G’day, mates! If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re as excited as we are about the future of electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia. We’re seeing more and more of these high-tech machines on our roads every day, and it’s clear that they’re not just a passing trend – they’re here to stay. But as we embrace this new era of motoring, there’s one question that keeps popping up: Can electric vehicles tow?
Well, we’re here to tell you that the answer is a resounding yes! Not only can many EVs tow, but they’re actually pretty good at it. But before we get into the nitty-gritty of which models can do what, let’s take a moment to understand what we’re talking about when we say an EV has towing capabilities.
What Does It Mean for an EV to Have Towing Capabilities?
When we talk about a vehicle’s towing capabilities, we’re essentially talking about how much weight it can pull behind it. This is determined by a number of factors, including the vehicle’s power, torque, and design.
In the case of EVs, torque is a particularly important factor. Torque is the force that gets a vehicle moving from a standstill and helps it climb hills or, in this case, tow heavy loads. One of the great things about electric motors is that they produce a lot of torque right from the get-go, which makes them well-suited to towing tasks.
But enough with the technical stuff. Let’s dive into the real question at hand: What electric vehicles can tow in Australia?
Stay tuned for our next section where we’ll be highlighting some of the top EV models that are up to the task. We’ll be taking a closer look at their towing capacities, features, and how they perform in real-world conditions. So, buckle up and get ready for an electrifying ride!
Understanding EV Towing Capabilities
Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand what we mean when we talk about an EV’s towing capabilities. In the simplest terms, when we say a vehicle can tow, we mean it can pull a certain amount of weight behind it. This could be a trailer, a caravan, a boat, or anything else you might need to haul.
The Importance of Torque in Towing
One of the key factors in a vehicle’s ability to tow is its torque. Torque is essentially the force that gets a vehicle moving from a standstill and helps it climb hills. It’s also what allows a vehicle to pull heavy loads.
Electric vehicles are particularly good at producing torque. Unlike internal combustion engines, which need to build up revs to reach their peak torque, electric motors can deliver maximum torque instantly, right from the get-go. This makes them well-suited to tasks like towing, where a lot of force is needed right from the start.
Source: RAC WA
Electric Vehicles That Can Tow
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get down to the details. Which electric vehicles available in Australia can tow, and how much can they tow? Here are a few standout models:
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X is not just an electric vehicle, it’s a statement. Known for its futuristic design, including the iconic falcon-wing doors, the Model X is a luxury SUV that doesn’t compromise on performance. It boasts a towing capacity of 2250kg, which is quite impressive for an electric vehicle. This means you can easily haul a medium-sized caravan, boat, or a hefty trailer. The Model X also comes with Tesla’s advanced autopilot features, making towing and driving in general, a more relaxed and safer experience.
Source: Tesla Model X
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 is a versatile and stylish electric SUV. It’s designed with a retro-futuristic aesthetic that pays homage to Hyundai’s ‘Pony’ — the company’s first production car. But it’s not just about looks. The Ioniq 5 has a towing capacity of 1600kg, making it a practical choice for towing small to medium-sized trailers. Plus, it offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, which allows you to use its battery to power other electric appliances, handy for camping trips!
Source: Hyundai Ioniq 5
Kia EV6
The Kia EV6 is a dynamic crossover electric vehicle that combines sporty design with impressive performance. It has a towing capacity of 1600kg, matching that of the Ioniq 5. The EV6 is equipped with a heat pump that minimises battery power consumption, especially in cold conditions, ensuring that towing doesn’t overly compromise its range. It also features a range of advanced safety systems, making it a reliable choice for towing duties.
Source: Kia EV6
Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 is a premium 5-door electric fastback from Volvo’s electric performance brand, Polestar. It’s a blend of minimalist Scandinavian design and advanced digital technology. With a towing capacity of 1500kg, it’s capable of towing a decent-sized trailer. The Polestar 2 also features an optional heat pump that reduces the need for battery power to heat the cabin, thereby conserving battery life and increasing range — a useful feature when towing.
Source: Polestar 2
BMW iX
The BMW iX is a luxury electric SUV that offers a blend of innovative technology, sustainability, and performance. It has the highest towing capacity on our list at 2500kg, making it suitable for towing larger caravans or boats. The iX is also equipped with a range of advanced driving aids, including a reversing assistant that can handle the steering while reversing, even when you’re towing a trailer.
Source: BMW iX
Each of these electric vehicles offers a unique blend of features and capabilities, making them suitable for different towing needs. It’s always important to consider your specific requirements and preferences when choosing an electric vehicle for towing.
Real-World Towing Experience with EVs
Now that we’ve covered the technical specifications, let’s talk about what it’s like to actually tow with these electric vehicles. After all, numbers on a page can only tell you so much.
Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X, with its high towing capacity and advanced autopilot features, is designed to handle towing tasks with ease. Its instant torque and all-wheel drive capabilities ensure a smooth and powerful towing experience. However, like all electric vehicles, the range will be significantly reduced when towing heavy loads.
Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5, with its decent towing capacity, is a practical choice for towing small to medium-sized trailers. Its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function, which allows you to use its battery to power other electric appliances, can be particularly useful on camping trips. Again, remember that towing will impact the vehicle’s range.
Kia EV6
The Kia EV6, with its impressive towing capacity, is well-equipped for towing tasks. Its heat pump minimises battery power consumption, especially in cold conditions, ensuring that towing doesn’t overly compromise its range. The EV6 also features a range of advanced safety systems, providing a reliable towing experience.
Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 has been praised for its towing capabilities. It handles well even when towing near its maximum capacity, and the regenerative braking feature is particularly useful when towing heavy loads. However, its range is significantly reduced when towing, which is something to keep in mind for long trips.
BMW iX
The BMW iX, with its high towing capacity, is suitable for towing larger caravans or boats. Its range of advanced driving aids, including a reversing assistant that can handle the steering while reversing, can make the towing experience safer and more comfortable. However, as with all EVs, towing will have a significant impact on the vehicle’s range.
Remember, the real-world towing experience with these vehicles can vary based on many factors, including the weight of the load, driving conditions, and driving habits. It’s always a good idea to test drive a vehicle and consult with the manufacturer or a knowledgeable dealer to understand what to expect when towing with a specific model.
The Future of Towing with EVs
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the potential for towing with electric vehicles is only going to increase. Manufacturers are continually working on improving the range and performance of their EVs, and this includes their towing capabilities.
Upcoming EV Models with High Towing Capacities
Several upcoming models are set to push the boundaries of what we can expect from EV towing. For instance, the Rivian R1T, an all-electric pickup truck, is expected to have a towing capacity of up to 5000kg, which is on par with many traditional petrol and diesel-powered trucks. While the Rivian R1T is not yet available in Australia, it’s a sign of what’s to come.
The Potential of Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Towing
Another exciting development is the potential use of hydrogen fuel cells in electric vehicles. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) generate electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen in a fuel cell. They can offer longer ranges and faster refuelling times than battery electric vehicles, which could make them a good option for towing, especially over long distances.
However, it’s important to note that FCEVs are still in the early stages of development, and there are significant challenges to overcome, including the need for a comprehensive hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. But if these challenges can be addressed, FCEVs could offer a compelling alternative for those who need to tow heavy loads regularly.
Source: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
In our next section, we’ll be discussing some of the challenges and considerations when towing with EVs, including how towing affects the battery range and the current limitations of charging infrastructure for EVs with trailers. So, stay tuned!
Challenges and Considerations When Towing with EVs
While electric vehicles offer a host of benefits, there are certain challenges and considerations to keep in mind when it comes to towing.
Impact on Battery Range
One of the most significant factors to consider is the impact of towing on an EV’s battery range. Towing a heavy load requires more energy, which can significantly reduce the vehicle’s range. This is a common issue with all EVs, not just those designed for towing. Depending on the weight of the load and the driving conditions, towing can reduce an EV’s range by up to 50%.
Charging Infrastructure
Another challenge is the current state of the charging infrastructure. While the number of charging stations is increasing rapidly, there can still be significant distances between them, especially in more remote areas. This can be a particular challenge when towing, as the reduced range means you’ll need to charge more frequently.
Furthermore, not all charging stations are designed to accommodate a vehicle with a trailer. This means you may need to unhitch your trailer to charge your vehicle, which can be inconvenient.
Planning Long Trips
Given these challenges, planning is crucial when taking a long trip with an EV and a trailer. You’ll need to plan your route carefully to ensure you can reach charging stations when you need them. It’s also a good idea to have a contingency plan in case a charging station is out of order or in use when you arrive.
Despite these challenges, many people find that the benefits of towing with an EV, such as the lower running costs and environmental impact, outweigh the downsides. And as technology continues to advance, these challenges are likely to become less significant.
In the next section, we’ll be discussing the role of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) in towing. These vehicles offer some unique advantages when it comes to towing, so stay tuned!
Sources:
The Role of Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) in Towing
While we’ve focused mainly on fully electric vehicles so far, it’s worth noting that Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) also play a significant role in the world of towing.
How PHEVs Work
PHEVs combine a conventional petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery. In many cases, PHEVs can operate in a fully electric mode for short distances, then switch to the internal combustion engine for longer trips or when more power is needed, such as when towing.
Towing Capabilities of PHEVs
Because they have a petrol or diesel engine in addition to an electric motor, PHEVs often have higher towing capacities than many fully electric vehicles. For example, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, one of the most popular PHEVs in Australia, has a towing capacity of 1500kg.
Another advantage of PHEVs is that they don’t suffer from the same reduction in range when towing that fully electric vehicles do. This is because the internal combustion engine can take over when the battery is depleted, allowing you to continue driving without needing to stop and recharge.
However, it’s worth noting that while PHEVs offer some advantages over fully electric vehicles when it comes to towing, they don’t offer the same environmental benefits. Even though they can operate in a fully electric mode for short distances, they still rely on fossil fuels for longer trips and heavy-duty tasks.
Source: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
In conclusion, whether a fully electric vehicle or a PHEV is the best choice for towing will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. Both types of vehicles have their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s important to consider these carefully before making a decision.
Stay tuned for our final section where we’ll be wrapping up and recapping the key points discussed in this blog.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the world of electric vehicles is rapidly evolving, and the potential for towing with EVs is becoming more and more of a reality. From the Tesla Model X to the BMW iX, there are now several electric vehicles on the market that offer impressive towing capabilities.
However, it’s important to remember that towing with an electric vehicle is not without its challenges. The impact on battery range and the current state of the charging infrastructure are significant factors to consider. Planning is crucial, especially for long trips, and it’s always a good idea to test drive a vehicle and consult with the manufacturer or a knowledgeable dealer to understand what to expect.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) offer another option for those interested in towing with an electric vehicle. With their combination of an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, PHEVs can often tow heavier loads than fully electric vehicles and don’t suffer from the same reduction in range when towing. However, they don’t offer the same environmental benefits as fully electric vehicles.
In the end, the best electric vehicle for towing will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. But one thing is clear: the future of towing is electric, and we’re excited to see where it takes us.
References
- Electric Vehicle Hub
- Cars Guide
- EV Central
- NRMA
- RAC WA
- Tesla Model X
- Hyundai Ioniq 5
- Kia EV6
- Polestar 2
- BMW iX
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
- Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
We hope you’ve found this guide helpful. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Safe travels and happy towing!