The new Labour government is accelerating the move towards phasing out petrol and diesel cars in favour of electric alternatives.
While this sounds like a positive thing for the environment, there’s a certain amount of range anxiety associated with using an EV to tow a caravan.
Nobody wants to be stuck trying to charge their car during a touring trip, so it’s worth understanding which EVs are best for towing.
The experts at Pure Leisure have a lot of experience in towing and have put together their recommendations for your peace of mind.
Kia EV9
With space for seven people, incredible charging speed and all-terrain drive, the Kia EV9 is a towcar worth considering.
The 99.8kWh battery offers 349 miles per charge, recovering up to 154 miles in just 15 minutes, which is ideal for those worried about wait times during long-distance caravan trips.
Additional features include:
- 14-speaker Meridian sound system
- Panoramic dashboard heads-up display (HUD)
- Finger-print sensor ignition
- Mobile phone door key
- Touchscreen navigation
- Collision detection
- Forward collision avoidance
- Wireless phone charging
BMW iX
The award-winning BMW iX is equipped with iDRIVE, the manufacturer’s intelligent operating system, which means you can take advantage of everything from gesture controls to mobile phone integration.
When using a high-power charging station, the battery recharging speed is good, but at £70,985, you might expect the battery range to be better.
It can charge to around 62 miles in six minutes and 264 miles in total, but there are cheaper and more efficient options available.
Volvo EX30
The Volvo EX30 is able to zip around corners with a twin motor, boasting the fastest acceleration in any Volvo ever and is particularly comfortable on long-haul trips.
This seven-seater comes with a free home charger, so you can take full advantage of electric home charging without the extra cost.
Its modest battery range of 214 to 298 miles, depending on model, means any long-distance towing trip would require some planning and possibly stop-offs along the way. The EX30 charges from ten to 80 per cent in 28 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
The 404-mile range on this Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is a total gamechanger, meaning most destinations within the UK could be achievable while towing your caravan in one go.
A spokesperson for Pure Leisure said: “This vehicle is a luxury workhorse perfect for caravan towing, staycation-goers and travellers, but the hefty price tag reserves this vehicle for finance or enthusiasts.”
Despite its large 108.4kWh battery size, the EQS SUV can go from ten per cent to 80 per cent in 31 minutes on a fast charger and from 10 per cent to 100 per cent in five and a half hours when connected to a wallbox.
Hyundai IONIQ 5
The Hyundai IONIQ 5 goes from 0 to 62mph in 5.1 seconds and has some little touches to the interior that make it feel premium.
Opt for the larger 77.4 kWh battery on the IONIQ 5 if you’re planning on towing a caravan and you will benefit from its enhanced efficiency.
Features include:
- 5-star Euro NCAP rating
- Full BOSE sound system with 64 ambient lighting variations
- Wireless charging
- USB ports at the front and rear
- Clever regenerative braking technology, which refills your battery as you drive
- Digital HUD