Issues when moving to all electric towcars

Mr H replied on 12/03/2021 10:43

Mr H

Posted on 12/03/2021 10:43

Already there are going to be many issues relating to using EV's. Range anxiety, charging point availability etc. This will all be increased when towing a caravan. For example how many charging stations will provide space for the caravan during the charging process? So is it time for Caravan designers to think out of the box?

My suggestion would be to add, the same type battery being used for the car, to the chassis of the caravan connected as at present to the car. This could be charged overnight when on a hook up on site. Also using similar technology, used by motor racing, it should be possible to get a charge, from the rotation of the wheels, much like the dynamo that powered the lights on an old bike. Finally, the roof of the caravan could have a custom made solar panel covering all available solid surfaces ie. around windows etc to add to the charge, There should be minimal changes to the caravan wiring as it virtually already exists.

What do you think?

1 person likes this

144 replies

JVB66 replied on 22/06/2021 09:59

Member

JVB66

Caravanner

Posted on 22/06/2021 09:52 by Rocky 2 buckets

I doubt it JV kids these days will be happy to see the back of planet destroying fossil fuel vehicles. You forget the children of today are more thoughtful than previous generations & a darn sight smarter too👍🏻

Posted on 22/06/2021 09:59

Some are I agree, and they spend as if there was no tommorow as well, so I doubt they will care,

It needs all the world to wake up to facts rather than as now it seems SAY what others want to hear

brue replied on 22/06/2021 10:10

Member

brue

Motorhomer

Posted on 22/06/2021 10:10

You might be interested to read about the progress of alternatives generally. Hydrogen vehicles are being developed but are at a present not offering any savings in the general running of vehicles. EVs, after the initial purchase expense do offer savings in fuel and running costs as well as reducing damaging emissions.

1 person likes this

davetommo replied on 22/06/2021 11:32

Member

davetommo

Motorhomer

Posted on 21/06/2021 22:36 by ChocolateTrees

Just as with an ICE, towing efficiency with a large caravan (and hence range) on an EV is a bit better than 1/2 of solo. So if you can get 500 miles on a charge sole, that translates to between 250 and 280 towing (at a rough guess).

Mine is not cheap, but its targeted at the premium performance saloon market, (400hp, 600NM torque), so at 58K list its an expensive car, but targeted at Volvo V60 T8, Audi S5, BMW 340i Msport Xdrive type market - so on a par price wise with the ICE competition.

But as a company car (arround £650 a month) its 1/20th of the cost of most of those in tax.

I am very lucky to be able to drive it, but its also a great way to tow a caravan.

Posted on 22/06/2021 11:32

Wow that price is eye watering. Not many will be able to afford that. Having said that they will more than likely come down in price as time goes on

davetommo replied on 22/06/2021 11:40

Member

davetommo

Motorhomer

Posted on 22/06/2021 11:40

Report
Like

Content has been removed.

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 22/06/2021 11:45

Rocky 2 buckets

Posted on 22/06/2021 11:45

Report
Like

Content has been removed.

davetommo replied on 22/06/2021 11:46

Member

davetommo

Motorhomer

Posted on 22/06/2021 11:46

Report
Like

Content has been removed.

Rocky 2 buckets replied on 22/06/2021 12:29

Rocky 2 buckets

Posted on 22/06/2021 12:29

Report
Like

Content has been removed.

ChocolateTrees replied on 22/06/2021 13:13

Member

ChocolateTrees

Caravanner

Posted on 22/06/2021 11:32 by davetommo

Wow that price is eye watering. Not many will be able to afford that. Having said that they will more than likely come down in price as time goes on

Posted on 22/06/2021 13:13

It is eye watering. I won’t disagree. And it it was a private purchase, I would not have done so. But as a company car it makes sense for me and the company as the government are so keen for us to use them. It is a shame that right now you have to have a high performance car, just to get towing ability, and the price of the car is positioned to compete with similar performance ICE cars. In that respect, the Polestar is actually good value. But all electric cars have lots of power and torque at the lower end, making them ideal tow cars. It’s just that the market has not yet developed enough interest for manufacturers to homologate them for towing:-( but with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, that is set to change. I think the Skoda Enyaq (sp?) has good towing ability too, at a more “normal car” price point.

I too am looking forward to when the ICE - EV price parity arrives, and actually swings the other way.

Oscarmax replied on 03/08/2021 20:45

Member

Oscarmax

Caravanner

Posted on 22/06/2021 13:13 by ChocolateTrees

It is eye watering. I won’t disagree. And it it was a private purchase, I would not have done so. But as a company car it makes sense for me and the company as the government are so keen for us to use them. It is a shame that right now you have to have a high performance car, just to get towing ability, and the price of the car is positioned to compete with similar performance ICE cars. In that respect, the Polestar is actually good value. But all electric cars have lots of power and torque at the lower end, making them ideal tow cars. It’s just that the market has not yet developed enough interest for manufacturers to homologate them for towing:-( but with the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6, that is set to change. I think the Skoda Enyaq (sp?) has good towing ability too, at a more “normal car” price point.

I too am looking forward to when the ICE - EV price parity arrives, and actually swings the other way.

Posted on 03/08/2021 20:45

Apparently the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 long range 73 kWh can tow 1600 kg ?

1 person likes this