EV Towing Capacity: Balancing Power and Range in 2025

As the Australian automotive landscape evolves, EVs are increasingly meeting the towing needs of both everyday drivers and commercial users. Let's explore the current state of EV towing capacity in Australia and how it compares to traditional options.

EV Towing Capacity: The Australian Market

Several EVs available in Australia offer impressive towing capabilities:

1. BMW iX: Leading the pack with a 2500kg towing capacity.

2. Tesla Model X: Close behind with a 2250kg towing capacity.

3. Volvo XC40 Pure Electric: Offers 1800kg for the dual-motor variant.

4. Audi e-tron: Matches the Volvo with 1800kg towing capacity.

5. Kia EV6: Can tow up to 1600kg..

6. Hyundai Ioniq 5: Also capable of towing 1600kg..

7. Polestar 2: Offers a 1500kg towing capacity.

8. Tesla Model Y: Can tow up to 1600kg braked or 750kg unbraked.

9. MG 4: Suitable for lighter loads with a 500kg capacity both braked and unbraked

The BMW iX has a towing capacity of 2500kg

Recommendations Based on User Needs

For Tradespeople and Commercial Users:

The BYD Shark 6 is a promising option for commercial users, currently offering a 2500kg towing capacity with plans to upgrade to 3500kg in 2026. This plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) provides a good balance between electric efficiency and towing capability.

Preorderss have said this is the trick to have: The BYD Shark

Would you trust an EV to tow your load?

• Yes. Absolutely!
• No. Forget about it!

For Average Drivers and Consumers:

1. For occasional towing (e.g., small trailers or boats):

   • Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq 5 offer a good balance of range and towing capacity.

   • Volvo XC40 Pure Electric provides luxury and practicality with decent towing capabilities.

   • The BMW iX tops the lsit with 2500kg towing capacity

The Kia EV6 balances range and towing capacity

1. For those prioritizing efficiency with light towing needs:

   • MG 4 offers modest towing capacity with excellent efficiency.

2. For families needing more versatility:

   • Tesla Model Y or Polestar 2 provide space and respectable towing capabilities.

     
     

Speculating on New Commercial Brands in 2025

As the Australian EV market continues to grow, we can expect more commercial-oriented electric vehicles to enter the market. While specific details are limited, here are some possibilities:

1. Ford Ranger PHEV: Ford has announced plans for a plug-in hybrid version of its popular Ranger, which could launch in Australia by late 2025.

2. Toyota Electric HiLux: Toyota has been working on electrifying its popular HiLux model, which could potentially debut in 2025 or 2026.

3. Rivian R1T: This American electric truck manufacturer has expressed interest in the Australian market, and 2025 could be the year they make their entry.

4. GWM Electric Ute: Great Wall Motors has been expanding its electric vehicle lineup and might introduce an electric version of its ute in the Australian market.

These speculative entries could significantly shake up the commercial EV market in Australia, offering more options for businesses and tradespeople looking to electrify their fleets.

The very impressive Rivian R1T

We can expect EV towing capacity and range to improve in the years to come. The introduction of electric utes like the BYD Shark 6 and potential entries from established brands will further expand options for those needing serious towing capability without compromising on sustainability.

The decisive Tesla Cyber Truck

Post note: As of March 2025, the Tesla Cybertruck is not expected to launch in Australia in the near future. While Tesla conducted a promotional tour in Australia in 2024 to gauge interest, there are several factors hindering its immediate release:

1. North American Focus: The Cybertruck was designed primarily for North American requirements, and adapting it for international markets would require significant changes

2. Regulatory Challenges: Elon Musk has stated that meeting international design rules, including Australia's ADRs, would make the product "worse" and add complexity

3. Production Constraints: Tesla is prioritizing North American production and needs to achieve higher volume and cost efficiency before considering international markets

4. Right-Hand Drive Uncertainty: There's no confirmation of a right-hand drive version, which would be necessary for the Australian market.

Musk has suggested that Tesla might be able to certify the Cybertruck for other markets "sometime next year" (2026), but this would likely involve a "special version" compliant with international regulations.  However, even if such a version is developed, there's no guarantee it will come to Australia.

For now, Australian customers who previously placed deposits have had their orders halted, and Tesla is not currently taking new orders for the Cybertruck in Australia