Can you tow a caravan with an electric car?
With over 1.5 million electric vehicles now on UK roads and staycations still booming, many caravan enthusiasts are rethinking how they travel. More drivers are starting to tow with electric cars – but is it practical?
If you’re planning a road trip this summer with an electric car and a touring caravan in tow, there are a few key considerations that could make or break your journey.
Here at Compass, we’re keeping a close eye on the popularity of electric vehicles and their growing use among caravan owners. Towing with an EV is entirely possible; however, it requires some extra planning and awareness to ensure a smooth and stress-free trip.
Towing with an EV: what’s different?
While modern electric cars can legally tow up to 2,500kg, towing a typical 4-berth caravan (usually weighing around 1,500kg when fully laden) can significantly reduce battery range – in some cases, by as much as 50%. Heavier loads and hilly roads will also impact range more than lighter loads on flatter routes.
As a result, towing a caravan presents quite a logistical challenge. With range reduced and many public charging stations not designed to accommodate a hitched caravan, forward planning is essential to avoid getting stranded in a winding country lane or stuck trying to unhitch in a crowded service station car park.
Charging challenges while towing
As of June 2025, the UK had more than 80,000 public EV charging points – around 20% of which are rapid or ultra-rapid. But while the number of chargers is growing, not all are easily accessible if you’ve got a caravan attached to the back of your car. Many charging bays simply aren’t designed with larger vehicles in mind, plus access can be tight in busy tourist areas or small rural villages.
Thankfully, some companies are responding to the needs of caravanners. Tom Hurst, UK Country Director at charging network Fastned, revealed his company is prioritising the installation of ultra-rapid charging hubs designed specifically with accessibility in mind. He said: “Our ‘drive-thru’ layouts allow caravanners to pull in, charge, and continue their journey without needing to unhitch.”
Smart infrastructure like this is a promising step forward – but it’s not yet the norm. Until more hubs offer caravan-friendly layouts, planning ahead is essential.
Tips for EV and caravan road trips
If you’re planning a caravan holiday with your electric vehicle this year, here are some practical tips to consider before setting off:
Know your vehicle’s towing capacity
Not all EVs can tow – and those that can may have limits. Check your car’s manual, VIN plate or manufacturer’s website to confirm whether your EV can legally tow. If you’re new to towing, follow the “85% rule”: your caravan’s weight should be no more than 85% of the car’s kerbweight.
Plan your route around charging
Use route planning apps that show EV charging points and pinpoint those with enough space to accommodate a hitched caravan. Try to avoid peak hours (around 11am to 1pm) and always have a backup stop in mind.
Expect to stop more often
Towing halves your range, so don’t expect your EV to behave like it does on the school run. A 250-mile journey might require two charging stops, with each top-up from 10% to 80% taking between 30 to 60 minutes at a rapid charger. Make sure you factor this time into your overall journey plan.
Be ready to unhitch
Most public charging stations don’t have space for both a car and caravan. Unhitching may be necessary to access the charging point, so travel with a second adult where possible to keep a watchful eye on the caravan while you charge.
Check charging at your campsite
Call ahead to ask about the EV charging options at your final destination. Never use the caravan’s electric hookup unless the site has confirmed it’s safe to do so – and never use a regular 3-pin plug without approval.
Drive efficiently
Stick to 50–60mph, use cruise control, and avoid harsh acceleration. Regenerative braking can also recoup some energy on downhill stretches, further helping prolong battery life.
Pack within your limits
Caravans typically allow for 150–170kg of payload – the weight of items you can load (e.g. luggage and supplies) before exceeding capacity. Don’t overload – and remember that extras like e-bikes, awnings, camping furniture or portable generators add up quickly.
Research charging points
Before setting off, use Google Maps or other apps’ satellite view to check the layout and space at each charging point. Check recent reviews too – after all, you don’t want to arrive at a charger that’s out of order, or regret not packing an adaptor!
The road ahead
Towing a caravan with an EV isn’t just possible, it can be an enjoyable and sustainable way to travel. However, it takes preparation – from understanding your vehicle’s limits to scouting out the right chargers, being proactive can make the difference between a relaxing break and a roadside headache.
As the EV revolution continues, infrastructure is expected to evolve to meet the needs of caravanners. In the meantime, the key is simple: plan ahead, pack smart, and enjoy the journey.
