Can electric cars tow caravans?

Electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity in the UK, particularly with eco-conscious drivers. But what if you love life on the road in your caravan as well? Does an electric car have the capability to tow a caravan?

• It is possible for an electric car to tow a caravan; however, not all electric cars have the type approval required to tow
• Electric cars offer many advantages for towing a caravan, such as providing instant torque
• There are several things to consider when towing with an electric car, read below

In this guide, we discuss whether electric cars can tow caravans and the distance they can travel while towing. We’ll also highlight some of the top options to consider if you’re looking for an electric car with suitable towing capacity.

Towing a caravan with an electric car

In short, it is possible for an electric car to tow a caravan, although not all electric cars have the type-approval required to tow. It’s important to opt for an electric car that has type-approval for towing, as it could otherwise invalidate your warranty or insurance if your car were to become damaged while towing a caravan.

There are many benefits to enjoy when towing a caravan with a type-approved electric car. One of the main advantages is that electric cars provide instant torque, which is great for pulling weight from a stop and very useful when towing. Another benefit is that many electric cars have a low centre of gravity due to their heavy battery pack. This can aid stability, which is helpful when safely towing a caravan.

What do you need to consider when towing a caravan with an electric car?

There are some limitations to consider when choosing whether to use an electric car to tow your caravan. These include:

• range reduction - towing a caravan significantly reduces the range of an electric car, often by 30–50% or more, depending on the size and weight of the caravan. Towing has the same impact on petrol and diesel cars when it comes to range; however, it’s typically easier to refuel these while on the road.
• charging access - not all charging stations are tow-friendly, which means you might need to unhitch your caravan to access a charger. While this isn’t a deal breaker, it can be inconvenient when you need to charge your car during your journey.
• legal towing limits - not all electric cars are rated for towing, and some smaller or older models like the Nissan Leaf and earlier BMW i3s, aren’t allowed to tow at all. Be sure to check the towing limits of the electric cars you’re interested in to ensure you’ll be able to tow legally. Ignoring these limits can result in invalidating your insurance or warranty.
• battery overheating - in very hot or cold conditions, or during long climbs, battery performance can be stressed, especially with a heavy trailer. Understanding the limits of your electric vehicle is important so you don’t put the battery under too much pressure.
  
  

How far can an electric car tow a caravan?

The distance an electric car can tow a caravan depends on a range of factors. Typically, you can expect your range to drop by 30% to 50%.The distance you can travel can be impacted by:

• caravan weight – the heavier your caravan is, the more energy your electric car will use to tow it.
• speed – driving along motorways at 70mph drains the battery much faster than exploring country roads at lower speeds.
• terrain – hills, mountains, or strong headwinds can significantly reduce range.
• temperature – cold weather reduces battery efficiency, especially under load.
• caravan aerodynamics – taller or boxier caravans increase drag more than sleek, low-profile options.
• driving style – smooth acceleration and careful braking help to conserve energy when towing a caravan.
  
  

Is it safe to tow a caravan with an electric car?

It is generally safe to tow a caravan with an electric car, providing the car is rated for towing and you follow key safety guidelines set out by the manufacturer. To ensure you’re towing your caravan safely:

1. stay within towing limits – only tow within the manufacturer’s rated capacity. Towing beyond that can damage the suspension, void your warranty, and increase your risk of an accident.
2. schedule charging stops – some electric cars can experience a 30–50% drop in driving range while towing. Plan for more frequent charging stops during your road trip and use apps that help find trailer-accessible chargers.
3. watch weight distribution – improper loading of your caravan can lead to swaying or reduced braking control. This is true for any vehicle and is an important consideration for all caravan owners.
4. check licensing and insurance – some countries have towing license restrictions or insurance requirements for towing with an electric car. Ensure you check the regulations for any countries you’re visiting before you hit the road.
   
   

Which electric cars can tow a caravan?

There’s an increasing number of electric cars on the market that are able to tow a caravan and have official towing capabilities listed by their manufacturers. The best option for you depends on the weight you’d like to tow, how often you’ll be using the vehicle to tow, and your budget. Popular electric cars capable of towing a caravan include:

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 - Up to 1600kg
• Tesla Model X - Up to 2300kg
• BMW iX - Up to 2500kg
• Kia EV9 - Up to 2500kg
• Ford F-150 Lightning (electric truck) - Up to 4,500kg

It is best to check with the car manufacturer before attempting to tow a vehicle.

What do I need to tow a caravan with an electric car?

Just like when towing a caravan with a petrol or diesel car, there are a few items you’ll need, including:

• tow bar – your tow bar must be manufacturer-approved or type-approved for your electric car and must meet your vehicle’s towing weight. Some electric cars come with a factory-installed tow bar option, which is perfect for convenience.
• electrical connections – your electric car will need to be connected to your caravan’s lights, indicators, and power supply (where applicable). This is required by law for road safety.
• towing mirrors – Towing mirrors are legally required in the UK if your caravan is wider than the rear of your car.
  

Specialist touring caravan insurance through Ripe

Whatever type of car you tow with, specialist touring caravan insurance can help financially protect you and your tourer up to £75k against theft, loss, damage, and more. Learn more about specialist touring caravan insurance and get a quote online today.