Towing with an Electric Vehicle: Everything You Need to Know
Towing with an EV is entirely practical in 2026, but it requires different planning than towing with a diesel. Here’s what you need to know before hitching up.
Range Impact
Expect to lose 40-60% of your rated range when towing, depending on the trailer weight, aerodynamics, and terrain. A vehicle rated at 500km might manage 200-300km with a loaded trailer.
Charging Stops
Plan charging stops every 150-200km when towing. Most fast chargers can accommodate vehicles with trailers, but some older sites have tight parking. Apps like PlugShare let you filter for trailer-friendly locations.
Best EVs for Towing in Australia
The Tesla Model X (2,250kg), Kia EV9 (2,500kg), and BMW iX (2,500kg) currently offer the best combination of towing capacity and range. For heavier loads, the Ram 1500 REV’s 3,500kg capacity leads the market.
Pre-Conditioning
Pre-condition your battery before arriving at a charger. Most modern EVs do this automatically when you set a charging station as your navigation destination, but verify this feature is enabled in your vehicle’s settings.