Will The Switch To Electric Cars Have Any Impact On Towing Capabilities?
The automotive world is changing, with the Government bringing in legislation which states that new petrol and diesel cars cannot be sold after 2030. This focus on the environment is undoubtedly welcome, and the motor vehicle industry is embracing it as it has to, but as with all significant changes, there will be unforeseen repercussions.
Electric vehicles have many benefits, such as being more environmentally friendly, free charging in certain locations that reduce your running costs, car tax-free (at the time of writing) and even free parking spaces dotted around the country.
Are Electric Vehicles A Good Solution For Towing?
At first glance, it might appear that electric vehicles are the perfect solution for towing; they have far superior torque when compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, for instance, but the reality of the situation is that very few models have currently been type-approved.
As you might expect, Every vehicle launched in the UK has to pass a range of checks; this process is known in the industry as Homologation. Homologation involves a range of tests undertaken by the relevant authorities to ensure that the vehicle is legally roadworthy for purpose. As things, the vast majority of vehicle manufacturers of Electric Vehicles have not sought the relevant approval for towing vehicles, and of course, there is a reason for this.
Quite simply, electric vehicles are not built with towing in mind. Electric vehicles already struggle with their driving range, with few, if any, cars being currently able to drive the length of the country without having to stop off for a charge. Adding a trailer or a caravan into the mix has a disproportionate effect on the range, significantly reducing their efficiency and putting extra strain on the batteries.
If you are committed to purchasing an electric vehicle, the good news is that there is a small selection of electric cars which have been granted a towing weight and, as such, are legally allowed to tow. Unfortunately, the harsh reality is that the towing capacity can be low and these vehicles are only really suitable for towing a cycle carrier and not much else.
With all of the above being said, there are specialized towbars which are designed to be compatible only with cycle carriers. These towbars enable you to tow a cycle carrier but prevent the towbar from towing a trailer or a caravan in order to prevent any damage to your electric vehicle.
Suppose you are in the market for a new vehicle and are contemplating switching to an electric or even a Hybrid car. In that case, it is critical you do your due diligence first, particularly if towing is important to you. Begin by checking the VIN plate to ensure that it states a towing weight and as such, that weight is high enough to meet your requirements.
Our friendly team at North West Towbars can advise you on the best options if you want to switch to electric while retaining the ability to tow a trailer or caravan.
Call us today on 0161 474 7474