Caravan & Motorhome EV Tow Vehicle Charging: Complete UK Guide 2025

Caravan & Motorhome EV Tow Vehicle Charging: Complete UK Guide 2025

The combination of electric vehicles and caravanning presents unique challenges that many UK touring enthusiasts discover only after purchase: dramatically reduced range when towing, limited charging infrastructure at caravan sites, and the logistical complexity of charging whilst hitched. Yet thousands of UK caravanners successfully tour with EVs in 2025, armed with proper planning and realistic expectations.

This comprehensive guide addresses everything UK caravan and motorhome owners need to know about using EVs as tow vehicles: real-world range impacts, charging strategies for touring, caravan site infrastructure, route planning essentials, and whether electric towing is genuinely viable for your touring style.

The Reality of EV Towing: Range Impact

Understanding the Efficiency Loss

Towing a caravan behind an EV dramatically reduces efficiency—typically by 40-60% compared to solo driving. This isn't an EV-specific phenomenon (petrol and diesel vehicles also see reduced economy), but the limited range of EVs makes the impact more consequential.

Physical Factors Affecting Range:

Aerodynamic Drag: Caravans are large, bluff objects creating significant wind resistance. Even well-designed modern caravans substantially increase drag coefficient.

Rolling Resistance: Four additional tyres, caravan suspension, and bearing friction all increase resistance.

Weight: Typical UK touring caravans weigh 1,000-1,500 kg (unladen). With equipment and supplies, total towed weight reaches 1,200-1,700 kg.

Regenerative Braking Reduction: Towing reduces regen effectiveness (more kinetic energy to dissipate, regen systems not sized for towing loads).

Real-World Range Impact Data

Actual range reduction varies by vehicle, caravan size, speed, and conditions.

Tesla Model X Long Range (100 kWh battery, 348 miles solo range):

Towing Bailey Unicorn Vigo (1,381 kg MTPLM, 2.3m wide, 4.69m long):

• Motorway (60 mph, level terrain): 140-160 miles (54-62% range loss)
• A-roads (50 mph, mixed terrain): 165-185 miles (47-53% range loss)
• Hilly terrain (Yorkshire Dales, 50 mph avg): 110-130 miles (63-68% range loss)

Kia EV6 GT-Line (77.4 kWh battery, 328 miles solo range):

Towing Swift Challenger 560 (1,450 kg MTPLM, 2.33m wide, 7.04m long):

• Motorway (60 mph, level terrain): 120-140 miles (57-63% range loss)
• A-roads (50 mph, mixed terrain): 145-165 miles (50-56% range loss)
• Hilly terrain (Welsh valleys, 50 mph avg): 95-115 miles (65-71% range loss)

BMW iX xDrive50 (111.5 kWh battery, 380 miles solo range):

Towing Coachman VIP 575 (1,524 kg MTPLM, 2.30m wide, 7.37m long):

• Motorway (60 mph, level terrain): 155-180 miles (53-59% range loss)
• A-roads (50 mph, mixed terrain): 185-210 miles (45-51% range loss)
• Hilly terrain (Scottish Highlands, 45 mph avg): 125-150 miles (61-67% range loss)

Key Takeaway: Expect 100-180 miles real-world towing range depending on vehicle battery size, caravan size, and terrain. Plan charging stops every 80-120 miles.

Factors You Can Control

Speed Management:

Reducing speed from 60 mph to 50 mph improves range by 15-25%:

• 60 mph towing: 140 miles
• 50 mph towing: 165 miles (+25 miles, 18% improvement)

Cost: Extra 20 minutes per 100 miles. For 250-mile journey:

• At 60 mph: 4.2 hours + charging stops
• At 50 mph: 5 hours + charging stops
• Extra journey time: 48 minutes

Many caravanners find 50 mph comfortable touring pace, so this trade-off is acceptable.

Caravan Choice:

Aerodynamic caravans reduce range loss:

• Traditional caravan (flat front, 2.3m wide): 55-65% range loss
• Aerodynamic caravan (curved front, 2.1m wide, rear spoiler): 45-55% range loss
• Improvement: ~10 percentage points (15-20 miles additional range)

Brands with better aerodynamics:

• Swift Elegance (curved front profile)
• Elddis Avante (aerodynamic nose cone)
• Lunar Delta (sloping front)

Traditional boxy designs:

• Bailey Unicorn (flat front)
• Coachman VIP (traditional profile)

Weight Reduction:

Every 100 kg removed improves range by ~2-3%:

• Remove unnecessary equipment: ~3-5% improvement
• Travel with less water (refill on site): ~2-4% improvement
• Limit clothing and supplies: ~1-2% improvement

Realistic total improvement: 6-11% (10-18 miles additional range)

Tyre Pressure:

Correct tyre pressure (car and caravan) reduces rolling resistance:

• Under-inflated by 10 psi: ~5% range loss
• Correctly inflated: Baseline
• Check before every tour: Takes 5 minutes, maintains optimal efficiency

Charging Infrastructure for Caravanners

UK Caravan Site Charging (2025 Status)

Caravan site EV charging infrastructure is improving but remains patchy.

Current State (January 2025):

Sites with EV Chargers: ~15-20% of UK touring sites (up from ~8% in 2023)

Club Sites:

Caravan Club (Now Caravan and Motorhome Club):

• 60+ sites with EV charging (out of ~350 sites)
• Typically 7 kW chargers (overnight charging adequate)
• Bookable pitches with EV charging (premium of £3-£5/night)
• App shows availability

Camping and Caravanning Club:

• 45+ sites with EV charging (out of ~100 sites)
• Mix of 7 kW and 22 kW chargers
• Some sites: First-come, first-served
• Others: Pre-bookable EV pitches

Commercial Sites:

Highly variable:

• Progressive sites (Shorefield Holidays, Park Holidays UK): 20-40% of sites have charging
• Independent sites: 5-10% have charging
• Small CL/CS sites: <2% have charging

Charging Costs at Sites:

• Included in pitch fee: Rare (some premium sites)
• Fixed surcharge: £3-£8 per night (common)
• Metered: 30-45p/kWh (some sites)
• Free: Very rare (marketing gimmick for new sites)

Example (Bridlington caravan site, 7 kW charger, 3 nights):

• Pitch: £35/night = £105
• EV surcharge: £5/night = £15
• Total energy used: 60 kWh (topping up from touring)
• Effective cost: £15 ÷ 60 kWh = 25p/kWh
• vs home Octopus Go: 7p/kWh (£4.20 for 60 kWh)
• Premium paid: £10.80 for site convenience

Charging Whilst Hitched: The Practicalities

Most EV chargers are designed for cars, not car+caravan combinations. This creates challenges.

Challenge 1: Cable Reach

Chargers typically have 5-7.5m cables. With caravan hitched, charging port may be 8-12m from charger (car length + caravan overhang).

Solutions:

1. Reverse into charging bay (if layout permits):

   • Positions charging port closer to charger
   • Requires confident reversing with caravan
   • Not always feasible (kerbs, bollards, other vehicles)

2. Unhitch caravan:

   • Park caravan temporarily in layby/corner
   • Drive car to charger
   • Re-hitch after charging
   • Time penalty: 10-15 minutes (unhitch + re-hitch)

3. Use longer cable chargers:

   • Some motorway services have 10m cables
   • Rare (check ZapMap for "long cable" filter)

4. Carry extension cable (not recommended):

   • Type 2 extension cables exist (£150-£300)
   • Many sites prohibit extensions (safety concerns)
   • Adds weight and complexity

Challenge 2: Charging Bay Access

Standard parking bays (2.4m wide) are tight for car+caravan (combined width 4-5m).

Motorway Services:

• Dedicated "EV charging area" often segregated from main parking
• Bays not designed for towing (narrow, barriers, bollards)
• Solution: Use HGV parking (wider bays, easier access), then walk to EV chargers, or unhitch

Public Car Parks:

• Chargers in standard bays (impossible to fit car+caravan)
• Solution: Must unhitch

Destination Chargers (hotels, attractions):

• Variable layouts
• Some have generous parking (easy access)
• Others cramped (unhitching required)

Challenge 3: Charging Time Management

Towing reduces range, requiring more frequent and longer charging stops.

Example Journey: Leeds to Anglesey (215 miles)

Solo EV (328 miles range):

• 1 charging stop (30 minutes, 20-80%)
• Total journey: 3.5 hours + 30 min charging = 4 hours

Towing (140 miles range):

• Charge before departure: 100%
• Stop 1 (after 110 miles): 30 minutes, 30-80%
• Stop 2 (after 105 miles remaining): 30 minutes, 30-80%
• Total journey: 4.3 hours + 60 min charging + 20 min unhitch/re-hitch = 5.7 hours

Journey time increase: 1.7 hours (43% longer)

Public Charging Strategy for Caravanners

Best Charging Locations:

1. Motorway Services with Pull-Through Bays:

• Ideal: Gridserve Electric Forecourts (Braintree, Rugby)
• Pull-through bays (no reversing needed)
• 350 kW chargers (though towing limits to 50-150 kW depending on vehicle)
• Cafe, toilets, shop (comfortable wait)

2. Supermarket Chargers in Large Car Parks:

• Examples: Tesco Extra, Sainsbury's Superstore
• Generous parking (can often fit hitched, or easy unhitching)
• Shopping during charge (productive use of time)
• Often free or cheap (7-28p/kWh)

3. Hotel Destination Chargers:

• Slow charging (7-22 kW) but overnight = full charge
• Often included in room rate
• Secure parking
• Strategy: Plan overnight stops at hotels with chargers

Locations to Avoid:

1. City Centre On-Street Chargers:

• Narrow bays, impossible with caravan
• Busy (long waits)

2. Cramped Retail Park Chargers:

• Tight parking, barriers, bollards
• Not designed for towing

3. Single-Charger Rural Locations:

• If broken, no alternative nearby
• Risk of being stranded

Route Planning Tools:

Zap-Map (essential app for UK EV caravanners):

• Filter by "rapid" chargers (50+ kW)
• User reviews mention "caravan-friendly" or "tight access"
• Real-time status (working/broken)

ABRP (A Better Route Planner):

• Specific caravan towing mode (input caravan weight, dimensions)
• Calculates route with charging stops
• Accounts for reduced efficiency

Caravan Club App:

• Shows sites with EV charging
• Allows booking EV pitches

Realistic Touring Scenarios

Scenario 1: Weekend Break (100-Mile Round Trip)

Journey: Birmingham to Stratford-upon-Avon Caravan Club Site (50 miles each way)

Vehicle: Kia EV6 (77.4 kWh, 140 miles towing range)

Day 1 (Friday Evening):

• Depart Birmingham: 100% charge (full home charge overnight)
• Towing to site: 50 miles, 35% battery used
• Arrive site: 65% remaining
• Plug into site 7 kW charger overnight

Day 2-3 (Saturday-Sunday):

• Unhitch caravan, use car for local trips (solo, ~150 miles total over weekend)
• Evening: Return, plug in overnight
• Sunday evening: 100% charge

Day 4 (Monday Return):

• Depart site: 100%
• Return journey: 50 miles, 35% used
• Arrive home: 65% remaining
• Overnight home charging: Back to 100%

Charging Required:

• Home charging (before/after): 2× 40 kWh = 80 kWh
• Site charging: 2× 30 kWh = 60 kWh
• Total: 140 kWh

Costs:

• Home (Octopus Go, 7p/kWh): 80 kWh × £0.07 = £5.60
• Site (£5/night surcharge, 2 nights): £10
• Total: £15.60

Petrol Equivalent (Diesel car, 35 mpg towing):

• Distance: 100 miles towing + 150 miles solo = 250 miles
• Fuel: 250 ÷ 35 = 7.1 gallons
• Cost: 7.1 × £6.50 (£1.45/litre) = £46
• Saving: £30.40

Verdict: Easy, no public charging needed, significant cost saving.

Scenario 2: Week-Long Tour (500-Mile Total)

Journey: Manchester → Lake District → Scottish Borders → Newcastle → Manchester

Vehicle: BMW iX xDrive50 (111.5 kWh, 170 miles towing range)

Day 1: Manchester to Lake District (100 miles)

• Depart: 100%
• Arrive: 40% remaining
• Site has no EV charging
• Evening charge needed: Drive unhitched to nearby Keswick Tesco (5 miles), rapid charge 30-80% (35 minutes), return
• Total evening time: 1.5 hours (includes driving + charging + meal at Tesco cafe)

Day 2-3: Lake District

• Day trips unhitched (local sightseeing, 80 miles over 2 days)
• Charge at Keswick Tesco again (Day 3 evening): 30-80%

Day 4: Lake District to Scottish Borders (120 miles)

• Depart: 80%
• Charging stop: Gretna Services (60 miles), 30 minutes, 30-75%
• Arrive site: 30% remaining
• Site has 7 kW charger: Plug in overnight

Day 5-6: Scottish Borders

• Local trips unhitched (90 miles over 2 days)
• Nightly charging at site: Maintains 80-100%

Day 7: Scottish Borders to Newcastle (80 miles)

• Depart: 100%
• Arrive hotel (has destination charger): 50% remaining
• Overnight charge: 50-100%

Day 8: Newcastle to Manchester (140 miles)

• Depart: 100%
• Charging stop: Leeds Gridserve (70 miles), 30 minutes, 35-80%
• Arrive home: 35% remaining
• Overnight home charge: Back to 100%

Charging Summary:

• Home charging: 1× 60 kWh (pre-departure), 1× 65 kWh (return) = 125 kWh
• Public rapid charging: 4× 50 kWh = 200 kWh
• Site/hotel charging: 3× 30 kWh = 90 kWh
• Total: 415 kWh

Costs:

• Home (Octopus Go, 7p/kWh): 125 × £0.07 = £8.75
• Public rapid (avg 65p/kWh): 200 × £0.65 = £130
• Site/hotel (£5/night avg): £15
• Total: £153.75

Petrol Equivalent (Diesel, 30 mpg towing):

• Distance: 500 miles
• Fuel: 16.7 gallons × £6.50 = £109
• EV more expensive: £44.75 extra

Verdict: Feasible but requires planning. Public rapid charging costs exceed diesel. Savings only appear if sites/hotels have charging (avoiding public rapids).

Scenario 3: Two-Week European Tour (1,500 Miles)

Journey: Kent → France → Switzerland → Germany → Belgium → Kent

Vehicle: Tesla Model X Long Range (100 kWh, 150 miles towing range)

Challenges:

• Longer distances between charging
• Variable charging infrastructure (France excellent, rural Switzerland patchy)
• Eurotunnel/ferry charging logistics
• Foreign charging networks (payment methods)

Realistic Assessment:

Charging Stops Required: ~10-12 rapid charges (30-45 mins each) = 5-9 hours total charging time

Daily Routine:

• Morning: Depart site (100% from overnight charge)
• Midday: 1× rapid charge (80 miles, 30-40 mins)
• Afternoon: Arrive next site (20-40% remaining)
• Evening: Plug in overnight

Costs (estimated):

• Home charging (pre/post trip): £15
• European rapid charging (avg €0.60/kWh, ~1,000 kWh): £500
• Site charging (avg €5/night, 12 nights): £50
• Total: £565

Diesel Equivalent:

• 1,500 miles, 28 mpg towing
• 54 gallons × £6.50 = £351
• EV £214 more expensive

Time Impact:

• Charging stops: 8 hours over 2 weeks
• Unhitching for charging: 3 hours total
• Extra time: 11 hours vs diesel (average 47 mins/day)

Verdict: Possible for determined EV enthusiasts, but significantly more expensive and time-consuming than diesel for long European tours. Only worthwhile if you value environmental benefits over cost/convenience.

Caravan Site Charging Etiquette and Tips

Site Charging Best Practices

1. Book EV Pitches in Advance

Many sites have limited EV charging capacity (2-6 pitches out of 50-100 total).

• Book well ahead (especially peak season)
• Confirm charger working before travel (call site reception)
• Have backup plan (nearby public chargers)

2. Don't Hog Chargers

Some sites have shared chargers (not dedicated per pitch).

• Charge to 80-90%, then unplug (allows others to use)
• Avoid leaving car plugged at 100% overnight (if shared charger)
• Coordinate with neighbours ("I'll charge 20:00-02:00, you can use 02:00-06:00")

3. Bring Your Own Cable (Untethered Chargers)

Some sites have untethered sockets (Type 2).

• Carry Type 2 cable (5-7.5m, £100-£200)
• Check cable compatibility before travel

4. Manage Expectations

Site chargers are often 7 kW (slow but adequate overnight).

• 7 kW × 8 hours overnight = 56 kWh (enough for next day's touring + local trips)
• Don't expect rapid charging

Portable EV Chargers for Caravanning

Some caravanners carry portable chargers for flexibility.

Option 1: Type 2 to 3-Pin "Granny Cable"

All EVs include this cable:

• 2.3 kW charging from standard socket
• Adds ~8 miles/hour
• Use case: Emergency top-up at non-EV sites (ask permission to use hook-up bollard socket)

Limitations:

• Very slow (30 hours for full charge)
• Not designed for continuous use
• May trip site electrics (draws 10A continuously)

Option 2: Portable EVSE (7 kW)

Examples:

• Andersen A2 Portable (£900)
• Rolec EV Wallpod Portable (£650)

Specifications:

• 7 kW charging from 32A commando socket (blue, 3-pin industrial plug)
• Some sites have commando sockets at hook-up bollards

Use case: Sites without EV chargers but with 32A commando supply

Limitations:

• Expensive (£650-£900)
• Heavy (5-8 kg)
• Requires permission from site (32A is high load)
• Not all sites have 32A sockets

Verdict: Portable chargers offer flexibility but limited practical use. Most caravanners find planning routes around sites with proper EV chargers more practical than carrying equipment.

Is EV Towing Viable for You?

When EV Towing Works Well

✅ Short-Distance Touring (Under 100 Miles Per Trip)

• Single charge gets you to site and back
• Charge at home before/after
• Minimal reliance on public infrastructure
• Cost saving: Significant vs petrol/diesel

✅ Sites with Guaranteed Charging

• Club sites with bookable EV pitches
• Membership schemes (Caravan Club, C&CC) prioritise EV infrastructure
• Pre-book entire tour at EV-equipped sites

✅ Flexible Schedules

• Not rushing (can accommodate charging stops)
• Enjoy charging stops (meal breaks, sightseeing)
• 30-45 mins every 100 miles acceptable

✅ Lighter, Aerodynamic Caravans

• <1,200 kg MTPLM
• Aerodynamic designs (Swift Elegance, Elddis Avante)
• Better efficiency = less range anxiety

✅ Large Battery EVs

• 90+ kWh batteries (Tesla Model X, BMW iX, Mercedes EQS SUV)
• 150-180 miles towing range (comfortable buffer)

✅ Environmental Priority

• Value sustainability over cost
• Willing to pay premium (rapid charging) for zero emissions

When EV Towing Is Challenging

❌ Long-Distance UK Tours (300+ Miles)

• Multiple charging stops required
• Public charging costs exceed diesel
• Significant journey time increases

❌ European Tours (1,000+ Miles)

• Variable infrastructure (rural areas patchy)
• Language barriers (customer service)
• Payment complexities (foreign networks)
• Much more expensive than diesel

❌ Large, Heavy Caravans

• 1,500 kg MTPLM

• Traditional boxy designs
• 100-130 miles range (necessitates frequent charging)

❌ Small Battery EVs

• <70 kWh batteries (Nissan Leaf, MG4, etc.)
• <100 miles towing range (too limiting)

❌ Tight Schedules

• Must reach destination by specific time
• Cannot accommodate charging delays
• Inflexible touring itinerary

❌ Sites Without EV Charging

• Remote sites, CLs, CSs (rarely have chargers)
• Reliance on public infrastructure (expensive, inconvenient)

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Best EV for Towing a Caravan in the UK?

The ideal EV tow vehicle balances battery size, towing capacity, and price.

Top Recommendations (2025):

1. BMW iX xDrive50 (£100,000)

• Battery: 111.5 kWh
• Towing capacity: 2,500 kg
• Solo range: 380 miles
• Towing range: 170-210 miles
• Verdict: Best overall (if budget allows)

2. Tesla Model X Long Range (£95,000)

• Battery: 100 kWh
• Towing capacity: 2,250 kg
• Solo range: 348 miles
• Towing range: 140-180 miles
• Verdict: Excellent range, Supercharger network advantage

3. Mercedes EQE SUV 500 (£80,000)

• Battery: 90.6 kWh
• Towing capacity: 1,800 kg
• Solo range: 365 miles
• Towing range: 150-190 miles
• Verdict: Premium comfort, good efficiency

4. Kia EV9 GT-Line (£75,000)

• Battery: 99.8 kWh
• Towing capacity: 2,500 kg
• Solo range: 349 miles
• Towing range: 140-180 miles
• Verdict: Best value (newest, loaded with tech)

Budget Option:

Kia EV6 GT-Line (£58,000)

• Battery: 77.4 kWh
• Towing capacity: 1,600 kg
• Solo range: 328 miles
• Towing range: 120-160 miles
• Verdict: Affordable, adequate for lighter caravans (<1,400 kg)

Avoid for Towing:

• Nissan Leaf (64 kWh too small, CHAdeMO charging slow)
• MG4/5 (small batteries, limited towing capacity)
• Renault Megane E-Tech (not rated for towing)

Can I Charge My EV at a Caravan Using the Caravan's Battery?

No—caravan batteries are far too small.

Caravan Battery Capacity: 80-120 Ah (12V) = ~1-1.4 kWh usable

EV Battery Capacity: 60-100 kWh = 50-80× larger

Charging an EV from caravan battery:

• 1 kWh would add ~3 miles range
• Would completely drain caravan battery (no power for lights, water pump, heating)
• Caravan battery would need days of solar to recharge

Verdict: Impossible. Caravan batteries designed for LED lights and water pumps (50-200W), not EV charging (7,000W+).

Reverse question: Can caravan battery charge from EV?

Some caravanners do this:

• 12V socket in car connects to caravan battery via DC-DC charger
• Tops up caravan battery while driving
• Useful for wild camping (no hook-up)
• Drain on EV battery: Negligible (0.5-1 kWh per day, <0.5 miles range)

How Do I Find Caravan Sites with EV Charging?

Resources:

1. Caravan Club App/Website

• Search → Facilities → "Electric Vehicle Charging"
• Shows 60+ sites with chargers
• Displays charger type (7 kW, 22 kW, rapid)

2. Camping and Caravanning Club Website

• Filter: "Electric Vehicle Charging Point"
• Shows 45+ equipped sites

3. Pitchup.com

• Search filters → "Electric Vehicle Charging"
• Covers commercial and independent sites

4. Google Maps

• Search: "[Site name] EV charging"
• Check reviews (users mention chargers)

5. Phone Sites Directly

• Always call to confirm:
  • Charger working (not broken)
  • Advance booking required
  • Costs (surcharge or metered)

Tip: Join Caravan Club or C&CC membership (£50-£60/year). Provides access to best EV-equipped sites and booking priority.

What If I Can't Find Charging En Route?

Contingency Strategies:

1. Pre-Plan Charging Stops

• Use ABRP (A Better Route Planner)
• Input: Caravan weight, dimensions
• App calculates route + charging stops
• Identify 2-3 backup chargers near each planned stop (in case primary broken)

2. Charge More Frequently

• Don't run battery to <10%
• Charge at 20-30% (more charger options available, less anxiety)

3. Unhitch for Charging Access

• Unlocks many more chargers (standard car park bays)
• Temporary caravan parking in layby/corner
• 10-15 mins extra, but expands options significantly

4. Hotels with Destination Chargers

• Plan overnight stops at hotels with 7-22 kW chargers
• Charge overnight (slow but gets you to 100%)
• Often included in room rate

5. Emergency Options

• 3-pin granny cable at accommodating pubs, hotels (ask permission)
• 2.3 kW = 20-25 miles in 3 hours (enough to reach next charger)

6. Call Breakdown Cover

• AA, RAC, Green Flag offer EV breakdown cover
• Mobile charging vans (limited range boost)
• Tow to nearest charger (expensive, last resort)

Is Towing with an EV More Expensive Than Diesel?

It depends on charging strategy.

Scenario 1: Mostly Home/Site Charging (short tours)

EV Costs (500 miles, 80% home/site, 20% public):

• Home (Octopus Go, 7p/kWh): 150 kWh × £0.07 = £10.50
• Site (£5/night, 3 nights): £15
• Public rapid (65p/kWh): 40 kWh × £0.65 = £26
• Total: £51.50

Diesel Costs (500 miles, 30 mpg towing):

• Fuel: 16.7 gallons × £6.50 = £109

EV cheaper: £57.50 saving

Scenario 2: Mostly Public Rapid Charging (long tours)

EV Costs (1,000 miles, 20% home, 80% public):

• Home: 50 kWh × £0.07 = £3.50
• Public rapid: 300 kWh × £0.65 = £195
• Site: 50 kWh × £0.30 avg = £15
• Total: £213.50

Diesel Costs (1,000 miles, 28 mpg towing):

• Fuel: 36 gallons × £6.50 = £234

EV slightly cheaper: £20.50 saving

But factor in:

• Charging time: +10-15 hours
• Inconvenience: Worth £50-£100 to many
• Effective cost: EV more expensive when time valued

Verdict: Short tours with home/site charging = EV much cheaper. Long tours relying on public rapids = EV similar cost (or more if time valued), less convenient.

Should I Wait for Better EV Towing Technology?

EV towing technology is improving, but significant leaps are years away.

Near-Term Improvements (2025-2027):

Larger Batteries:

• 120-150 kWh batteries entering market (2026-2027)
• Towing range: 200-250 miles (vs 140-180 today)
• Impact: Reduces charging frequency (every 150 miles vs every 100)

Faster Charging:

• 350 kW charging becoming common (vs 150-250 kW today)
• Charge times: 15-20 mins (20-80%) vs 25-35 mins
• Impact: Reduces stop duration (but still needs stops)

Better Site Infrastructure:

• 30-40% of sites will have charging by 2027 (vs 15-20% today)
• More 22 kW chargers (faster overnight top-ups)
• Impact: Easier to find charging, less planning needed

Long-Term (2028-2030):

Solid-State Batteries:

• 200+ kWh in similar weight/volume
• Towing range: 300+ miles
• Impact: Game-changer (similar to diesel range)
• Availability: Limited production 2028-2030, widespread 2030+

Should You Wait?

Wait if:

• Current EVs can't meet your touring needs (long European tours)
• Budget allows waiting 2-3 years
• Content with diesel for now

Buy Now if:

• Short-medium UK tours (current EVs adequate)
• Environmental priority
• Current diesel car needs replacing anyway
• Can upgrade in 3-5 years when solid-state available

Verdict: 2025 EVs work for UK touring with planning. If you need >200-mile towing range routinely, waiting 2-3 years will deliver better experience.

Conclusion: EV Towing Is Viable with Realistic Expectations

Towing a caravan with an EV in 2025 is entirely feasible for UK touring, provided you approach it with realistic expectations and proper planning.

The reality:

• Expect 100-180 miles towing range (vs 300-400 solo)
• Plan charging stops every 80-120 miles (30-45 mins each)
• Pre-book caravan sites with EV charging where possible
• Budget 20-40% more journey time vs diesel
• Costs competitive for short tours (home/site charging), similar for long tours (public rapids)

Who thrives with EV towing:

• UK short-break tourers (<150 miles per trip)
• Club site users (Caravan Club, C&CC have best EV infrastructure)
• Flexible schedules (enjoy charging stops as meal breaks)
• Environmental values (willing to trade minor inconvenience for zero emissions)
• Large-battery EV owners (90+ kWh)

Who struggles:

• Long-distance European tourers (1,000+ miles)
• Remote site seekers (CLs, wild camping lack infrastructure)
• Time-constrained travellers (can't accommodate charging)
• Budget-focused (public rapid charging expensive)
• Small-battery EV owners (<70 kWh)

For the typical UK caravanner doing 3-5 weekend breaks and 1-2 week-long tours annually within the UK, modern large-battery EVs (BMW iX, Tesla Model X, Kia EV9, Mercedes EQE SUV) deliver perfectly viable towing experiences. The key is accepting that touring pace slows slightly (50 mph towing, 30-45 min charging stops), pre-booking sites with EV charging, and viewing stops as opportunities rather than obstacles.

EV towing isn't for everyone yet—but for many UK caravanners, it's already a practical, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible choice.