Not all EVs are certified to tow. 

Depending on the model and the market, some EVs may not have a specified towing capacity or be legally allowed to fit a tow hitch. This is because towing can affect the vehicle’s weight, stability, braking, and battery management. You should always check the manufacturer’s specifications and local regulations before attempting to tow with an EV¹²³.

1. carsales.com.au
2. evcentral.com.au
3. fourwheeltrends.com

Can tow with an EV reduce the EV’s range significantly?

Towing a heavy trailer increases the aerodynamic drag and the rolling resistance of the vehicle, which means it needs more energy to maintain speed and overcome hills. This can reduce the EV’s range by up to 30% or more, depending on the trailer’s weight and size⁴. You should plan your trip carefully and account for the extra charging stops and time needed when towing with an EV⁵.

4. camperreport.com
5. makeuseof.com

Is towing with an EV affects regenerative braking system. 

Regenerative braking is a feature that allows the EV to recover some of the kinetic energy that would otherwise be wasted as heat when slowing down. This helps extend the battery life and reduce brake wear. However, when towing a trailer, the regenerative braking system may not be able to handle the extra momentum and force generated by the trailer. This could cause the battery to overheat or damage the electrical system. Some EVs may require a trailer with electronic brakes to avoid this issue¹².

Towing with an EV has some advantages over towing with an ICE vehicle. 

Despite the challenges, there are also some benefits to towing with an EV compared to a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. For example:

EVs have instant torque and smooth acceleration.

EVs can deliver their maximum torque from zero rpm, which means they can easily pull a heavy load without straining or shifting gears. This makes for a smoother and quieter driving experience¹².

EVs are cheaper to run and maintain.

EVs have lower fuel costs than ICE vehicles, especially if you can charge them at home or at off-peak rates. They also have fewer moving parts and fluids, which means they require less servicing and repairs¹².

Tow with an EVs are more environmentally friendly.

EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which reduces their impact on air quality and climate change. They also use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, which reduces their dependence on fossil fuels¹².

1. carsales.com.au
2. evcentral.com.au

Long recharge period

Electric vehicles take much longer to recharge than gasoline or diesel vehicles, which can be inconvenient for drivers who need to travel long distances or who do not have access to charging stations. Recharging an electric vehicle can take several hours, depending on the battery size and the charging speed¹²

High cost

Electric vehicles are generally more expensive than gasoline or diesel vehicles, as they have higher upfront costs for the battery and other components. They also have higher insurance premiums, as they are more costly to repair or replace in case of an accident. Electric vehicles may have lower operating costs in the long run, but they may not be affordable for many consumers¹³

Charging station issues

Electric vehicles rely on a network of charging stations to provide them with electricity. However, the availability and accessibility of charging stations may vary depending on the location, demand, and compatibility. Some areas may have few or no charging stations, while others may have long queues or different connectors. Charging stations may also be affected by power outages, vandalism, or technical issues¹³

Environmental degradation

Electric vehicles may have zero tailpipe emissions, but they still have an environmental impact from their production, use, and disposal. The manufacturing of electric vehicles requires a lot of energy and resources, such as metals, plastics, and chemicals. The extraction and processing of these materials can cause pollution, deforestation, and human rights violations. The electricity used to charge electric vehicles may also come from fossil fuels, which emit greenhouse gases and other pollutants. The disposal of electric vehicle batteries can also pose environmental and health risks, as they contain toxic and hazardous substances³⁴

Range issues

Electric vehicles have a limited range compared to gasoline or diesel vehicles, as they depend on the battery capacity and the driving conditions. The range of electric vehicles can vary depending on factors such as speed, terrain, weather, temperature, load, and driving style. Electric vehicles may also lose range over time as the battery degrades or ages. Range anxiety is a common concern for electric vehicle drivers, as they may fear running out of power before reaching their destination or finding a charging station¹²

Battery capacity and safety

Electric vehicles use lithium-ion batteries to store and deliver electricity. These batteries have advantages such as high energy density, low self-discharge rate, and long lifespan. However, they also have disadvantages such as high cost, limited supply, and safety issues. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and catch a fire.

Unsustainable power sources

Electric vehicles are only as green as the electricity they use. If the electricity comes from renewable sources such as solar, wind, or hydro power, then electric vehicles can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel dependence. However, if the electricity comes from non-renewable sources such as coal, natural gas, or nuclear power, then electric vehicles may not be much better than gasoline or diesel vehicles in terms of environmental impact. Therefore, the sustainability of electric vehicles depends on the sustainability of the power grid and the energy mix³⁴

Conclusion

These are some of the disadvantages of electric vehicles that make them a challenging and complex choice for transportation. You can learn more about them from the sources below.

• 1. intellipaat.com
• 2. felsics.com
• 3. carsguide.com.au
• 4. carsguide.com.au