Electric car with trailer – range and safety
Towing with an electric car demands more planning. Weight limits, range, charging pauses and temperature swings make it vital to prepare both vehicle and trailer. This guide combines regulation and hands-on advice.
Rules and weight limits
| Topic | What the rules say | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Permitted total weight | Check registration fields F.3 (car) and O.1/O.2 (trailer) | Use Car and trailer in the registration papers |
| Licence code | Category B allows a 3,500 kg total combination | Review Trailer requirements for Class B |
| EV-specific limits | Several EVs have low tow ratings | Note the limit in your pre-trip checklist |
Secure the load properly. Read Securing cargo for requirements and solutions.
Range and energy use
| Situation | Typical range loss | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Motorway 100 km/h | 35–50 % shorter range | Reduce speed and apply eco-driving from Eco-driving |
| Cold winter day | Battery spends energy on heating | Preheat while plugged in, see Charging an electric car |
| Steep climbs | High power draw heats components | Schedule a rest/charge stop at the top and use regeneration wisely |
Charging plan and stops
- Add extra charging buffer (20–30 %) to the navigation plan
- Prefer chargers with trailer-friendly parking or account for hitching time
- Keep alternatives ready in case of queues or outages
- In cold weather, drive 15–20 minutes before fast charging to warm the battery
For full checklists and gear, see Preparing for a long drive .
Driving technique with an EV and trailer
- Set regeneration to a moderate level; maximum regen can jerk a heavy trailer
- Extend following distance and review Speed and distance
- When merging, follow Merging and queue driving
- Stop periodically to inspect plug, cables and load. If towing another car, see Responsibility when towing a car
Pre-trip checkpoints
| Item | Why it matters | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Brake and charge cables | EVs often use electric parking brakes | Confirm that the parking brake and emergency brake work with the trailer attached |
| Tyre pressure | Low pressure adds drag and heat | Increase towards the upper recommended value, see Tyre pressure and TPMS |
| Lights and connector | LED lights may fault with poor contact | Test all lamps and clean the plug pins |
Quick checklist
- Write down combined mass and trailer weight and keep it in the glovebox
- Insert extra charging and rest stops into your route plan
- Test regeneration with the trailer at low speed before a long trip
- Inspect load, tyre pressure and lights at every break
Good preparation keeps electric-car towing safe and comfortable while protecting range throughout the journey.