Practical towing experience using an EV.

Nickplymouth replied on 27/06/2021 11:18

Nickplymouth

Posted on 27/06/2021 11:18

Hi all,

I wondered if anybody has used an electric car for towing and has practical experience they can share?

I've used a hybrid recently and it's fine as of course I can top up with fuel nice and easily.

My main concern is charging on a longer trip. From what I can tell to charge at services, I am likely to need to park the caravan in the 'lorry' area then move the car to a charge point then back again after. I don't think this is possible at all service areas so might require the caravan to be taken to the normal car area, but still unhitched to allow charging.

I can cope with a little extra inconvenience, as I don't expect it to be an issue very often.

Thanks.

Nick.

83 replies

viatorem replied on 27/01/2022 16:15

Member

viatorem

Posted on 25/01/2022 21:57 by ChocolateTrees

Kerbweight of the P2 in my spec is 2227kg including the towbar.

I run with a nose weight of 90kg which is part of the payload for the car. Towed mass allowed for my outfit is up to 1550kg (MTPLM for the caravan) less towbar nose weight load (90kg) which is 1460kg. 40kg less than the car max towed mass.

Posted on 27/01/2022 16:15

If the Gross Train Weight on the plate is 4250kg or more you should be ok

ChocolateTrees replied on 27/01/2022 18:45

Member

ChocolateTrees

Caravanner

Posted on 27/01/2022 16:15 by viatorem

If the Gross Train Weight on the plate is 4250kg or more you should be ok

Posted on 27/01/2022 18:45

Not sure where that number comes from?

The Polestar 2 has a "normal" Max Gross vehicle weight of 2600kg and a Max train weight of 4100kg.

That gives a max towed weight of 1500kg.

One interesting thing with the Polestar (and maybe other manufacturers). When towing, they allow the Max Gross Vehicle weight (2600kg) to be exceeded by 100kg as long as the maximum speed is 100kmh / 62mph or less. This means the gross vehicle weight can increase to 2700kg

This does NOT change the gross train weight of 4100Kg.

So - my caravan can be loaded to the MTPLM (1550kg) as measured independently (e.g. on a weight bridge. When mounted on the car (nose weight of 90kg) that equates to a towed mass of 1460kg (under my 1500kg car limit).

With a max train weight of 4100, and caravan at max load (1550) and towbar at 90kg I have a theoretical max GVW for the car of 2640. If I remove the caravan from the towball (90kg) my GVW must be under 2550 for me to remain legal while hitched and towing. That gives the car a payload of 2550-2227 = 323kg before its full.