With ongoing uncertainty about international travel this year, many of us may be considering a staycation and taking to Britain's roads and motorways. Despite having powerful electric motors, some Electric Vehicles (EV's) aren't able to tow. You can physically attach a tow bar, but many haven’t yet been granted type approval. This is primarily because manufacturers haven’t prioritised this due to the hassle and cost of getting certified for a small towing capacity, particularly as towing hasn’t been viewed as a priority for EV drivers to date.
In this handy blog we look at the main issues you need to consider if you're looking at towing with an EV:
Issue 1 – MASS
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EV's weigh much more than their ICE equivalents
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For example, the electric Volvo XC40 weighs 533kg more than its petrol version, and the Renault ZOE weighs 50% more than the Clio
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Adding towed weight adds significant stress to the brakes and transmission
Issue 2 – REGENERATIVE BRAKING
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Braked trailers work when high braking loads are sensed, so it’s still the car’s brakes doing most of the work
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Regenerative braking is tuned to the vehicle’s weight – adding towed weight could overload the system
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Disengaging regenerative braking would save the motor but overstress the friction braking system
Issue 3 – RANGE
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Towed weight dramatically increases electricity consumption
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An Audi E-tron pulling a 1,800kg trailer for 500 miles managed just 100 miles per charge
There are a few EVs that can tow:
* Towing disables auto steering & parking, active cruise control & rear parking sensors
** Upcoming 4x4 versions are expected to pull 1,200kg
Hybrids are currently a better bet for towing as they have less range anxiety, a less stressful regenerative braking effect and there is a wider choice. Of the self-chargers:
PHEVs are currently the best:
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3,500kg is the most towed weight permitted by any car
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Some are no better than their hybrid versions (e.g. KIA Niro PHEV)
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Bear in mind that if the total weight of car and trailer exceeds 3,500kg, you need to have passed your test before 1997, or have passed the car-and-trailer test
What about being towed?
- Many EV's don’t have Neutral – motor(s) remain engaged – towing will damage car
- Call breakdown recovery service rather than attempt DIY with tow rope
- 2WD can be towed with driven wheels lifted – not if it has an electronic parking brake
- The AA are trialling freewheeling hub attachments to raise rear wheels, fronts can be lifted
