Can an Electric Car Tow a Caravan?

Guide: Can an Electric Car Tow a Caravan?

Thinking about going electric but worried about towing your caravan? You’re not alone. A lot of people ask whether electric cars are up to the job when it comes to pulling something heavy like a caravan — and the good news is: yes, some of them definitely are.

But it’s not quite as simple as hitching up and heading off. Let’s break it down.

✅ Can an electric car tow a caravan?

Yes — some electric cars can tow a caravan, and they’re actually pretty good at it. But not all EVs are certified for towing, so you’ll need to check the individual model.

EVs that are built for towing can be great at it thanks to:

• Instant torque (hello, smooth pull-offs)

• Automatic transmission (no stalling or gear hunting)

• Low centre of gravity (great for stability)

The only catch? You’ve got to pick the right car — and understand how towing affects things like range.

🚦 What should I check before towing a caravan with an EV?

1. Is the car rated to tow?

This is the big one. Some electric cars aren’t type-approved for towing at all — which means they legally can’t tow anything. Always check the official towing capacity.

If it says 0 kg, that’s a hard no.

2. What’s the max towing weight?

Make sure your caravan is within the car’s towing limits. You’ll usually see two weights listed:

• Braked towing capacity (when the caravan has its own brakes)

• Unbraked towing capacity (for lighter trailers without brakes)

3. Do I need a special tow bar?

Yes – usually a manufacturer-approved tow bar is required. Some EVs only allow specific tow bars or fixed towing packages, so be sure to check before you buy.

⚡ Does towing affect EV range?

Definitely — towing will reduce your range, sometimes by a lot.

How much depends on:

• The size and weight of your caravan

• Your driving speed

• Road conditions and weather

• How aerodynamic your caravan is (boxy = more drag)

It’s a good idea to plan shorter legs and build in extra charging stops if you're heading off on a long journey.

🔌 Is it hard to charge an EV while towing?

It can be a bit tricky, but it's doable.

Not all public chargers are easy to access with a caravan attached. Most aren’t “pull-through,” so you may need to unhitch the caravan to reach the charger.

That said, new charging hubs are being designed with larger bays for towing setups, which makes life a bit easier.

🚗 Which electric cars can tow a caravan?

Here are some electric cars that are rated to tow, and are popular choices for caravan owners:

• Tesla Model X – up to 2,250 kg

• BMW iX – up to 2,500 kg

• Hyundai IONIQ 5 – up to 1,600 kg

• Kia EV6 – up to 1,600 kg

• Skoda Enyaq iV – up to 1,000 kg

• Volkswagen ID.4 – up to 1,200 kg

• Audi Q4 e-tron – up to 1,200 kg

• Mercedes EQC – up to 1,800 kg

Not every trim or battery size can tow the same, so always double-check the spec before you commit.

🧠 Top tips for towing with an EV

• ✅ Plan your charging stops ahead of time

• ✅ Keep your speed steady and aerodynamic drag low

• ✅ Use regenerative braking wisely – it can help manage energy

• ✅ Don’t forget to factor in charging cable length if you’re charging while hitched

• ✅ Practice reversing (just like any other towing setup!)

🏁 The takeaway

Yes, electric cars can tow caravans — but not all of them. If you’re serious about caravan adventures and want to make the switch to electric, just make sure the EV you’re looking at is rated to tow and has the pulling power you need.

Want help finding the right electric lease car for towing? We’ve got you. Give the team at Motorlet a shout and we’ll talk you through the best options, with no jargon and no guesswork.