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01 76 40 35 38The 3 most powerful electric SUVs for towing in 2022
Tesla is the benchmark for electric vehicles. The American company is a forerunner in a number of fields, such as theautonomyperformance and self-steering.
But what is less well known is that even when it comes to towing trailers, it is also a leader.
In reality, this is not a priority for manufacturers, who prefer to concentrate their R&D efforts on other parameters, and in particular on range. And, in this respect, a trailer represents additional weight, which necessarily reduces range.
Despite this, Tesla has also invested in this issue and is already offering its Model Ycapable of towing no less than 1600 kg. Quite a performance when you consider that the average weight of a caravan is around 1400 kg.
The news KIA EV6 and Ioniq 5available very soon, will also offer the same towing capacity?
Towing an electric car? It's possible, but you need to choose an approved electric vehicle.
The vehicles on the list have towing capacities ranging from around 100 kg to over two tonnes.
Why are so few electric cars type-approved?
On the face of it, one might think that vehicles with battery are not powerful enough to tow.
In fact, the problem is not technological, but economic.
An electric car is heavier than a combustion engine car, because it has to support the weight of the battery and protect it from impact.
Offering towing capacity therefore implies a development to reinforce the vehicle's structure.
As manufacturers prefer to optimise their development resources, towing is not a priority, particularly for city cars and SUVs/compacts.
In this segment, the number of motorists with a real need for towing is very limited, so they prefer to concentrate their efforts on other matters.
Up to 300 kg
We start with the models with the smallest towing capacity.
Le Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia e-SoulBoth Korean SUV models can be fitted with a tow bar capable of towing a maximum load of 300 kg.
It may not be much, but it's enough to transport luggage, furniture or bulky items to the waste collection centre.
Note: this approval only applies to vehicles with a 64 kWh battery sold from 2021 onwards.
Up to 400 kg
Renault Kangoo MAXI ZE commercial vehicle: one of the oldest electric vehicles on the market, it can tow between 322 and 374 kg depending on the version. With a limited maximum mass, it's a pleasant and practical vehicle for professionals.
Especially as there's over 650 kg of payload available in the passenger compartment.
Up to 500 kg
Le Nissan e-NV200 in a 460 kg approved van.
The 5-seater wagon version (Evalia version) is limited to just 150kg: probably not enough for a trailer, but interesting for a large bike carrier or boot extension.
Simply compare and find the vehicle that's right for you Find your vehicleUp to 750 kg
There are almost eight vehicles in this category.
The law limits to 750 kg the load above which it is compulsory to couple a trailer fitted with its own brakes.
In addition, above 750 kg, the gross vehicle weight of the vehicle and trailer must never exceed 3,500 kg, and you must hold a B96 or BE licence for heavier hitches.
There are 4 SUVs:
- Ford Mustang Mach-e
- Jaguard I-Pace
- Mercedes EQA
- BMW iX3
And 4 utilities:
Up to 1,000 kg
This group includes mainly utility vehicles:
- Opel Vivaro-e
- Opel Zafira-e Life
- Volkswagen ID4
- Peugeot e-Expert
- Citroën ë-Jumpy
- Toyota PROACE Electric
- Skoda Enyaq IV 60 and IV 80 versions only.
Note that the IV 50 version does not mention any towing capacity on its specification sheet.
Finally, there's the famous Tesla Model 3.
It can only tow if the towing option is chosen at the time of purchase.
Surprising for Tesla, but the reality is that the ball cannot be retrofitted. Available since May 2019, however, it's worth noting that this option suddenly disappeared from the configurator in April 2021.
But it is available. To order it, please contact one of our advisers.
Discover several models of electric vehicles that can be delivered quickly!
Get this flash offerUp to 1,500 kg
Vehicles in this category can tow a load that is starting to get really big, and can easily compete with their combustion-powered predecessors:
These two electric SUVs can tow up to 1,500 kg, the weight of a large caravan with 6 berths.
In the same way as an internal combustion car, an electric vehicle consumes much more fuel.
It is therefore advisable to pay attention to range when towing heavy loads.
It is difficult to calculate this loss of independence accurately, as a number of factors come into play.
For long journeys, it is advisable, wherever possible, to use smaller roads or not exceed 90km/h on the motorway.
Access to charging stations also needs to be taken into account, as there is rarely enough space to park a vehicle with its hitch, with the exception of certain stations such as Fasned or Tesla.
In all cases, it is advisable to plan your trip carefully.
Up to 1800 kg
Approved to tow up to 1800kg, these are some rather top-of-the-range vehicles:
- Audi e-Tron with a fairly powerful engine (300 to 500 bhp depending on the version)
- Mercedes EQC with 408 bhp
The two vehicles currently rank second in the list of electric vehicles with the greatest towing capacity.
Up to 2,000 kg
Do you want to tow a boat, a large caravan or even another vehicle?
La Tesla Model X is the only electric vehicle today capable of meeting your needs.
Capable of towing up to 2,268 kg, Tesla is demonstrating with this model its lead over its competitors in this field.
However, the choice is likely to widen over the next few years, as many electric vehicles with comparable towing capacity become available.
It's worth noting that you don't have to go through a car dealer to install a towbar (except for Tesla, as mentioned above). Other professionals can do the job.
Make sure you choose approved models, otherwise you could lose the vehicle warranty and run into problems with your insurance.
Electric 100% pick-ups set new towing records
Pick-ups account for a large share of the US market,
Indeed, the three best-selling models in the country are pick-ups, making them particularly profitable.
By the end of 2021, the Rivian R1T will be on American roads.
The first 100% electric pick-up, it offers a towing capacity of up to 4990 kg for certain versions.
In spring 2022, the best-selling American Ford F-150 Lightning will be able to tow up to 4,500 kg and carry a payload of almost 900 kg.
We will have to wait until early 2023 for the release of the Tesla CybertruckThis is considered to be the most powerful car when it comes to towing.
The best-equipped version of this 'monster' can tow 6350 kg.
Note that you will still need a B2 licence to drive it.
Supply grows in line with demand
By 2022, it is estimated that more than 500 electric vehicles will be available on the market.
Among them, new models capable of towing are eagerly awaited.
The increase in the number of electric models on the market can be attributed to three main factors:
- Economic support at the time of purchase,
- The standard CAFE which imposes onerous regulations on car manufacturers and
- Traffic restrictions in cities (see our article EPZ).
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