Pulling power: Yes, EVs and plug-in hybrids can tow the caravan

A former prime minister once suggested that Australia’s then opposition party was “ending the weekend” by pushing for half of cars sold in Australia to be all-electric by 2030.

The logic was that EVs couldn’t tow trailers or boats, or reliably get people to their favourite camping spots.

With the government preparing to legislate for a new vehicle efficiency standard – which will ultimately encourage manufacturers to reduce emissions and bring more electric vehicles to Australia – variations on that theme have resurfaced.

The truth is, while more public charging infrastructure – especially in remote areas – will help Australia’s transition away from fossil fuels, as will greater battery efficiency, EVs can already tow boats and trailers.

The XC40 Recharge, for example, is rated to tow up to 1,500kg braked, with the twin motor model rated up to 1,800kg. The C40 has the same specs. Meanwhile the EX30 twin motor is rated up to 1,600kg braked. These ratings are not suited to towing a six-berth family caravan – but there are dozens of lightweight caravan models that come in under 1,500kgs when fully loaded.

The forthcoming EX90 has a maximum tow rating of 2,200kg, taking it comfortably into four-berth territory.

Likewise there are plenty of aluminium boats around the 500kg mark, which even with trailer and engine weights factored-in, give plenty of EV towing scope.

**Weekend planning**

However, there are other considerations. While EVs have plenty of pulling power – generally with much greater torque then petrol or diesel-powered equivalents – battery range will be significantly reduced when towing at maximum capacity.

Petrol and diesel cars also burn more fuel when towing, but there are more places to fill up – and petrol stations tend to cater better for vehicles carrying a long load than rapid EV charging stations.

There are things that can improve range – such as lower pop-top caravans and trailer tents that will reduce drag and improve efficiency.

But the upshot is more journey planning will be required – especially for longer trips – and unhooking the trailer is probably going to be inevitable at rapid charging stations.

That hasn’t deterred some from attempting a lap of Australia in an electric vehicle with caravan – and family – in tow.

But for weekend camping and fishing trips, even with reduced towing range factored-in, EVs are already a viable option.

For those looking for the best of both on longer, more remote towing trips, Volvo Cars’ plug-in hybrids are another option to explore.