E-cars with trailer hitch: models and challenges
Whether for transporting tools, attaching a bicycle rack or towing a caravan – those who often use their trailer in everyday life or even depend on it can choose from an increasing number of powerful electric vehicles. And also with a view to an upcoming holiday, a trailer hitch for the caravan can be an important purchase criterion.
For a long time, the range of electric and hybrid cars with trailer couplings was comparatively small, and the towing capacities were manageable. Theoretically, electric cars have enough power and torque for a trailer. And a look at the current market shows that more and more manufacturers are responding to demand and the choice is increasing.
Can you tow a trailer with an electric car?
Based on their performance data, e-cars are actually predestined to tow trailers. Its strength lies above all in the high torque, which is permanently available shortly after starting. Consequently, the electric cars get off the ground well even with additional weight. In addition, most automatic transmissions are single-stage. This enables smooth acceleration. Due to their comparatively high weight, they also have sufficient stability even during stronger braking manoeuvres – which is important when the trailer pushes the car from behind.
Why is the selection of electric cars with a trailer hitch limited?
There are already some electric cars that enable everyday transport with a trailer – in all price ranges. How large the selection is depends mainly on the desired towing capacity. With a towing capacity of 750 kilograms, bicycle racks or transports from the hardware store are unproblematic. The more the car is supposed to pull, the smaller the choice of models becomes.
The main reason for the initially manageable range of electric cars with trailer couplings was above all the battery and the limited range. A higher load – for example due to additional towing capacity – also affects the range of the battery. For reasons of space and cost, this is currently being trimmed primarily for efficient power consumption. If only the mass of the car, luggage and passengers are included in this calculation, the impact on energy consumption can be determined relatively well. With a trailer, this is different due to the individual load. Some manufacturers minimize the risk by greatly reducing the towing capacity for an electric car with a trailer hitch or simply setting it to zero.
Due to the additional burden, e-cars have to be charged more often.
Thanks to constant technical progress, however, there are more and more e-cars with trailer hitches. The batteries of electric cars are becoming smaller and more efficient, and ranges are constantly increasing. Manufacturers are therefore likely to release increasingly larger towing capacities. In any case, many models already have the power required for this.
To determine the range of electric cars, manufacturers use a standardized measurement method called WLTP. As part of the laboratory tests, the influences of various factors on the range are examined. These include the temperature and the route profile.
Which e-cars are available with a trailer hitch?
Would you like to tow a trailer behind your electric car at least once in a while? The following models can be equipped with a towbar.
E-cars are also available with a trailer hitch. Otherwise, it can be retrofitted, as with the combustion engine.
| Model | Price | Maximum towing capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona Electric (64 kWh) | approx. 42,000 euros | 300 kg |
| Nissan e-NV200 | approx. 35,000 euros | 410 kg |
| MG ZS EV | approx. 34,000 euros | 500 kg |
| BMW iX3 | approx. 67,000 euros | 750 kg |
| Citroen e-Berlingo | approx. 36,000 euros | 750 kg |
| Ford Mustang Mach-E | approx. 63,000 euros | 750 kg |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 (58 kWh) | approx. 42,000 euros | 750 kg |
| Jaguar I-Pace | approx. 77,000 euros | 750 kg |
| KIA EV6 (58 kWh) | approx. 47,000 euros | 750 kg |
| Mercedes EQA | approx. 48,000 euros | 750 kg |
| Mercedes EQE | approx. 44,000 euros | 750 kg |
| Mercedes EQS | approx. 98,000 euros | 750 kg |
| Opel Combo-e | approx. 43,000 euros | 750 kg |
| Peugeot e-Rifter | approx. 41,000 euros | 750 kg |
| Audi Q4 e-tron / Sportback | approx. 47,000 euros | 1,000 kg |
| Citroen e-Jumpy Estate / Panel Van | approx. 49,000 euros | 1,000 kg |
| Citroen e-Spacetourer | approx. 52,000 euros | 1,000 kg |
| Opel Vivaro-e | approx. 50,000 euros | 1,000 kg |
| Opel Zafira-e | approx. 52,000 euros | 1,000 kg |
| Peugeot e-Expert | approx. 36,000 euros | 1,000 kg |
| Peugeot e-Traveller | approx. 53,000 euros | 1,000 kg |
| Skoda Enyaq iV 60 / iV 80 | approx. 49,000 euros | 1,000 kg |
| Tesla Model 3 Standard / Maximum Range | approx. 44,000 euros / 54,000 euros | 1,000 kg |
| Toyota Proace Electric Verso | approx. 65,000 euros | 1,000 kg |
| VW ID.4 | approx. 39,000 euros | 1,000 kg |
| Audi Q4 e-tron quattro / Sportback quattro | approx. 54,000 euros | 1,200 kg |
| Skoda Enyaq iV 80X | approx. 49,000 euros | 1,200 kg |
| VW ID.4 GTX 4MOTION | approx. 53,000 euros | 1,200 kg |
| Aiways U5 | approx. 40,000 euros | 1,500 kg |
| Polestar 2 | approx. 47,000 euros | 1,500 kg |
| BMW i4 | approx. 57,000 euros | 1,600 kg |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 (72.6 kWh) | approx. 49,000 euros | 1,600 kg |
| KIA EV6 (77.4 kWh) | approx. 52,000 euros | 1,600 kg |
| Tesla Model Y Maximum Range AWD | approx. 60,000 euros | 1,600 kg |
Which hybrid vehicles can tow trailers?
Hybrid vehicles are still popular. For many drivers, they are a good transitional solution to a purely electric car. While in the past they were partly limited in terms of towing capacity, they are now in no way inferior to combustion engines. If you decide to use a plug-in hybrid to tow heavy loads more often, you should also test drive the vehicle of your choice with an empty battery. By pulling the trailer, the battery is quickly empty, so that the plug-in hybrid is then on the road in pure hybrid mode. In this case, it is therefore a good idea to check whether the combustion engine can withstand the load of a trailer without the support of the electric drive or whether it may weaken.
| Model | Price | Maximum towing capacity |
|---|---|---|
| DS 7 Crossback E-Tense | approx. 50,000 euros | 1,200 kg |
| Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid | approx. 43,000 euros | 1,500 kg |
| Toyota RAV4 | approx. 44,000 euros | 1,650 kg |
| Ford Kuga PHEV | approx. 35,000 euros | 1,200 kg |
Going on holiday with an electric car: Can electric cars tow caravans?
If you are looking for an electric car or a plug-in hybrid with a trailer hitch to tow a caravan, it is a little more difficult. After all, a high towing capacity must then be guaranteed. Suitable electric cars with a trailer hitch for caravan drivers include these models
| Model | Price | Maximum towing capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Audi Q8 e-tron / Sportback | approx. 74,000 euros | 1,800 kg |
| Mercedes EQA 4MATIC | approx. 69,000 euros | 1,800 kg |
| Mercedes EQC 4MATIC | approx. 79,000 euros | 1,800 kg |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric | approx. 45,000 euros | 1,800 kg |
| Volvo V90 T8 Twin Engine (Hybrid) | approx. 80,000 euros | 2,100 kg |
| Tesla Model X | approx. 120,000 euros | 2,250 kg |
| BMW iX | approx. 77,000 euros | 2,500 kg |
| Range Rover | approx. 126,000 euros | 2,500 kg |
| Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid | approx. 91,000 euros | 3,500 kg |
If you want to tow your caravan with a purely electric car, you will find what you are looking for, especially in the upper price ranges. In addition to the trailer hitch, it is also important that the e-car is suitable for long distances. However, good plugin alternatives can also be found in the mid-range.
Holidays with the e-car: Testimonials
We explain what you should consider when camping with an e-car in the article "Holidays with an e-car". In addition, the Fisbeck family put Tesla's Model X to the test and shares their experience with the electric SUV in this road trip report.
At the EnBW fast-charging park in Petersberg, you can charge your e-car without uncoupling the trailer (Image: ©EnBW AG).
By the way: On the way to your holiday, you should of course plan one or two charging stops. These work particularly conveniently at EnBW's fast-charging parks: almost all locations have specially marked charging points for combinations. The big advantage: the trailer does not have to be uncoupled to these and you are quickly back on the road after the pit stop. Examples of such fast-charging parks are the locations in Kamen, Weinsberg, Petersberg and Zwickau.
Conclusion: The range of e-cars and hybrid vehicles with towbars is increasing
Whether you want to go to the hardware store with the trailer or the caravan on vacation, there are now enough suitable e-cars with a trailer hitch. And the trend is still rising. The decisive factor in choosing the right electric car is the towing capacity that is to be towed.