Towing with an Electric Vehicle.

by | Sep 18, 2025 | Towbar Fitting News | 0 comments

Audi Etron Q4 Tow Bar

Towing in the UK with an EV: What You Need to Know

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a common sight on UK roads, but one question many drivers have is: can I tow with an EV? Whether it’s a caravan for a holiday, a trailer for work, or even a small horsebox, towing with an electric car comes with some unique considerations.

1. Are EVs allowed to tow?

Not every EV is approved for towing. Unlike petrol and diesel cars, where most models are capable of pulling a trailer, many EVs are not homologated (legally certified) to tow in the UK. This is often because of weight distribution, battery placement, and braking requirements.

When shopping for an EV, always check the manufacturer’s maximum braked and unbraked towing capacity. This will be listed in the car’s handbook or spec sheet. Some models have no towing rating at all, meaning you legally cannot attach a towbar.

While the list is still growing, several electric cars and SUVs on sale today are approved for towing. Examples include:

  • Tesla Model X – up to 2,250 kg
  • Audi Q8 e-tron – up to 1,800 kg
  • Kia EV6 – up to 1,600 kg
  • Hyundai IONIQ 5 – up to 1,600 kg
  • Skoda Enyaq iV – up to 1,200 kg
  • Polestar 2 – up to 1,500 kg

These capacities are plenty for small to medium caravans, trailers, or boats.

3. How towing affects EV range

This is the big one. Towing a caravan or trailer increases drag and weight, which reduces efficiency. Drivers can expect the range to drop by 30–50% depending on speed, load, and conditions. Planning ahead becomes even more important, especially if you’re heading somewhere remote.

4. Charging while towing

Public charging in the UK is improving rapidly, but towing adds complexity:

  • Rapid chargers often require reversing in, which isn’t possible with a trailer attached. You may need to unhitch before charging.
  • Longer journeys may require more frequent stops due to reduced range.
  • Charging speeds remain the same, but sessions may feel longer since you’ll be stopping more often.

5. Practical tips for towing with an EV

  • Plan routes carefully: Apps like Zapmap and ABRP (A Better Routeplanner) allow you to include towing efficiency in your trip planning.
  • Practice hitching/unhitching at home before a long journey.
  • Check payloads: the combined weight of passengers, luggage, and trailer should never exceed your EV’s Gross Train Weight (GTW).
  • Use regenerative braking: many EVs offer strong regen, which helps stabilise loads downhill and can improve efficiency slightly.
  • Keep speeds moderate: as with any vehicle, towing at 60–65 mph on the motorway drains energy faster.

6. Towbars and EVs

  1. Check Manufacturer Approval:
    Not all EVs are homologated (approved) for towing. If the manufacturer does not approve it, it’s illegal to tow with it, even if a towbar is fitted.
  2. Tow Rating (Towing Capacity):
    Some EVs are rated only for light trailers or none at all. Always check the Vehicle Identification Plate (VIN plate) or owner’s manual for the Maximum Braked and Unbraked Towing Weights.
  3. Towbar Type:
    EVs can only have type-approved tow bars fitted; fitting anything else is illegal.
  4. Wiring Kits:
    The advanced electronics on EVs require vehicle-specific wiring that integrates with the vehicle’s CAN bus; fitting universal bypass electrics can cause dangerous faults on the vehicle and interfere with its electrics, in particular the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS).

7. The future of EV towing in the UK

As battery technology improves and charging networks expand, EV towing will get easier. Caravans and trailers may even be electrified themselves, with powered axles that reduce drag on the tow car. For now, though, UK EV drivers who tow need to plan more carefully than diesel or petrol drivers.

✅ Bottom line: Towing with an EV in the UK is absolutely possible, but it requires choosing the right car, planning your trips more carefully, and being realistic about range. For many drivers, the convenience of electric power and the stability EVs offer (thanks to low-down weight from the battery) can make towing smoother than with a conventional car.

Tow safely

Tream Ultimate Towbars.

The information published on the Ultimate Towbars blog is provided for general information and educational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that the content is accurate, up to date, and relevant, Ultimate Towbars Ltd makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability of any information, products, or services mentioned.

The content on this blog does not constitute professional advice — legal, technical, mechanical, or otherwise. Readers should not rely solely on the information provided herein and are encouraged to consult the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), relevant legislation, or a qualified professional before taking any action based on the information contained on this website.

Ultimate Towbars Ltd accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss, damage, or injury that may arise directly or indirectly from reliance on the information or opinions presented in this blog. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only and do not imply endorsement; Ultimate Towbars Ltd has no control over the content or availability of those external sites.

By using this website and reading our blog content, you acknowledge and agree that you do so at your own discretion and risk.