Top 10 best electric cars for towing

Don't be put off buying an EV if you have a trailer or caravan to tow. These are the best for the job

If there’s one activity an EV should be perfectly suited to, it’s towing. With their powerful motors that deliver instant and finely controlled torque, these battery-powered machines could have been purpose built for hauling heavy loads.

However, what seems as clear as day on paper can often be much murkier in practice. You see, while these torque-rich models could theoretically pull the heftiest trailers and most cumbersome caravans, many manufacturers didn’t homologate them to do so. One of the major reasons was range. The effort and energy needed to tow often reduced the usable range to under 100 miles in many cases. Then there was the weighty issue of mass. The combination of an EV's bulky batteries and any potential load created a gross train weight (the car’s kerb weight and trailer load added together) that became almost unmanageable.

But times have changed and technology has improved, with the result that ever increasing numbers of EVs have been designed to accommodate a towbar and can hitch up to the sort of loads normally the preserve of ICE models. There’s still a little way to go before these electrified offerings can match the most accomplished petrol- or diesel-engined haulers (the best can pull up to 3500kg), but there are still plenty of options for those who want to tow and make the switch to an EV.

So here’s our list of the top 14 battery-powered vehicles for towing. For each entry, we’ve highlighted the maximum permissible weight that can be pulled using a braked trailer.

*14. Hyundai Ioniq 5*

The strikingly styled new Ioniq 5 is more than just a pretty face, because beneath its angular exterior lurks some real muscle. Both rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive models fitted with the larger, 73kWh battery are capable of pulling up to 1600kg, which is a similar amount to many ICE rivals. It also has a usefully high nose weight (the figure that can be directly loaded onto the tow ball itself) of 100kg, making it perfect for racks that can carry up to four bicycles.

No prices are available for adding a towbar yet, but all Ioniq 5s are prewired to take this addition (even the entry-level 58kWh car, which has only a 750kg towing limit). Our early impressions of the Ioniq 5 suggest that while it should be a capable tow car, there's more to it than lugging power. Crisp handling, a cabin that oozes premium appeal and a healthy dose of character mean that this isn't just a game-changer for Hyundai; it's also likely to set new standards for 'affordable' EVs.

*13. Kia EV6*

Pricier and more powerful than the closely related Hyundai Ioniq 5, the new EV6 has the same 1600kg maximum towing weight. However, with all versions of the slinky coupé-inspired Kia featuring a large, 77.4kWh battery, this pulling capacity applies to all models, from the 225bhp rear-wheel-drive base car through to the 577bhp GT. As with all the cars here, towing a large load will make a significant dent in the range. 

But on the plus side, an 800V charging system means that, where they're available, ultra-rapid chargers can replenish the EV6's cells from 10-80% in as little as 18 minutes. We've yet to drive the EV6, but experience of the Ioniq 5, which uses the same E-GMP platform, hints at an EV that will be interesting and engaging to drive – especially the GT, with its claimed 3.5sec 0-62mph sprint time and standard limited-slip differential.

*12. Genesis GV60*

Given it's almost identical under the skin to the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, it's no surprise to find the Genesis GV60 features the same useful 1600kg towing limit. The first bespoke EV from the high-end Korean brand, it's based on the same E-GMP platform, which means you get an identical 77.4kWh battery and powerful 800V architecture that allows rapid charging to 80% in under 20 minutes. 

Handily, like its close relations it has a vehicle-to-load function, which means you can use the car's high-voltage battery to charge items like electric bikes and laptops, or even portable fridges - ideal when you're on a campsite without an electrical hook-up. Leave the caravan at home and the GV60 is actually a surprisingly enjoyable steer, blending agility and poise (there's even a Drift mode option on flagship models, although this isn't recommended when towing…) with impressive comfort and refinement. 

The 483bhp dual-motor Sport Plus delivers sports-car-slaying pace, but the entry-level 226bhp rear-wheel-drive car is more than brisk enough, feels lighter on its feet and has the best claimed range, at 321 miles.

*11. BMW i4*

Surprisingly, while BMW has given the rugged iX3 SUV a lowly 750kg towing limit, the sleek i4 can pull 1600kg. This figure is the same for both the eDrive40 and 536bhp M50 xDrive, which is no surprise given that even the least powerful version of the two delivers a muscular 317lb ft from zero revs. Perhaps more impressive is that the eDrive40 has a WLTP range of 365 miles, which, given that towing at maximum capacity usually slashes the distance to empty by about 50%, still leaves over 180 miles of range. 

There's also a usefully large 470-litre boot with a practical hatchback opening for easy storage of all your camping and caravanning bits and bobs. And when you're not lugging a large load, the BMW benefits from strong performance, excellent refinement and typically crisp and engaging handling.

*10. Smart #1*

Under its quirky-looking skin, the latest addition to the Smart line-up shares some of its powertrain components with the Volvo and Polestar models that also feature in this list. While the brand was founded by Mercedes in 1994, Chinese giant Geely (owner of the Swedish pair) took a 50% stake in the company in 2019.

As a result, the #1 (yes, it is really called that) is the first machine to benefit from the Sustainable Experience Architecture platform that will also underpin the forthcoming Polestar 5, the Lotus Eletre SUV and Lotus Type 133 saloon. For the Smart, it accommodates a 66kWh battery and a rear-mounted motor that packs a handy 268bhp and a range of up to 273 miles. There’s also a hot, twin-motor four-wheel-drive 422bhp Brabus version that’ll crack 0-62mph in 3.9sev. Regardless of which model you choose, the Smart will pull an impressive 1600kg.

*9. Volvo XC40 AWD and C40 Recharge AWD*

Volvo has expanded its all-electric range with the C40 Recharge, but given it's almost identical under its coupé-inspired skin to the existing XC40, we'll cover both in this entry. With a pair of electric motors delivering four-wheel drive and a combined might of 402bhp, the Swedish siblings are able to deliver a decent towing capacity of 1800kg. 

Like most of the cars here, the Volvo twins are available with a factory-fitted retractable towbar, which the brand also offers in a pack that includes a tow-ball-mounted bike rack and mud flaps for the ultimate outdoor experience. Behind the wheel, the pair serve up strong acceleration (0-62mph in 4.7sec for the C40 and 4.9sec for the XC40) and accurate, grippy handling, but a supple suspension set-up means comfort is the priority. In terms of range, the slightly more aerodynamically slippery C40 claims 274 miles and the XC40 promises up to 259 miles.

*8. Mercedes-Benz EQA*

Mercedes' entry-point into electric motoring delivers an impressive towing capacity that matches its much larger sibling, the EQC. In entry-level, single-motor EQA 250 guise, the compact SUV can pull 750kg, but upgrade to the twin-motor four-wheel-drive EQA 300 4Matic or EQA 350 4Matic and the maximum capacity increases to a very impressive 1800kg. That's easily enough for a large caravan or even a car and trailer combination if you're planning on hauling a track car to circuits. 

Currently, all versions of the EQA are available with a factory-fitted powered towbar (touch a button in the boot and it drops down from behind the rear bumper) for £750, while a Trailer Assist function for the electronic stability programme is also standard. At speeds above 40mph, this system can gently apply individual brakes on the car to reduce any potentially dangerous swaying of the trailer, plus it can reduce motor torque and employ stronger braking force in extreme situations.

*7. Mercedes-Benz EQC*

Despite being at least two steps further up Mercedes' electric SUV ladder than the EQA, the EQC's towing limit is capped at the same 1800kg. That might seem a little odd, given the twin-motor EQC 400 4Matic packs 402bhp and a rippling 561lb ft of torque, but given the towing weight takes into account the overall mass in transit, which includes the car's kerb weight, the EQC's 2490kg places it at a significant disadvantage to the 2105kg EQA. 

What the larger car does have in its favour, however, is standard self-leveling air springs for the rear suspension, providing a level towing platform that does away with the nose-high-and-rear-on-the-ground attitude of many tow cars. It also benefits from the same stability-enhancing Trailer Assist system as its smaller sibling.

*6. Mercedes EQS SUV*

Another Mercedes and another 1800kg maximum towing limit. Essentially, the high-riding, off-road-inspired version of the EQS saloon, the EQS SUV is the latest edition to the German brand’s rapidly increasing fleet of EVs.

Based on the same advanced EVA2 platform designed specifically for battery-powered vehicles, the EQS SUV is available in single-motor rear-wheel-drive guise, or with twin-motor 4Matic all-wheel drive - the latter proving handy when you’re pulling a caravan or horsebox out of a muddy field. The entry-level 450 gets 355bhp, but the double-motor variant increases torque from 419lb ft to 590lb ft.

At the top of the range is the rapid 536bhp 580 version that’ll zip from standstill to 62mph in 4.6sec. All versions get a 108kWh battery for a claimed range of up to 365 miles and standard air suspension ensures a level ride height even when hauling the heaviest loads.

*5. Audi Q8 E-tron*

Audi is rather proud of the Q8 E-tron's towing capability, using a 402bhp 55 Quattro version to haul a hefty 1800kg trailer containing a GM EV1 (remember that lead-acid-battery-powered 1990s coupé?) on a publicity-drenched 500-mile trip from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Austin, Texas, in the US. Yet while it managed to crack a 60mph average for the trip, this figure didn't include the time it needed to stop and recharge, because like all our EVs here, hauling a load will take a toll on range. 

In the case of the Audi SUV, that meant its claimed range of 252 miles was slashed by more than a half to just over 100 miles. On the plus side, if you're not doing big distances, the Q8 E-tron in all its guises (496bhp S, swoopy Sportback and entry-level 50) all have the same 1800kg capacity, while all-round air suspension keeps everything on the level. The standard Q8 E-tron also has a 660-litre boot for all that caravanning and camping overflow.


*4. Genesis Electrified GV70*

Genesis is a relative newcomer to Europe and the EV market, but that hasn't stopped it laying down an impressive marker when it comes to towing credentials. Based on the upmarket Korean brand's mid-size GV70 SUV, which is also available in petrol and diesel guises, the Electrified model can pull a decent 1800kg. Under the skin it gets the same 800V architecture as the firm's GV60, and its mechanically identical twins, the Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5, meaning it's possible to charge its 77kWh battery to 80% in just 18 minutes. 

A twin-motor set-up delivers a 483bhp punch, allowing the GV70 to combine a 0-62mph time of 4.2sec with competitive range of 283 miles. Crucially, the Genesis serves up a mammoth 516lb ft of torque, which in combination with the smooth and linear power delivery helps make this a confidence-inspiring tow car. You'll have to look elsewhere for driving excitement, but the GV70 handles accurately and boasts excellent refinement and a plush ride, while its classy cabin matches established premium rivals for luxurious ambience and lavish levels of equipment.

*3. BMW i7*

Okay, so it’s unlikely that many customers will choose a limousine for heavy-duty towing trips, but it’s good to know the i7 could be an option if you fancy a caravan holiday with a dash of luxury. And you’ll be able to tow quite a sizable home on wheels too, because the battery-powered BMW is rated at an impressive 2000kg. 

It’s easy to see why the i7 can handle such a hefty load, with its twin-motor four-wheel-drive layout delivering 536bhp in entry-level xDrive60 guise and a thumping 651bhp in the flagship M70. What’s more, the sizable 105kWh battery has up to a claimed 385 miles of range between charges, which means even when towing the BMW should help eliminate range anxiety. When not hooked up to a trailer, the i7 is a fast and surprisingly fleet-footed machine, combining hushed refinement and soothing comfort with enough agility to keep the driver interested. 

That said, these qualities don’t come cheap. Prices start at a little over £110,000 and rise to just under £140,000 - and that’s before you even think about raiding the extensive list of optional extras.

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*2. Tesla Model X*

The Tesla Model X can cope with pulling up 2268kg, rivalling many large, diesel-engined SUVs (although it's still some way short of the Land Rover Discovery's 3500kg limit). This impressive figure means that it's easily possible to hitch up a large twin-axle caravan, even if doing so is likely to significantly eat into the Long Range variant's claimed 360-mile range. 

That said, with north of 800lb ft of instant torque, this SUV's performance is unlikely to be greatly affected by hauling a heavy load. Plus, like the Mercedes-Benz EQC and Audi E-tron, the Model X has air springs as standard, making it easier to hitch a trailer or caravan by raising or lowering the ride height as required and keep an even keel while on the move. 

A large boot and seven-seat capability further boost its practical tow car credentials. Its gullwing rear doors will cause a stir at the campsite, although the patchy build quality and inert driving dynamics mean it's not without its compromises.

*1. BMW iX*

There's no denying BMW has gone big with its EV flagship. The challengingly styled iX boasts the sort of Top Trumps-style stats that would trash the much of its opposition, particularly in range-topping xDrive50 guise. Not only does it offer plenty of muscle (516bhp and a rippling 564lb ft of torque) but it'll also travel a claimed 380 miles on a charge thanks to its 80.7kW battery. However, the number that interests us most here is the 2500kg towing limit, which is as much as some fairly heavyweight ICE machines. More importantly, you get the same towing ability with the less costly 321bhp e40xDrive models. Both also feature twin-motor four-wheel drive meaning excellent traction even when pulling a trailer out of a slippery field.

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