Electric car towbar fitting: what you need to know
Reviewed by an experienced Leicester towbar fitter Last updated
Many modern electric cars can take a towbar, but the first thing to check is whether your EV is actually rated to tow, because some are not. Capacities vary hugely, from zero on some smaller EVs up to around 2,500kg on the largest. Fitting needs care around the underfloor battery and high-voltage cabling, usually requires coding, and towing will cut your range noticeably, often by a third or more.
Here is what to check and what to expect.
At a glance
- 0 – 2,500kg
- EV braked towing capacities
- £800 – £1,500
- Typical fitted price
- 30 – 50%
- Range loss towing a caravan or trailer
- Usually
- Coding needed after fitting
Is your EV rated to tow?
Not every electric car has an approved towing capacity. Some, like the Nissan Leaf, are rated at zero, and several smaller EVs are low or not approved at all. Always check your handbook before buying a towbar or a caravan. Where an EV is rated to tow, the braked capacity varies widely:
| Electric car | Approx. braked towing capacity |
|---|---|
| BMW iX | up to 2,500kg |
| Tesla Model X | up to 2,250kg |
| Mercedes EQC / Audi Q8 e-tron | up to 1,800kg |
| Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 | up to 1,600kg |
| Skoda Enyaq, VW ID.4 / ID.5 | around 1,200 to 1,400kg |
| Nissan Leaf and some smaller EVs | not rated to tow |
Confirm the exact figure for your variant and year before you commit.
How towing affects EV range
Towing has a real effect on range, because of the extra weight and the aerodynamic drag of a trailer or caravan:
- Light bike rack: roughly a 10 to 15% reduction
- Small trailer: around 30 to 40%
- Caravan: 40 to 50% or more
Regenerative braking claws a little back on descents, but you should plan on more frequent charging stops. It is also worth knowing that most public charging bays are not laid out for a car with a trailer or caravan attached, so plan where you will unhitch to charge.
Fitting a towbar to an EV
An EV's battery pack and high-voltage cabling run under the floor, right where a towbar mounts, so fitting has to avoid them and use the manufacturer-approved mounting points. Use a towbar approved for your specific EV and a fitter experienced with electric cars.
As with any modern car, you will need a dedicated wiring kit, and most EVs need software coding afterwards to enable towing mode and keep the safety systems and range calculations working. A detachable or swan-neck towbar is popular on EVs, keeping the clean look and the charging area clear when the bar is off.
What does it cost?
EVs and other coded, premium vehicles sit at the top of the fitting price range, often around £800 to £1,500 fitted, reflecting the EV-approved towbar, specialist fitting and coding. See our towbar fitting cost guide for the full picture, and the Tesla Model Y guide for a worked example.
Prices correct as of August 2026. Always get a quote against your registration.
Frequently asked questions
No. Some EVs are rated at zero and cannot legally tow, and several smaller models are not approved. Check your handbook for the braked and unbraked figures before assuming your EV can tow.
Expect roughly 10 to 15% for a light bike rack, around 30 to 40% for a trailer, and 40 to 50% or more for a caravan. Weight and drag are the main causes, and public charging with a trailer attached needs planning.
Yes, when done properly. The battery and high-voltage cables sit under the floor, so fitting must avoid them and use the approved mounting points, which is why an EV-experienced fitter matters.
Usually, yes. Coding enables towing mode and keeps the trailer functions, stability systems and range calculations working correctly after the towbar is fitted.
A detachable or swan-neck towbar is a common choice, keeping the rear clean and the charging port clear when the bar is removed. The right option still depends on what is approved for your model.
Get an EV towbar fitted properly in Leicester
Towing with an electric car? Request quotes from Leicester fitters experienced with EVs, using approved towbars, dedicated wiring and coding.
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