Best EVs for Towing in Australia 2025 – Power Meets Utility

Best EVs for Towing in Australia 2025 – Power Meets Utility

Electric vehicles (EVs) have officially stepped into the realm of serious towing machines. Once thought to be limited in power or practicality for pulling trailers, caravans, or boats, today’s electric SUVs and utes have evolved to deliver outstanding torque, performance, and range. In 2025, Australia has more electric tow-capable models than ever before, meeting the demands of drivers who need both utility and sustainability.

This in-depth guide dives into the best EVs for towing in Australia in 2025. Whether you're hauling a trailer for work or towing a caravan for that ultimate Aussie road trip, there’s an electric vehicle to match your needs.

Why EVs Are Now Great for Towing

1. Instant Torque Advantage

Electric motors deliver peak torque instantly. This translates to powerful off-the-line acceleration and confident towing from a standstill, even on inclines. Unlike internal combustion engines, there's no need to rev up — the power is always ready.

2. Stability from Battery Placement

Most EVs have their batteries mounted low in the chassis, which gives them a low center of gravity. This increases stability when towing heavy loads and improves handling.

3. Regenerative Braking Benefits

Regenerative braking systems help recover energy during deceleration and improve braking control, especially useful when going downhill with a trailer.

What to Consider in a Towing EV

Before diving into the list, here are key features to look for in an electric vehicle built for towing:

• Towing Capacity (Braked and Unbraked)

• Battery Range While Towing

• Thermal Management for Long Hauls

• Towing Assist Tech (e.g., trailer sway control, reversing assist)

• Chassis Strength

• All-Wheel Drive or 4x4 Options

• Charging Infrastructure Access

Top EVs for Towing in Australia 2025

Below are the leading electric tow-capable vehicles available or expected in Australia in 2025:

1. Tesla Cybertruck

• Towing Capacity: Up to 4,990 kg (for tri-motor version)

• Estimated Range (Towing): Approx. 400–500 km

• Drive Type: AWD

• Highlight: Stainless steel exoskeleton + high payload capacity

Tesla’s long-awaited Cybertruck is finally arriving in Australia in 2025. With an insane towing capacity of nearly 5 tonnes, it's a game-changer. The tri-motor AWD version packs heavy-duty performance, and Tesla’s Supercharger network ensures long-haul towing isn’t a nightmare.

2. Rivian R1T

• Towing Capacity: Up to 4,990 kg

• Range (Towing): Approx. 320–480 km

• Drive Type: AWD with quad motors

• Highlight: Purpose-built off-road EV ute

Rivian’s R1T is rugged, capable, and designed for adventure. While its availability in Australia is limited, expected right-hand-drive versions in late 2025 could make it a top contender. Its adjustable air suspension, off-road modes, and towing-specific tech make it ideal for towing caravans or boats.

3. Ford F-150 Lightning (Aussie Conversion)

• Towing Capacity: Up to 4,500 kg

• Range (Towing): 320–400 km estimated

• Drive Type: Dual-motor AWD

• Highlight: Pro Trailer Assist + Built-in scale sensors

Expected in Australia via conversion partners, the Lightning EV ute is Ford’s iconic truck reimagined. The EV version doesn’t skimp on power, and includes high-tech towing features like on-board trailer weighing and range estimation while towing.

4. Hyundai IONIQ 5 N

• Towing Capacity: Up to 1,600 kg

• Range: 448 km (WLTP)

• Drive Type: AWD

• Highlight: Sports performance EV with genuine utility

Though it's not a ute or full-size SUV, the IONIQ 5 N provides a nice blend of sporty performance and practical towing. Great for towing smaller trailers, jet skis or compact caravans. It also comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality to power appliances at campsites.

5. Kia EV9

• Towing Capacity: Up to 2,500 kg

• Range: 512 km (WLTP)

• Drive Type: AWD (dual-motor)

• Highlight: 7-seater practicality with solid towing

Kia’s EV9 is one of the most family-friendly EVs in Australia and offers real towing ability. It’s ideal for weekend getaways, with enough grunt to pull camper trailers. Its spacious interior and robust tech suite make it a compelling all-rounder.

6. Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

• Towing Capacity: Up to 1,800 kg

• Range: 600+ km (WLTP)

• Drive Type: AWD

• Highlight: Ultra-luxury + smart trailer stability control

If luxury and towing need to go hand-in-hand, this is your pick. The EQS SUV is smooth, loaded with autonomous trailer tech, and features adaptive suspension that adjusts to towing loads.

7. BMW iX xDrive50

• Towing Capacity: Up to 2,500 kg

• Range: 620 km (WLTP)

• Drive Type: AWD

• Highlight: Intelligent Drive Modes + Smart Trailer Monitoring

BMW's iX offers a refined towing experience with adaptive recovery, lane stability, and predictive energy management. It’s stylish yet capable.

8. Polestar 3

• Towing Capacity: Up to 2,200 kg

• Range: 610 km (WLTP)

• Drive Type: AWD

• Highlight: Scandinavian design meets towing function

Polestar’s new large SUV is finally bringing long-range capability and useful towing performance together. With Pilot Assist, pre-collision alerts, and adaptive cruise, it's smart towing with elegance.

9. BYD U8 (Coming Late 2025)

• Towing Capacity: Expected 3,000+ kg

• Range: Plug-in extended EV (1000+ km range)

• Drive Type: AWD with water-wading capabilities

• Highlight: EV meets hardcore off-roader

The U8 is more like an electric LandCruiser than a suburban SUV. Though technically a plug-in hybrid EV, it operates predominantly on electric drive. This will be a serious option for remote-area towing once launched.

Charging While Towing – Real-World Range Matters

Towing takes a major toll on an EV's range. It’s not uncommon for a fully loaded trailer to cut range by 30–50%. Here are some quick tips to manage it:

• Plan charging stops based on actual towing range

• Use apps like PlugShare and A Better Routeplanner (ABRP)

• Prefer DC fast chargers with trailer access

• Reduce speed for better efficiency

• Unload unnecessary cargo

Australia’s charging network continues to improve along highways and regional routes. Look for trailer-friendly EV chargers or stations with drive-through layouts.

EV Towing Tech That Makes Life Easier

Several 2025 EVs include towing-specific features:

• Towing Mode: Adjusts throttle, regen, and braking

• Trailer Brake Controllers: Some built-in, others compatible via software

• Camera Systems: Multi-angle + trailer tracking views

• Towing Range Predictor: Calculates range with trailer weight factored

• Self-Leveling Suspension: Keeps ride balanced with heavy loads

• Integrated Trailer Sway Mitigation

EV Towing vs Diesel Towing – What’s the Catch?

Diesel still holds an edge for remote off-grid towing, but for urban-to-regional trips and eco-conscious haulers, EVs are clearly gaining ground.

Final Thoughts – Is an EV Right for Your Towing Needs?

Electric vehicles have truly stepped into the world of practical, powerful, and capable towing in Australia. Whether it’s family trips, worksite utility, or holiday adventures, 2025 offers a growing lineup of electric models that deliver real-world performance.

When shopping for an EV tow vehicle in Australia:

• Focus on braked towing capacity

• Account for towing range, not just WLTP specs

• Look for integrated towing tech

• Ensure charging access for your intended routes

Summary Table – Best EVs for Towing 2025