Best Electric Cars for Towing

Not every electric car is approved for towing, and those that are come with genuine limitations that petrol drivers rarely face. If you need to pull a trailer, caravan, or horsebox from a UK driveway, your shortlist shrinks quickly. The good news is that several capable EVs now carry manufacturer-approved tow ratings, including the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV9, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, Volvo EX40, and Ford Mustang Mach-E. Before you buy, check which charging cable your chosen model needs, because home charging becomes even more valuable when towing eats into your range on every trip.

Which electric cars are actually approved for towing in the UK?

The field is narrower than you might expect. Many EVs carry no manufacturer tow rating whatsoever, so confirm approval before shortlisting any model. Among those that do carry a rating, the Tesla Model Y is popular with caravan owners for its widespread Supercharger network. The Kia EV9 is built on a larger platform and suits those who need to tow heavier loads regularly. The Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Volkswagen ID.4, Volvo EX40, and Ford Mustang Mach-E all carry tow ratings in certain trim levels. Always verify the tow rating for your exact variant, as it can differ between trims.

How much does towing reduce range in an electric car?

Towing reduces EV range considerably. The aerodynamic drag from a trailer, the extra weight, and rolling resistance all increase energy consumption significantly compared with unloaded driving. The heavier and taller your load, the greater the impact. You should assume your practical range will be substantially shorter on any towing trip and plan your route with that in mind. Manufacturers do not always publish towing range figures, so erring on the side of caution and planning more frequent charging stops is the safest approach. This is not unique to EVs: diesel tow cars also return noticeably worse fuel economy when towing.

How should you plan a towing trip in an electric car?

Planning is the single most important habit for EV towing in the UK. Key steps to build into every journey:

• Use a route planner that supports EV charging stops, such as ABRP (A Better Route Planner) or the built-in navigation in many modern EVs. Enter your vehicle, load weight, and towing status for more accurate estimates.
• Add more charging stops than you think you need. When towing, margins are smaller, so a buffer is sensible.
• Identify rapid chargers on your route that have bays long enough to accommodate a tow bar and trailer. Not all forecourt layouts work for a combination vehicle.
• Charge to a higher state of charge before setting off than you would on a solo trip.
• Drive at a steadier speed. Higher motorway speeds compound the range reduction from towing.

What is the approved tow rating, and why does it matter?

Every car's tow rating is a legal and engineering limit set by the manufacturer. Exceeding it voids your insurance, risks MOT failure, and is illegal on UK roads. For EVs, the tow rating can vary by trim level, driven axle configuration, and even software version in some cases. Always check the figure in your vehicle handbook or on the manufacturer's website for your exact model and year. Do not rely on third-party summaries, including this article, for the definitive figure. Your dealer should be able to confirm the rated limit before purchase.

Do you need special equipment to tow with an electric car?

At a minimum, you need a type-approved tow bar fitted to your specific vehicle. For EVs, this typically needs to come from a specialist or an OEM-approved supplier, as the underfloor battery pack changes the structural engineering compared with a petrol equivalent. A 13-pin trailer socket is standard for UK caravans and trailers. You will also need to ensure your driving licence covers the trailer weight combination you are pulling. Check the GOV.UK guidance on towing if you passed your driving test after 1 January 1997, as there may be restrictions on what you can legally tow.

Is home charging essential for EV towing owners?

For most people, yes. When towing regularly, the ability to start every trip from a full or near-full charge removes a significant amount of pressure. A home wallbox paired with a Type 2 cable charges far faster than a three-pin socket and is the standard setup for UK home EV charging. If you rely solely on public charging, you will need to factor in charging time before every towing trip. Some rental properties and holiday parks now offer EV charging, which can help on multi-day trips. A portable charger can also be a useful backup when staying somewhere without a dedicated point.

Frequently asked questions

Can any electric car tow a caravan?

No. Many EVs have no manufacturer-approved tow rating at all. You must check that your specific model and trim level has a published tow rating before attaching any trailer or caravan. Models such as the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV9, and Volkswagen ID.4 are among those with approved ratings, but always verify your exact variant with the manufacturer or dealer.

How much does towing reduce the range of an electric car?

Towing reduces EV range considerably, but the exact amount depends on load weight, trailer shape, speed, and road conditions. You should plan as though your available range will be substantially shorter than the unloaded WLTP figure and add extra charging stops to your route. Do not rely on your car's unloaded range estimate when towing.

What is the tow rating for the Tesla Model Y?

The tow rating varies by variant and model year. Check the official Tesla configurator or your vehicle handbook for the figure that applies to your specific car. Do not rely on general summaries for this number, as it can differ between rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions.

Is a Type 2 cable necessary for towing owners?

A Type 2 cable is the standard for home wallbox charging in the UK, and it is highly recommended for anyone who tows regularly. Starting each journey from a full charge is much easier with a home setup. Check the Type 2 cables available for your car model to ensure compatibility with your wallbox.

Can I exceed the manufacturer's tow rating if my car feels capable?

No. Exceeding the rated tow limit is illegal on UK roads, will void your insurance, and could invalidate your MOT. The rating is a hard limit set by the manufacturer based on the vehicle's braking, chassis, and powertrain capabilities. Always stay within the figure stated in your vehicle handbook.

Do grants exist for EV home chargers for towing owners?

The UK Government's EV chargepoint grant scheme may help towards the cost of a home wallbox for eligible properties and vehicles. Eligibility criteria and grant amounts change, so check the latest position on GOV.UK before making any purchasing decisions based on grant availability.

Choosing the right EV for towing takes more research than a standard car purchase, but the options are growing. Once you have confirmed a model's approved tow rating and built good charging habits, running an EV as your tow car is entirely practical for most UK use cases. Use our home page reg checker to find the right charging cable for your car, and browse the full range of charging cables by car model to make sure you have the right equipment at home before your first towing trip.