2024 Guide to electric and hybrid towing vehicles
If you’re in the market for an eco-friendly vehicle that can tow your boat, caravan, or trailer, you’re in luck.
The automobile industry has come a long way, and 2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for electric and hybrid vehicles with towing capabilities.
Let’s take a peek at some top options, with insights from trusted sources to help you make an informed decision.
Electric Vehicles (EVs) for Towing
1. Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X continues to impress with its performance and towing capacity. According to reviews from CarAdvice, the Model X can tow up to 2,250 kilograms, making it a strong contender for those needing to haul significant loads. The nifty features like Autopilot and a spacious interior add to its appeal.
2. Rivian R1T
The Rivian R1T is another superstar in the electric vehicle market. With a towing capacity of up to 5,000 kilograms, it’s hard to beat. WhichCar praises its rugged build and off-road capabilities, making it perfect for both urban and adventurous settings. Plus, the R1T’s innovative design and generous storage solutions make it super easy to pack up and go.
3. Ford F-150 Lightning
Ford’s all-electric F-150 Lightning is making waves. Drive highlights its impressive towing capacity of around 4,500 kilograms. It’s loaded with smart tech, including onboard scales to measure your load and a Pro Trailer Backup Assist feature, making towing a breeze.
Hybrid Vehicles for Towing
1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is a versatile SUV with a towing capacity of up to 1,650 kilograms, according to CarsGuide. This vehicle is known for its reliability and fuel efficiency, making it a practical choice for everyday use and occasional towing. Reviewers love its user-friendly infotainment system and comfortable ride.
2. Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is another excellent hybrid option. With a towing capacity of 1,500 kilograms, it’s perfect for lighter towing needs. Motoring notes its spacious interior and smooth transition between electric and petrol modes, ensuring a seamless driving experience.
3. Volvo XC90 Recharge
If luxury is what you’re after, the Volvo XC90 Recharge should be on your radar. This plug-in hybrid SUV can tow up to 2,400 kilograms. CarExpert appreciates its elegant design, advanced safety features, and powerful performance. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a bit of elegance with their eco-friendly ride.
Commercial Vehicles for Towing
1. Ford Transit Custom PHEV
For those needing a commercial option, the Ford Transit Custom PHEV is a top pick. With a towing capacity of 1,250 kilograms, it’s perfect for business needs. GoAuto praises its practicality, generous cargo space, and efficient hybrid system.
2. Mercedes-Benz eVito
The Mercedes-Benz eVito is an electric van offering a towing capacity of 1,000 kilograms. The Driven highlights its quiet operation and zero emissions, making it a fantastic option for eco-conscious businesses. Its straightforward design ensures you can get the job done efficiently.
Making Your Choice
When choosing the right vehicle for your towing needs, consider factors like towing capacity, range (for EVs), fuel efficiency (for hybrids), and additional features that make towing easier.
Battery Range and Performance
For EVs and PHEVs, battery range is crucial. Towing can significantly reduce the range, so opt for a vehicle with a higher range to accommodate for this reduction.
Check out this comprehensive guide to EV charging stations in Australia from Flare.com
Charging Infrastructure
Consider the availability of charging stations, especially if you plan on towing over long distances. Australia’s charging network is expanding, but it’s essential to plan your routes accordingly.
Where to charge?
There are a number of apps that can help you find charging stations and handle payments. Car Sales break down The best apps for EV owners, reviewing offerings from PlugShare, ChargeFox and Google Maps.
Towing Capacity
This is the maximum weight your vehicle can safely tow, including the weight of the trailer and its contents. The numbers can be baffling, but it is essential to ensure the vehicle you choose can handle the weight of your intended load.
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and Tare Mass
The GVM is the total weight of the vehicle, including passengers, cargo, and the trailer’s tow ball load. The Tare Mass is the weight of the vehicle without any load.
Subtracting the Tare Mass from the GVM gives you the payload capacity, which is the weight your vehicle can safely carry.
Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM)
GVM is the maximum total weight that the vehicle can handle as specified by the manufacturer. This includes the car itself, all passengers, cargo, and the towing load on the tow ball.
Tare Mass
This is the weight of the vehicle alone, without any passengers, cargo, or towing load.
Payload Capacity
Payload capacity is the difference between the GVM and the Tare Mass. It represents the total weight of the goods and passengers the vehicle can carry.
You can find the towing capacity of any vehicle on CarsGuide.com
Weighing your load
Once you're packed up, it pays to check your weight before you hit the highway. Make a pitstop at a weighbridge before you set off and then re-pack or adjust your load before you travel.
On the Sunshine Coast there are a number of private facilities and some companies also offer a mobile weighing service.
You'll find two public weighbridges at Yandina and Chevallum. You'll also find one to the north in Gympie and south in Caboolture.
Sources such as CarAdvice, WhichCar, Drive, CarsGuide, Motoring, CarExpert, GoAuto, and The Driven provide comprehensive reviews and insights, ensuring you have all the information you need to make a smart decision.
Happy towing!
