Can I tow with an electric vehicle? No problem!
Opinions about EVs are changing rapidly. We all remember the famous episode of Fr Ted with Dougal on a battery-powered milk float. For many people, this remains their impression of Electric Vehicles, and the idea of an EV towing trailers or caravans would really surprise them!
So we picked out the Top 5 best EVs for towing in Ireland! But read on for an honourable mention that blows the rest out of the water! You just can’t get it in Ireland unfortunately.
So, what are the best electric vehicles to with?
1) BMW iX
BMW’s luxurious SUV comes with a hefty price tag, but it can also tow a hefty weight. The iX comes in a number of spec levels, and there are two different battery options. Prices go way past €100,000 if you want the higher trims. With a WLTP range of up to 630km, and a performance version with more than 600hp, the BMW really packs a punch.
In terms of towing, the BMW iX is very well equipped. All models of the SUV come with All Wheel Drive, which is great for traction if you’re trying to pull a trailer or caravan in slippery conditions. You also get plenty of power. If you go for the range topping iX M60, then you get 455kW of power and a massive 1,100Nm torque. With a 105.2kWh battery pack, you won’t be shy on range!
2) Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X comes in two variants: the Dual Motor or the Plaid. It’s a big car, weighing in at 2.35 tonnes, but it has a whopping cargo space of up to 2,577 litres with the seats down.
The Dual Motor can tow up to 2,300kg. To haul that kind of weight, it uses two motors with a combined output of 500kW, which is just shy of 700hp! Supply is restricted at the moment but should come back properly in 2023.
3) Polestar 3
With a price of €100,000 and a very luxurious interior, the Polestar 3 will help you tow in style. The Volvo spin-off can tow a very chunky 2,200kg.
With a 107kWh battery, range won’t be an issue. The Polestar 3 comes with at least 360kW of power and 840Nm of torque. All Wheel Drive gives you plenty of grip to get the trailer moving.
4) BMW i7
We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the luxurious BMW i7. This will be BMW’s flagship electric saloon with a price tag going well over €100,000.
The xDrive60 will have 400kW of power and 745Nm of torque. All Wheel Drive will give plenty of grip for those trips with a trailer in tow. The i7 is due to have a battery of 101.7kWh. Typical range will be around 500km, although a bit less with a trailer of course.
5) Mercedes Benz EQS SUV
The Top 4 on our list are out on their own. After that, there is a long list of EVs that can tow up to 1,800kg that tie for fifth place. So we decided to give the nod to the Mercedes. The EQS SUV has plenty of power and an impressive battery that gives it the edge.
With up to 400kW of power and All Wheel Drive across the range, the EQS SUV has the grunt to get you and your trailer going in all conditions. A usable battery of 108.4kWh normally gives the SUV a dependable range of just under 500km. It’ll be a good bit less with a trailer in tow, but still enough to get you across the Ireland on a single charge.
6) Ford F-150 Lightning – Honourable Mention
That makes up our Top 5 EVs for towing in Ireland. But we promised an honourable mention. Although it won’t be available in Ireland, at least not for a long time, the Ford F-150 Lightning is the ultimate EV for towing.
The F-150 Lightning is an all-electric American pick made by Ford. They sell nearly 1 million of the F-series trucks per year, and the Lightning is their newest instalment. The F-150 can do the 0-100kmh sprint in just over 4 seconds. But it’s the towing the blows us away. It can haul up to 10,000lbs, which is an incredible 4,535kg!
Beyond that, the F-150 has 11 power outlets, including one that can put out 7.2kW. This is an amazing feature for tradespeople using power tools, and those that want to power lights, speakers or any other equipment while out camping or at a festival.
If you are thinking about buying an EV, check out our other blog article here. We also offer a range of car, home a travel insurance. So be sure to give us a call for a quote!
