging hubs. We are sure that other mapping services like Zap-map and Electroverse will follow suit as electric vehicles become more popular.
Why electric cars make strong tow cars
Despite these challenges, electric cars offer some clear advantages when it comes to towing performance.
Electric power delivers instant torque, which translates into strong, smooth pulling power from a standstill. This makes maintaining speed with heavy loads easier, especially on inclines.
Many models also feature regenerative braking, which can improve control when slowing down, while a low centre of gravity—thanks to the EV battery—enhances stability. Combined with advanced braking systems and, in some cases, an independent braking system for the trailer, EVs can feel remarkably composed under load.
In fact, unlike ICE vehicles, where engine strain can be more noticeable, EVs often deliver a quieter, more controlled towing experience.
Can you tow an electric car?
A common question is whether the same applies in reverse.
In most cases, you shouldn’t tow an electric car using a rope or traditional method. Doing so can damage the motor and battery system. Instead, EVs typically need to be transported on a flatbed if recovery is required.
The future of EV towing
The gap between electric and internal combustion engine tow cars is closing fast. What once felt like a niche capability is now becoming mainstream, with more manufacturers building EVs specifically designed for towing caravans and trailers.
As battery technology improves, energy consumption becomes more efficient, and infrastructure evolves, EV towing will only get easier.
Final thoughts
So, can you tow with an electric car? Absolutely.
Modern EVs are not only capable of towing, but in many cases, they’re perfectly capable alternatives to petrol or diesel vehicles. The key is understanding the limitations particularly around range and charging.
For drivers willing to adapt, the towing capacity of an electric car is no longer a compromise.
