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We’ve all been there. One minute, you’re cruising along without a care in the world; the next, your car starts spluttering, the engine coughs its last breath, and you’re left rolling to a stop at the side of the road while the dashboard lights up like a Christmas tree. Just what you needed!
While this does describe an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, a breakdown in an electric vehicle (EV) is similar – albeit totally silent. When your car goes dark, and there’s no power or response, it’s just as frustrating – if not more so. Unlike a petrol or diesel motor that might give you some warning signs, an EV can shut down without so much as a splutter, leaving you stranded with no obvious way to coax it back to life.
Regardless of the “Why?”, the “What next?” is always the same – you’re in need of a tow. But can you tow an electric car? Well, that’s what we’ll cover today. This guide will run you through everything you need to know about towing EVs and answer some common questions, like “Can you tow an electric car if it breaks down?”, “Can you tow with an electric car?” and “Can you push an electric car?”
No, not in the traditional sense. Most EVs should only be towed using a flatbed truck with all four wheels off the ground. This isn’t just a manufacturer’s recommendation; it’s essential to avoid serious damage to the electric motor and drivetrain.
But why is this? Well, unlike ICE cars, many EVs don’t have a neutral gear, meaning the motors remain connected to the wheels even when the car is switched off. If an EV is towed with its wheels on the ground, it can generate electricity that has nowhere to go, which can cause damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.
If your EV runs out of charge, you might be tempted to try and push it like a petrol or diesel car. The good news is that you can – but there are a few things to keep in mind:
If you’re wondering, “can you tow with an electric car?” the answer depends on the make and model of your car. Although many modern EVs can tow a trailer or caravan, not all are built for towing, so it’s important to check your vehicle’s specifications first. Towing capacity, the maximum weight an EV can safely pull, varies widely between models, and while some can handle it, others aren’t rated for it at all.
That being said, EVs do actually have some natural advantages when it comes to towing. The instant torque delivery of an electric motor actually makes them ideal for pulling heavy loads from a standstill. Plus, the heavy battery pack in an EV creates a low centre of gravity, which adds extra stability and improved handling when towing.
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual – it should clearly list the maximum weight your EV is rated to tow. Alternatively, you can visit the manufacturer’s website for specific model details or contact your local dealership to get a precise towing capacity for your vehicle.
If you’re planning to tow a caravan with your EV, it’s important to be aware of the UK rules around towing. You can tow trailers or caravans up to a certain weight with your car driving licence, but the exact weight you’re allowed to tow depends on when you passed your test.
To figure out how much you can safely tow, you’ll need to know the maximum authorised mass (MAM) of both your vehicle and caravan. The MAM is typically listed in your owner’s manual and is often displayed on a plate or sticker on the car, trailer, or caravan.
If you passed your test before 1 January 1997, you can tow a vehicle and trailer with a combined weight of up to 8,250kg MAM. If you passed after 1 January 1997, you’re limited to towing up to 3,500kg MAM.
MAM is the total weight of both the vehicle and the caravan when fully loaded, which means that it covers not just the empty weight of your car and trailer but also the weight of everything inside them – including passengers, luggage, and any cargo.
And it’s not just caravans – some electric vehicles are more than capable of towing boats too. Whether it’s a small dinghy or a mid-sized motorboat on a trailer, you’ll need to check the EV’s official towing capacity, which varies significantly from model to model. For example, larger electric SUVs like the Kia EV9 or Tesla Model X are rated to tow up to 2,500kg, which is more than enough for most recreational boats.
The BMW iX is another capable electric tow car – and we’ve even seen it in action towing a boat, proving that electric power and practicality can absolutely go hand-in-hand. Just keep in mind that towing puts extra demand on the battery, so your range will drop faster than usual. If you’re heading to a remote marina or launch site, make sure to plan charging stops along the way.
Here’s the part that gives most EV owners pause: towing will definitely eat into your car’s range. This isn’t unique to EVs (petrol and diesel cars burn more fuel when towing, too), but the impact is more noticeable with electric vehicles, so it requires a bit more planning.
When towing with an EV, you can expect your range to drop roughly by:
This reduction happens because of the extra weight, increased drag, and the higher energy demands when towing. Driving uphill while towing is particularly demanding on an EV’s battery. So, if your EV normally achieves 250 miles on a full charge, expect around 180-190 when towing, depending on the load – definitely something to keep in mind when planning your journeys!
With a reduced range, you’ll need to plan extra stops for charging – but charging while towing can also be a real challenge. Many public charging stations aren’t set up for trailers, so you might find it hard, or even impossible, to charge without unhitching.
Here are some practical tips:
Towing with an EV is a different experience from towing with a petrol or diesel car, so it’s worth adapting your driving style. For starters, you’ll need to brake earlier, as EVs tend to be heavier. Adding a trailer only increases that weight, which means longer stopping distances.
Make use of regenerative braking when you can, as many EVs allow you to adjust the settings to help manage downhill descents. It’s also important you keep your speed steady, as driving at higher speeds drains the battery more quickly. It’s best to aim for a smooth, consistent pace.
One last thing – make sure to monitor your battery temperature. Towing, especially when it’s hot, can cause the battery to overheat, which can affect performance and even cause damage if it gets too hot.
Plan ahead, and only set off with a good understanding of your EV’s towing capabilities to ensure your journey goes as smoothly as possible.
If towing is a top priority for you, these EVs offer the best mix of range and towing power:
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