Top Hybrid and Electric Cars for Towing

Can you tow with an electric or hybrid car?

Electric cars have excellent torque, which makes them great for towing caravans, trailers, horse boxes, and more. However, they're still relatively new when compared to their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.

The complex set-up of an electric car means towing can be difficult. Electric car batteries are heavy, therefore, towing can cause excess stress on the electric motors and severely affect the electric range. Despite this, some manufacturers have managed to create an electric car that can tow successfully.

There are many more hybrid cars that are good for towing. Thanks to the hybrid nature combined with a conventional engine, the electrical components needed are reduced, and so the capacity to tow is increased.

Read on to find out which electric and hybrid cars you should consider if you're looking to tow.

• Ford Mustang Mach-E
• Kia Niro PHEV
• Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric
• Hyundai IONIQ 5
• Citroën C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid

Ford Mustang Mach-E

When thinking of good towing cars, a Ford Mustang may not be the model that springs to mind, but the Mach-E has proved itself as a worthy contender in the rugged SUV market.

It can tow up to 750kg, which, while this isn't massive compared to its petrol and diesel competitors, it's still one of only a few fully electric cars that can legally tow at all.

This fully electric SUV isn't exactly slow either, with 0 to 62mph taking just a shade over 5 seconds, and a rapid 3.7 seconds in the GT version. It's decently practical too, with up to 379 miles of usable real-world range.

Kia Niro PHEV

Fully electric cars are very limited when it comes to towing, but hybrids are built slightly differently, and because they're very similar to petrol and diesel cars, their towing abilities tend to be much better.

The Kia Niro PHEV is a perfect example, and it's also one of the least expensive plug-in hybrid cars rated for towing. A decent 1,300kg towing capacity means it's pretty useful, especially when you factor in its practicality and spacious interior.

A 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine combined with an electric motor provides 104bhp, which isn't heaps, but is fine for the Niro's compact proportions. And being one of the least expensive new plug-in hybrid vehicles available teamed with Kia's 7-year new car warranty, it all adds up to be a rather tempting proposition.

Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric

Large family? Small business owner? The Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric could be the perfect fully electric towing vehicle for you.

Based on the Vauxhall Vivaro van, the Vivaro Life Electric, or Vivaro-e Life as it was previously named, is a massive 9-seater MPV. Better still, it's fully electric and has a range of 143 miles, meaning zero emissions and cheap running costs.

It can also tow, and as an electric vehicle it's actually got a fairly decent 1,000kg towing capacity. This means it's perfect for towing a small trailer, ideal perhaps for those looking for the perfect airport shuttle bus or workhorse.

Hyundai IONIQ 5

Blending SUV and hatchback practicality, this fully electric CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle) is one of the most striking electric cars of recent times.

The state-of-the-art Hyundai IONIQ 5 has a unique size due to its hatchback/SUV character, so in its delivery looks rather striking, chunky, and cool. It's practical too, with five doors and a massive 588 litres of boot space.

With a 1,600kg towing capacity as well, it's one of the best electric cars able to tow on the market, proving the IONIQ 5 is not just a pretty face, it's extremely practical and useful.

There's more too, with a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, along with a 12.3-inch instrument cluster and all the usual daily comforts such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure this car isn't lacking. With up to 300 miles of range, 0 to 62mph in as little as 5.2 seconds, and Hyundai's rather generous 5-year warranty - this IONIQ 5 has everything going for it.

Citroën C5 Aircross Plug-in Hybrid

The C5 Aircross plug-in hybrid isn't an ordinary SUV for many reasons. First of all, it's a Citroën, meaning the styling is wonderfully futuristic and eye-catching. Secondly, it's a plug-in hybrid, which means there's the added bonus of electric driving dynamics.

With an all-electric range of 34 miles, it's useful for completing short journeys, whilst for longer journeys, the petrol engine ensures you won't be needing to wait around and find charging points.

With 600 litres of boot space, the Citroën C5 Aircross plug-in hybrid may well be one of the most practical hybrid vehicles available, so it's definitely worth looking at if you are in the market for a dependable hybrid towing vehicle.

Find your electric or hybrid car with Evans Halshaw

At Evans Halshaw, we stock plenty of brand-new and used electric and hybrid cars that are ideal for towing. No matter your requirement, our team members are on hand to guide you through choosing the right car for you.

Still looking? Why not have a browse through our other blogs, which feature handy insights and advice on driving, buying, and more.