Yes, you can tow a caravan with a Tesla. However, it's important to note that the towing capacity of a Tesla varies depending on the model (refer above table). Before towing a caravan, you should check the towing capacity of your Tesla and ensure that your caravan's weight falls within the recommended limit.
Tesla Model X: 2250kg
The Model X is another superb EV that can tow a caravan and still go a long way before you need to plug it in. The catch, of course, is the hefty price, with the latest version being a bit more expensive than the BMW iX.
There are a few Tesla models that can tow, and the ones that are mainly recommended for this purpose are the Model X and the Model Y. In North America, Tesla doesn't recommend towing with a Model 3 and tow packages aren't offered for this model.
While not all electric cars are eligible to tow a caravan, there are several models that are. The weight capacities of different electric cars will vary, but an increasing number are able to handle the weight of a small or medium-sized caravan.
The latest SUV from Tesla - the Model Y - has a braked trailer load of 1,600 kg. Enough for a horse trailer or a medium-sized caravan.
The EV has a maximum towing capacity of 1,000 kg, making it suitable to tow an average-sized camper trailer or a trailer carrying a small boat or pair of motorcycles. But, the EV has been spotted towing a trailer with a modular home weighing 6,803 kg.
Firstly, in answer to the often-asked question, “Is an EV capable of towing a trailer?” Yes, it is. Larger EVs make great tow vehicles and the abundance of torque from take-off is a real plus compared to similar-sized internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
These issues are mainly down to the braking systems on electric cars. In electric cars that aren't approved for towing, attaching a caravan adds more weight to the electric car which can put more pressure on the brakes and suspension, which can cause excessive wear and tear.
However, there are two important EVs now out in the USA market; the Rivian R1T ute and the Ford F-150, both of which can tow in excess of 3500kg. There is no technical reason an EV cannot tow as much as the equivalent ICE.
Technically yes, electric cars can tow caravans.
However, as an overall rule for petrol, diesel and electric cars it's not in your vehicle's best interest to put continuous strain on it by towing. It requires a huge amount of power for any car to tow anything, caravan or otherwise.
They have redefined and reinvented hitches and towbars for the luxury vehicle market. Stealth's fully welded trailer tow bar and hitch for the Tesla Model 3 is strong and durable with a Lifetime Guarantee.
The main danger of flat towing your Tesla is overheating. The power created from your Tesla's wheels can cause a domino effect by overheating its components. The next step from overheating is ignited materials—and that's the last thing you want to happen while cruising the road with other flammable vehicles.
The Model X has Tesla's highest towing capacity (of those currently being produced). The Model X and the Model X Plaid can both tow up to 5000 lbs (2268 kg) with the 20” Cyberstream Wheels, bringing it up to a maximum tongue weight of 500 lb (230 kg).
The Tesla Model 3 has a maximum rated towing capacity of 1,000 kg whereas the Tesla Model X Plaid (not currently available) has a maximum capacity of 2,250 kg.
The bottom line is that towing will have an impact on range, but it doesn't have to be a major one. For instance, if you're driving a Tesla Model S with a 100 kWh battery, the EPA-estimated range is 500 kilometres. However, if you're towing a caravan that weighs 2000 kg, the range is reduced to about 300 kilometres.
The Model Y Tow Package comes with: 1 x high strength steel tow bar with 2" hitch receiver and North America 7-pin standard connector. 1 x trailer harness.
Which EV Has the Highest Towing Capacity? Based on its rated towing capacity of 2,500 kg, the BMW iX eDrive40 is the electric car with the highest towing capacity in Australia. Overseas, the Rivian R1T has the highest towing capacity of any electric vehicle. It can tow up to 11,000 pounds (5,000 kg).
The vehicle operates solely on the gas powered components of the engine. This means that towing with a hybrid will NOT improve your fuel economy nor increase your towing capacity. It will, however, perform better than a fully electric vehicle though when towing.
The good news is yes, with an abundance of torque, there are a number of EVs on the market in Australia that are compatible with caravan towing. Here is what to consider when planning your getaway on the open road, and a selection of the best models with sizeable tow capacities.
The short answer is yes, but not all can. You'll have to put some extra thought into buying a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric car if you plan to tow anything with it. Some of the biggest selling alternatively fuelled cars, such as the electric Nissan LEAF, aren't suitable for towing.
It should be noted that towbars on electric cars are currently designed for light objects, but not for heavy trailers or caravans. Electric cars offer a high and environmentally friendly utility value – and not only when driving to the office or to go shopping.
Even though electric cars and SUVs offer towing capacity, it does not mean you should tow with them due to battery drain events. During towing, numerous factors, like weight, hills and mountains, weather, payload, and more, drain energy from a battery.
While inertia brakes are an okay solution for small trailers, caravans and larger tow loads need electric brakes to ensure safety on the road. Smoother brake control. Modern electric brake controllers are highly sensitive, so they can activate the trailer's brakes smoothly and evenly, even in emergencies.
Well, you can, and probably more than you think! The Outlander PHEV has a maximum braked towing capacity of 1,500kg meaning it will happily tow a large caravan laden with everything you need for that much-needed break.
It's tuned specifically for the car's kerb weight so there's a risk the system could be overloaded with the extra kinetic energy created by a heavy trailer, particularly on steep descents.