Electric vehicle towing tests highlight infrastructure and planning needs

Real-world tests of electric vehicle (EV) performance under heavy towing loads highlight the critical importance of infrastructure and planning. In Australia, Schneider Electric conducted a 25,000-kilometre tour using an EV to tow a 2.5-tonne mobile learning centre. The journey demonstrated that fleet electrification is an energy infrastructure challenge rather than a simple procurement task, noting that factors such as route planning, depot capacity, and charger reliability are essential for operational success.

In the United Kingdom, a Tesla Model Y owner documented a 250-mile trip towing a six-berth caravan. The trip required active management and multiple charging stops, with the vehicle arriving at its destination with only 3% battery remaining. These cases underscore that while EV towing is possible, it requires careful energy management, contingency planning for charger failures, and an understanding of how heavy loads significantly reduce range.