EV Towing Capacity
An increasing number of electric vehicles in NZ support towing.
All electric vehicles with towing capabilities.
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Showing 144 variants with braked towing capacity.
Table of all EVs with tow ratings
Note: Towing will significantly reduce range (by as much as 50% - depends on the height of the towed load). Please check tow ratings with manufacturer.
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Model & Variant | Tow Unbraked (kg) | Tow Braked (kg) | WLTP Range (km) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750 kg | 3,500 kg | 653 km | $249,600 | |
| 750 kg | 3,500 kg | 642 km | $222,000 | |
| 750 kg | 3,500 kg | 623 km | $299,000 | |
| 750 kg | 3,000 kg | 360 km | $69,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,500 kg | 510 km | $149,790 | |
| 750 kg | 2,500 kg | 590 km | $226,700 | |
| 750 kg | 2,500 kg | 492 km | $120,790 | |
| 750 kg | 2,500 kg | 579 km | $169,900 | |
| 750 kg | 2,500 kg | 584 km | $209,400 | |
| 750 kg | 2,500 kg | 505 km | $139,790 | |
| 750 kg | 2,400 kg | 580 km | $155,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,400 kg | 652 km | $128,900 | |
| 750 kg | 2,400 kg | 660 km | $125,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,400 kg | 567 km | $129,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,250 kg | 600 km | $189,900 | |
| 750 kg | 2,250 kg | 610 km | $189,900 | |
| 750 kg | 2,250 kg | 450 km | $259,900 | |
| 750 kg | 2,250 kg | 485 km | $259,900 | |
| 750 kg | 2,200 kg | 593 km | $174,900 | |
| 750 kg | 2,200 kg | 600 km | $159,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,200 kg | 647 km | $159,900 | |
| 750 kg | 2,200 kg | 622 km | $149,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,100 kg | 625 km | $167,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,100 kg | 650 km | $144,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,100 kg | 623 km | $202,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 600 km | $119,900 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 638 km | $119,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 345 km | $77,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 270 km | $85,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 613 km | $176,300 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 270 km | $81,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 615 km | $79,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 376 km | $72,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 611 km | $116,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 590 km | $119,900 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 641 km | $169,000 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 543 km | $94,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 208 km | $79,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 606 km | $189,900 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 328 km | $82,990 | |
| 750 kg | 2,000 kg | 480 km | $69,990 | |
| 750 kg | 1,800 kg | 509 km | $119,990 | |
| 750 kg | 1,800 kg | 530 km | $123,990 | |
| 750 kg | 1,800 kg | 670 km | $239,900 | |
| 750 kg | 1,800 kg | 582 km | $83,070 | |
| 750 kg | 1,800 kg | 546 km | $103,070 | |
| 750 kg | 1,800 kg | 522 km | $115,070 | |
| 750 kg | 1,800 kg | 565 km | $269,900 | |
| 750 kg | 1,600 kg | 417 km | $69,990 | |
| 750 kg | 1,600 kg | 405 km | $59,990 |
Tow ball weight
Few manufacturers list a rating for downward weight on the tow ball (sometimes called tongue load).
It is recommended that this be no more than 10% of the towing load (trailer + load).
Impact on EV range
Towing a load will (sometimes significantly) reduce the EVs range. Pay attention to the aerodynamics of the load (lower speeds and a lower height of the towed load will help).
What about EVs with no official tow rating?
While many EV owners have towed loads on vehicles without official tow ratings, it's worth being aware of the issues.
Third-party tow bar installers will generally install a towbar that's rated at 500-600 kg. The downward weight of the tow ball should not exceed around 10% - which is good for carrying bike (and heavier e-bike) racks.
The issue is a structural one.
An EV’s instant torque and low centre of gravity mean it can tow well, but has the car been designed with an appropriate structural mounting point for a tow bar?
This is a grey area, and the EV owner should beware.
Braked vs. Unbraked
Although EV manufacturers don’t have much detail on towing, many specify electrically braked trailers (e.g. Polestar).
Electrically Braked
Electric brakes are controlled electronically and activated by the tow vehicle’s brake controller.
When the driver applies the brakes in the towing vehicle, an electric current is sent to the trailer’s brakes, which in turn applies the braking force.
Surge Braked
Surge brakes are a mechanical braking system that works independently of the tow vehicle.
When decelerating, the trailer’s forward motion (surge) toward the towing vehicle activates these brakes.
Unbraked
It does not have brakes, and the usual maximum gross weight for the trailer and load is around 750 kg.
