Electric Cars Towing Trailers – The Ultimate Guide to Towing in 2026

For a long time, most electric car drivers couldn’t tow trailers. And the ones that did have the ability were limited by very low towing capacities. But things have changed for the better.

Today, many electric vehicles let you attach a trailer and carry some more serious stuff than just a few bicycles. Discover models that can tow 1,500, 2,000, or even 2,500 kg!

• Lots of electric cars can tow trailers, with towing capacities ranging from 300 kg to 2,500 kg, depending on the model.

• Brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz offer the highest number of electric models with rather impressive towing capacities.

• Quite a few plug-in hybrids can tow up to 3,500 kg, similar to traditional combustion engine vehicles.

• If an electric car doesn’t come with a towbar as standard, it is often possible to retrofit one.

Yes, many electric cars can tow a trailer. Their towing limits vary, though. Depending on the model, they allow you to transport between 300 kg and 2,500 kg. The Tesla Cybertruck, which isn't sold in Europe, can tow up to 4,990 kg, but that’s rather an exception.

Towing a trailer isn’t just about attaching it to your electric car but also ensuring everything is safe and legal. Therefore, before you start your trip, we recommend checking a few important technical and legal aspects to avoid any surprises along the way.

Are you going to attach a trailer to your vehicle for the first time? Here are the essential technical requirements you’ll want to check before you hit the road:

• Trailer coupling registration: It’s recommended to have the trailer coupling entered in the vehicle registration certificate or carry a copy for proof during inspections.

• Maximum permissible weight: When approving a trailer, a specific range for the maximum permissible total weight may be specified. The registration office can determine the exact weight for the vehicle's towing capacity within this range, removing the need for additional re-approvals for each trailer.

• Professional installation: Carry a confirmation of professional towbar installation.

• Turn signal check: The driver must be able to verify that both the vehicle’s and trailer’s turn signals are working.

• Wheel chock: Carry at least one wheel chock for trailers over 750 kg.

• Safety connections: Use a safety chain or ripcord to secure the trailer.

Beyond the technical stuff, there are also some legal requirements you need to follow to make sure everything is good to go. These regulations make sure your trailer is covered by insurance and that you’re not running into legal trouble down the road:

• Check your trailer towing restrictions: Ensure that your driving licence permits towing the chosen trailer.

• Trailer insurance: Every registered trailer must have its own liability insurance, with the towing vehicle’s insurance covering trailer-related damage.

• Inscriptions: Trailers must display the dead weight, maximum total weight, axle loads, and payload capacity in indelible markings on the right-hand side.

• Tyre specifications: Ensure that trailer tyres meet the approval document requirements.

• Loading regulations: Follow limits for total weight and axle loads, and secure the load with proper tools.

• Regular inspection: In the UK, for example, trailers exceeding 1,020 kg unladen weight (e.g., camper trailers) and equipped with a powered braking system need an annual MOT (Ministry of Transport) test. Requirements may differ by country, so check local regulations.

• Speed limits: Special speed limits apply. In Germany, for instance, cars with trailers may drive up to 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside. With a 100 km/h sticker, they are allowed to travel up to 100 km/h on motorways. To get the sticker, the towing vehicle must have ABS and weigh no more than 3.5 tonnes. In addition, the trailer must meet specific safety and tyre requirements. Be sure to check the limits in your country.

Brands like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz lead the way in terms of braked towing capacity. They offer numerous models capable of handling serious weight. Other EV manufacturers, including Hyundai, Kia, Fiat, Tesla, Volvo, VW, Ford, BYD, and many more, also support towing, though often with more moderate capacities.

Braked towing capacity is the maximum weight a vehicle can tow when the trailer has its own braking system. In contrast, unbraked towing capacity means the EV trailer relies entirely on the vehicle's brakes for stopping. The latter is always significantly lower. Unbraked capacity for electric cars varies between 300 and 750 kg.

Choosing the right towing capacity depends on what you plan to tow. Whether you're transporting recreational gear, a caravan, or even livestock, understanding the weight limits your vehicle can handle is essential. Check out this list to determine the towing capacity that suits your needs:

• Up to 750 kg: Perfect for light stuff like bicycle racks and small trailers for garden tools.

• Up to 1,500 kg: Ideal for teardrop campers, small boats, jet skis, or lightweight utility trailers.

• Up to 2,000 kg: Great for compact cars, camper trailers, or small construction machines.

• Up to 2,500 kg: Suitable for transporting horses, medium-sized caravans, a small boat or a small flatbed trailer for tools and equipment.

• Up to 3,500 kg: This handles full-size caravans, double horse trailers as well as large boats and yachts.

Electric cars with high towing capacity include models ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 kg. These days, you can find everything from a comfy hatchback and an SUV to a van within this range. Our selection includes models you might choose for their cutting-edge technology, spaciousness, sporty feel, efficiency or fast charging.

Keep in mind that a towbar usually isn’t included as standard. Most brands offer it as an optional extra, so take care when ordering your next vehicle. Worried that it might ruin the style? Luckily, manufacturers like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz offer a practical solution for that. They provide an electric towbar that remains hidden under the rear bumper when not in use. With just the press of a button, it becomes available for towing. Some Kia models, on the other hand, come with a removable towbar that you can easily attach manually when needed.

A towing capacity of 1,000-1,500 kg is great for a wide range of activities. Planning a weekend getaway? Need to haul some landscaping supplies and yard equipment? These vehicles will allow you to take a lot of stuff with you. 

Audi: 

• Q4 45 e-tron edition S line - 1000 kg

• Q4 Sportback 45 e-tron advanced - 1000 kg

BMW: 

• i5 eDrive40 - 1500 kg

• i5 Touring eDrive40 M Sport Package - 1500 kg

BYD:

• Siegel U Comfort - 1300 kg

• Tang Flagship AWD - 1500 kg

Cadillac:

• Lyriq 600 E4 Luxury AWD - 1587 kg

Citroën:

• ë-Jumpy Penal Van Double Cab (50 kWh) - 1000 kg

• ë-Jumpy Combi M (75 kWh) - 1000 kg

• ë-Spacetourer XL (75 kWh) - 1000 kg

CUPRA:

• Tavascan Endurance - 1000 kg

Fiat:

• E-Scudo Panel Van L1 (50 kWh) - 1000 kg

Ford:

• Capri Extended Range (77 kWh) - 1000 kg

• Explorer EV Extended Range (77 kWh) - 1000 kg

• Mustang Mach-E Extended Range Premium - 1500 kg

Hyundai:

• IONIQ 6 (77,4 kWh) - 1500 kg

Kia:

• EV3 (81,4 kWh) - 1000 kg

Maxus:

• eDeliver 3 Panel Van L1 - 1030 kg,

• eDeliver 9 Panel Van L2H2 N1 - 1500 kg

• Mifa 9 Luxury - 1000 kg, T90 EV Elite - 1000 kg

Mercedes-Benz:

• eCitan Panel Van Lang Select - 1400 kg

• eCitan Panel Van Standard Select - 1450 kg

• eCitan Tourer Standard Pro - 1500 kg

• EQA 250 Progressive - 1500 kg

Polestar:

• 2 Long Range Dual Motor - 1500 kg

Škoda: 

• Enyaq – 1000 kg 

Volkswagen: 

• ID. Buzz – 1000 kg

• ID.5 – 1000 kg

• ID.4 – 1200 kg

• ID.7 – 1200 kg

XPeng:

• G6 – 1500 kg

• G9 – 1500 kg

This range is ideal if you’ve got a mid-sized caravan or a horse trailer. It is also a decent choice if you need to haul your jet ski or motorcycle trailer. The EVs from this list offer the kind of muscle that fits family camping trips, DIY projects, or helping friends move... again.

Audi: 

• Q6 e-tron performance edition one blue - 2000 kg

• Q8 e-tron 50 S line quattro - 1800 kg

• SQ8 e-tron quattro - 1800 kg

• Q8 e-tron 55 edition Dakar quattro - 1800 kg

BMW:

• i4 xDrive40 / i4 M50 - 1600 kg

• i5 xDrive40 / i5 M60 / i5 Touring M60 - 2000 kg

• i7 xDrive60 - 2000 kg

Genesis:

• GV60 Sport AWD - 1600 kg

• GV70 Electrified AWD - 1800 kg

Hyundai:

• IONIQ 5 (77,4 kWh) - 1600 kg

Kia:

• EV6 (77,4 kWh) 4WD - 1600 kg

Mercedes-Benz:

• EQA 300 4MATIC - 1800 kg

• EQB 300 4MATIC - 1700 kg

• EQE 350/43 AMG 4MATIC - 1700 kg

• EQE SUV 500/43 AMG 4MATIC - 1800 kg

• EQS 450/53 AMG 4MATIC - 1700 kg

Tesla:

• Model Y Long Range AWD - 1600 kg

• Model S - 1600 kg

Volkswagen: 

• ID. Buzz GTX - 1800 kg 

Need to tow a full-sized caravan, a car trailer, or even a construction machine? These EVs are ready for the big stuff. If you’re towing for work, hauling serious gear, or just want to be prepared for anything, this list is for you.

By the way, whether a certain vehicle is suitable for specific purposes also depends on factors like charging infrastructure, as towing significantly increases EV consumption. Accordingly, you will need to charge much more often.

Audi: 

• A6 Avant/Sportback e-tron performance / S6 Avant/Sportback e-tron quattro - 2100 kg

• Q6 e-tron edition one blue/SQ6 e-tron quattro - 2400 kg

• Q6 e-tron performance – 2400 kg

BMW: 

• iX xDrive40 / iX M60 - 2500 kg

• i5 Touring M60 xDrive - 2000 kg

• i5 M60 xDrive - 2000 kg

• i7 xDrive60 - 2000 kg

• iX3  – 2000 kg

Fiat: 

• e-Ducato Panel Van 35 L3H2 (110 kWh) - 2400 kg

Ford: 

• E-Tourneo Custom / E-Transit Custom Variants - 2300 kg

Hyundai: 

• IONIQ 9 AWD – 2500 kg

Kia: 

• EV9 GT-Line AWD - 2500 kg

Porsche: 

• Macan E 2025 – 2000 kg

Škoda: 

• Elroq – 1800 kg

Lucid: 

• Gravity – 2500 kg

Tesla: 

• Model X - 2250 kg

Volkswagen: 

• e-Transporter – 2300 kg 

Volvo:

• EX60 – 2400 kg

Yes, plug-in hybrids can tow a trailer. Some of them can pull up to 3,500 kg, just like ICE vehicles. However, when towing a trailer, the battery runs out faster, and the car relies entirely on its petrol or diesel engine.

Plug-in hybrids from brands like Kia, Citroën, Ford and some others can tow more than you might think. With the right model, you can take a caravan on holiday, move building materials, or even tow a decent-sized boat. We’ve found plenty of options that could be just right for you.

Whether it’s a small trailer for a home renovation project or a weekend’s worth of camping gear, these plug-in hybrids with a 1,500 kg towing capacity are ready to help you. Check out our list and pick your favourite.

Audi: 

• A6 50 TFSI e advanced quattro S tronic - 2000 kg

Citroën: 

• C5 Aircross Plug-In-Hybrid 225 Stop&Start Plus e-EAT8 - 1300 kg

• C5 X Hybrid 225 Stop&Start Max e-EAT8 - 1350 kg

Ford:

• Kuga 2.5 Plug-in-Hybrid Titanium CVT - 1500 kg

Hyundai: 

• Santa Fe 1.6 T-GDI Plug-in-Hybrid Black Line 4WD Automatic (5-Seater) - 1010 kg

• Tucson 1.6 T-GDI Plug-in Hybrid N Line AWD Automatic - 1210 kg

Jaguar:

• E-Pace P270e R-Dynamic S AWD Automatic - 1600 kg

Jeep:

• Compass 1.3 T4 PHEV Altitude 4xe Automatic - 1250 kg

Kia:

• Ceed Sportswagon 1.6 GDI Plug-in Hybrid Spirit DCT6 - 1300 kg

• Niro 1.6 GDI Plug-in-Hybrid Edition 7 DCT6 - 1010 kg

MG:

• EHS Plug-in-Hybrid - 1500 kg

• HS Plug-in-Hybrid - 1500 kg

Land Rover:

• Discovery Sport P270e S AWD Automatic - 1600 kg

Peugeot:

• 408/508 1.6 HYBRID 180 Allure e-EAT8 - 1500 kg

• 508 PSE HYBRID4 360 e-EAT8 - 1280/1260 kg

• 508 SW 1.6 HYBRID 225 Allure e-EAT8 - 1300 kg

Renault:

• Rafale E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 300 Esprit Alpine 4x4 Multi-Mode-Automatic - 1500 kg

Suzuki:

• Across 2.5 Plug-in-Hybrid Comfort+ E-FOUR CVT - 1500 kg

Can a plug-in hybrid tow a caravan? Yes. With 1500–2000 kg towing capacity, you can easily haul a caravan or a trailer full of luggage for a long vacation. It's a great middle ground for those who need more strength but don't want a huge vehicle.

Audi:

• A6 Avant 50 TFSI e advanced quattro S tronic - 2000 kg

• A6 50 TFSI e advanced quattro S tronic - 2000 kg

• A7 Sportback 50 TFSI e quattro S tronic - 2000 kg

BMW: 

• 530e M Sport package/530e Touring M Sport package Steptronic - 1800 kg

• 530e xDrive/530e Touring xDrive Steptronic - 2000 kg

• M5/M5 Touring xDrive Steptronic - 2000 kg

• 750e M Sport package xDrive

• Steptronic Sport - 2000 kg

• M760e xDrive Steptronic Sport - 2000 kg

• X3 30e/xDrive30e Steptronic - 2000 kg

Citroën: 

• C5 Aircross Plug-In-Hybrid 225 Stop&Start Plus e-EAT8 - 1300 kg

GWM: 

• WEY 03 2.0 PHEV Luxury AWD DCT - 2000 kg

• WEY 05 2.0 PHEV Premium AWD DCT - 2000 kg

Hyundai: 

• Tucson 1.6 T-GDI Plug-in-Hybrid N Line Allrad Automatic - 1210 kg

Lexus: 

• RX 450h+ Eco AWD CVT - 2000 kg

Land Rover:

• Range Rover Velar P400e Plug-in-Hybrid Dynamic HSE Automatic - 2000 kg

Mercedes-Benz:

• GLC 300 de Edition Avantgarde 4MATIC 9G-TRONIC - 2000 kg

• GLC Coupé 300 de Edition Avantgarde 4MATIC 9G-TRONIC - 2000 kg

Mitsubishi:

• Outlander PHEV - 1600 kg

Volvo:

• S60 T8 Plus Dark AWD Geartronic - 2000 kg

• V60 T6 Core AWD Geartronic - 2000 kg

These cars give you the strength to handle heavy loads like trailers, boats, or work equipment. The models from our list are designed to handle long trips, adventures, and heavy tasks that require extra power.

Audi: 

• A8 60 TFSI e quattro tiptronic - 2300 kg

• Q7 55 TFSI e S line quattro tiptronic - 2800 kg

• Q8 55 TFSI e quattro tiptronic - 2800 kg

Bentley: 

• Bentayga Hybrid - 3500 kg

BMW:

• X5 xDrive50e Steptronic Sport - 2700 kg

• XM Label Red Steptronic Sport - 2700 kg

Land Rover:

• Range Rover P460e Autobiography - 3000 kg

• Range Rover Sport P460e SE - 3000 kg

• Range Rover Velar P400e Plug-in-Hybrid Dynamic HSE - 2000 kg

Lexus:

• NX 450h+ Overtrail E-FOUR - 1500 kg

Mercedes-Benz:

• E 300 de All-Terrain Avantgarde Advanced 4MATIC 9G-TRONIC - 2100 kg

• E 53 Hybrid AMG Premium 4MATIC SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G - 2100 kg

Porsche:

• Cayenne S E-Hybrid Tiptronic S - 3500 kg

• Cayenne Coupé E-Hybrid Tiptronic S - 3500 kg

• Cayenne Coupé Turbo E-Hybrid Tiptronic S - 3000 kg

• Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid Tiptronic S - 3000 kg

VW:

• Touareg 3.0 V6 eHybrid Elegance 4MOTION Tiptronic - 3500 kg

• Touareg R 4MOTION Tiptronic - 3500 kg

Nearly all electric cars with a trailer coupling can be used for bike carriers. In general, vehicles with a drawbar load of more than 75 kg are suitable for this purpose. 

Models like the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia EV9 offer high support loads of up to 100 kg, making them ideal for carrying even e-bikes, which are heavier than standard bicycles. Smaller cars like the Jaguar I-Pace, with a support load of 45 kg, are not suitable for bike carriers.

• Tesla Model Y, Model 3, Model X, Model S - up to 100 kg

• Hyundai IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, Kona Electric - 100 kg

• Kia EV6, EV9 - 100 kg

• Volvo EX30, EX40, EX90 - 100 kg

• Polestar 3 - 100 kg

• BMW iX - 100 kg

• Genesis GV60, GV70 - up to 180 kg

• Audi Q8 e-tron - 75 kg

• Skoda Enyaq iV, VW ID.4 - 75 kg

If your electric car does not have a trailer towbar, installing one is often possible. Check your vehicle’s registration document to find out its towing capacity. In the UK, for example, you can find the limit on the VIN plate (under the bonnet or on the door pillar), in the owner's manual, or in the V5C registration document.

Electric vehicles like the Tesla Model S, Audi e-tron, Volkswagen e-Golf, and many others are suitable for retrofitting. But there are exceptions like the Renault Zoe. This vehicle is not approved for towing, as its registration documents doesn’t list a towing capacity. If that's the case for your car, as well, installing a towbar without official approval can void the manufacturer’s warranty on the drive battery, electric motor, or other electric components. 

Luckily, there is a workaround.

In Germany, for instance, you can ask your workshop to register the towbar through a TÜV inspection. If the installation is approved by TÜV, it becomes officially legal and won’t affect your warranty. Outside of Germany, similar procedures may be possible through local vehicle inspection authorities or certification bodies. Consider, though, that not all workshops are willing to carry out this process, so it's important to check with them beforehand.

Retrofitting a towbar typically costs between €450 and €1,150, depending on the type of mechanism, your vehicle, and the installation service fees. A towbar in this case refers to the electrical kit and the hitch connecting a trailer to a vehicle.

Here's a rough picture of how the total price is going to be calculated:

• Installation: €250–600

• Electrical kit connecting your vehicle's electrical system to the trailer so that functions like brake lights, indicators, and rear fog lights on the trailer work properly: ~€50–100

• Trailer hitch:

  • Fixed (~€150) – permanently visible and always ready for use

  • Removable (~€300) – can be detached when not in use for a cleaner look

  • Swivelling (~€450) – folds away under the bumper when not in use, no need to remove manually

An EV trailer can shorten your range up to 50% and lead to extra charging stops on longer trips. Higher weight and more air resistance mean your car needs more energy. 

What the ADAC tests show:

• A roof-mounted bike rack increases energy use by up to 25%

• A rear-mounted bike rack adds around 8%

• A large caravan can double your power use

• A small, empty EV trailer barely changes consumption

The faster you drive, the more air resistance you create, and that’s what really eats up energy. For example, with a caravan:

• At 80 km/h: +54% energy use

• At 90 km/h: +79%

• At 100 km/h: +103

Yes, towing impacts recuperation. Recovering energy during braking can help increase the range, but it won’t fully offset the extra load and drag.

In some cases, it is hard to charge an electric car with a trailer at a public charging station. The space is normally quite limited and meant for regular-sized vehicles. Parking your car with a trailer or small caravan attached means blocking other charging points or even a roadway for others.

• Use apps with photos of charging points: Apps like PlugShare or Chargemap are great for finding charging stations, as they include photos from other users, so you can get a better idea of the space before you arrive.

• Learn how to uncouple fast: Sometimes, you’ll need to uncouple your trailer to charge. Practice doing it quickly and efficiently so it doesn’t slow you down during your trip.

• Use a trailer-friendly charging cable: Planning your first trip with a trailer? Make sure your charging cable is long enough to reach the station. A cable length of 5 to 7.5 metres is usually a safe bet.

• Leave home with a full battery: With a smart wallbox like our go-e Charger installed at home, you can set your preferred charging time to ensure your vehicle is fully charged and ready to go when you need it. This way, you can avoid or minimise use of public charging.