Electric cars
Electric cars are legally approved for towing under the same type-approval rules as petrol and diesel vehicles; the difference is how towing affects your range. Real-world testing at 85% of kerb weight has shown range reductions of 30-50%, and in some cases more. Planning charging stops is also more complex: most UK motorway services do not allow caravans or trailers to access charge points without unhitching. All models here are type-approved for towing and are ranked by braked towing capacity.
Every model that qualifies for this list, in alphabetical order. Tap any card for the full review and specs.
i4 eDrive40
BMW CCS
1,800kg braked is high for a saloon; most comparable electric cars in this class rate lower. The 80.7kWh battery and 205kW DC charging mean you can recover range quickly once you have unhitched and reached a charger.
i4 M50
BMW CCS
Same 1,800kg towing rating as the eDrive40 with dual-motor AWD added. All-weather traction when hitched is the gain; for buyers towing in changeable conditions, the M50 adds confidence the eDrive40 cannot.
IONIQ 5 Long Range AWD
Hyundai CCS
800V architecture enabling 220kW DC charging is the key differentiator; when you unhitch and pull into a rapid charger after a towing leg, the IONIQ 5 recovers range faster than the Model Y or the BMW i4.
EV9 Air RWD
Kia CCS
Shares the same maximum towing rating as the AWD variants. The RWD caveat: less traction than AWD when pulling a loaded trailer in wet or hilly conditions. Choose AWD if you tow regularly on varied terrain.
EV9 Earth AWD
Kia CCS
The 2,000kg braked rating combined with a 100kWh battery makes this the benchmark EV for heavy towing in the UK. Even a 40-50% range reduction when towing leaves more usable capacity than smaller-pack rivals.
EV9 GT-Line S AWD
Kia CCS
Matches the Earth on 2,000kg towing capacity with GT-Line S specification. AWD drivetrain provides confident trailer handling; the sportier trim adds equipment without compromising towing capability or battery size.
Ariya 87kWh e-4ORCE Evolve
Nissan CCS
The 87kWh battery provides more reserve than smaller-pack rivals at this towing rating; useful when towing cuts range by 40-50%. AWD e-4ORCE drivetrain adds confident traction; V2L is a practical bonus for campsite use.
Polestar 2 Long Range Dual Motor
Polestar CCS
The most aerodynamic car on this list, which matters when towing; a slippery shape reduces the additional drag a trailer creates. Dual-motor AWD adds traction; 205kW DC charging helps recover range after each stop.
Model Y Long Range AWD
Tesla CCS
Tesla provides a factory-approved tow bar direct; no aftermarket sourcing needed. At 1,600kg this covers most light caravans, and Supercharger coverage makes route planning more straightforward than on other networks.
Model Y Performance AWD
Tesla CCS
Same 1,600kg towing rating and Supercharger network access as the Long Range AWD. The two variants differ on performance, not towing capability; choose the Performance if you want faster acceleration alongside the tow spec.