If you are planning to buy an electric car but wonder if they can tow, the answer is yes. However, not all electric vehicles can be used to tow as they are not all certified for that purpose. Finding an electric car certified for towing may be difficult, so we have rounded up the top 10 best electric cars for towing in this article.
10. Polestar 2 – 3307 lb towing capacity
The Polestar has much input from Swedish Volvo, so you know to expect a good car from the brand. The Polestar 2 is the first purpose-built electric car, and it hides lots of power in the fastback design.
Sharing the same EV platform with the Volvo XC40 Recharge, the Polestar is certified for towing up to 3,307 lb (1,500 kg) braked and 1,653 lb (750 kg) unbraked. With a WLTP range of 273 miles but the real-world range of 245, you may expect 117 miles of towing range from the Polestar 2. However, you can bank on the 150 kW fast charging to quickly replenish the battery of your trips.
9. Volvo XC40 – 3307 lb towing capacity
It is no surprise that the Volvo XC40 ties with the Polestar 2 at 3,307 lb (1,500 kg) braked and 1,653 lb (750 kg) unbraked. The two share the same battery and electric motor.
However, the Volvo XC40 offers a lower driving range of 259 miles. Real-world ranges are significantly lower at about 200 miles, so you can expect to drive about 100 miles when towing at full capacity. The range is not impressive, and you will make more stops to charge, but the 150 kW charging speed may make things a bit less unbearable.
8. Hyundai IONIQ 5 – 3527 lb towing capacity
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 received many positive reviews when it was released, which is a good sign as it was the first EV built from the ground by the brand. It can tow up to 3,527 lb (1,600 kg) braked and 1,653 lb (750 kg) unbraked, which means you don’t have any problem with your 4 to 6-person caravan.
The IONIQ 5 charges very fast, and it will accept up to 232 kW if you can find a charger that can deliver it. The trim with the larger battery of 77.4 kWh offers about 256 miles of range, meaning you can tow up to 128 miles. However, the trim with the smaller battery pack, which offers 220 miles, will only last about 110 miles when towing.
7. Kia EV6 – 3527 lb towing capacity
The Kia EV6 shares the same electric platform as the Hyundai IONIQ 5, but it can charge faster at 250 kW thanks to its 800 V charging system. It also has a slightly larger battery pack. Other differences include vehicle-to-load (V2L) capabilities, which will allow you to power electronic devices from the battery or even charge another car.
You can tow up to 3,527 lb (1,600 kg) braked and 1,653 lb (750 kg) unbraked with the Kia EV6, enough for a 6-person caravan. While the car offers about 310 miles of driving range in the highest trim, you can only get about 150 miles when towing. In the world of EV towing, this is nothing to sniff at.
6. BMW i4 – 3527 lb towing capacity
The sleek-looking electric Gran Coupe i4 is a real performer. It will pull up to 3,527 lb (1,600 kg) braked and 1,653 lb (750 kg) unbraked, with no issues, which should cover a family’s towing needs.
The i4 is rated 365 miles using the WLTP standard, but you do not get more than 280 miles of actual driving. Towing will cut this down to 140 miles per charge. However, you won’t spend much time charging as it can accept 200 kW of power.
For the times you may not be towing, the i4 has a large 470 liters boot which opens easily and wide thanks to the hatchback design.
5. Tesla Model Y – 3527 lb towing capacity
The most popular EV maker has equipped the Model Y with a 3,527 lb (1,600 kg) braked towing capacity, 1,653 lb (750 kg) more than the Model 3, on which it is based, and 1,653 lb (750 kg) unbraked. However, only the Dual Motor Long Range is certified for towing, and you can’t tow with the Performance, despite the name.
With an estimated driving range of 318 miles, you can expect almost 160 miles when towing. But you can rely on the Superchargers to quickly fill up your battery when it goes low.
4. Mercedes Benz EQA – 3968 lb towing capacity
Mercedes Benz is known for efficient and luxury cars. However, the German auto power house made sure the EQA could tow. The top trim, the 350 4Matic with two electric motors, can pull 3,968 lb (1,800 kg) safely braked and 1,653 lb (750 kg) unbraked. This is powerful enough for large-sized caravans or even other cars.
All trims come with a factory-fitted tow-bar that drops down from the bumper when you touch a button inside the boot. The car also has a Trailer Assist feature to balance the vehicle when you tow electronically.
With a driving range of 263 miles, you can expect to tow about 130 miles before running out of battery.
3. Tesla Model X – 5000 lb towing capacity
The Model X is a towing champion and can compete with many larger, diesel-powered SUVs. At 5,000 lb (2268 kg) braked, it can pull a large twin-axle caravan safely. However, the car can tow 1,653 lb (750 kg) unbraked. Tesla even allows you to adjust the ride height with the help of air springs, which makes it easier to attach a trailer or caravan.
With a driving range of 330 miles, you can expect a towing range of 165 miles between charges.
2. BMW iX – 5512 lb towing capacity
The BMW iX offers the second-largest capacity, with 5,512 lb (2,500 kg) braked and 1,653 lb (750 kg) unbraked. It is also a solid performer when it comes to driving range, as it offers 348 miles of driving range, which should translate to about 170 miles when you are towing.
All the versions of the iX are rated at 5,512 lb (2,500 kg), and the slowest model goes from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds.
1. Rivian R1T & R1S – 11000 and 7700 lb towing capacity
Rivian is a new entrant into the EV industry, but that has not stopped it from grabbing the top spot when it comes to towing. The R1T pickup truck can pull a massive 11,000 lb (4990 kg), placing it way above the competition. The R1S SUV comes second and can pull 7,700 lb (3,493 kg). Both vehicles are marketed at nature lovers that may take them on trails or camping grounds.
With a driving range of above 300 miles, you can expect about 150 miles when towing.
Here is a short summary of the best electric vehicles for towing in 2022:
| Top 10 Vehicles | Braked Towing Capacity | Unbraked Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Rivian R1T & R1S | 11000 & 7700 lb / 4490 kg & 3493 kg | – |
| 2. BMW iX | 5512 lb / 2500 kg | 1653 lb / 750 kg |
| 3. Tesla Model X | 5000 lb / 2268 kg | 1653 lb / 750 kg |
| 4. Mercedes EQA | 3968 lb / 1800 kg | 1653 lb / 750 kg |
| 5. Tesla Model Y | 3527 lb / 1600 kg | 1653 lb / 750 kg |
| 6. BMW i4 | 3527 lb / 1600 kg | 1653 lb / 750 kg |
| 7. Kia EV6 | 3527 lb / 1600 kg | 1653 lb / 750 kg |
| 8. Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 3527 lb / 1600 kg | 1653 lb / 750 kg |
| 9. Volvo XC40 | 3307 lb / 1500 kg | 1653 lb / 750 kg |
| 10. Polestar 2 | 3307 lb / 1500 kg | 1653 lb / 750 kg |
Conclusion
You can tow with an electric car. However, you need to use a certified electric vehicle, which you can choose from the list above.