Regular hybrids and full EVs don’t excel at towing as the small battery packs in these vehicles only have a short electric-only range. This makes the powertrain work harder under heavy loads, resulting in poor performance.
Plug-in hybrids, on the other hand, can tow with ease thanks to their larger batteries and ICE powerplants. However, it is important to understand and follow recommended guidelines for towing.
Improved Fuel Economy
Depending on the specific model, hybrid SUVs and cars are often more fuel efficient than their non-hybrid counterparts. Some also offer lower emissions.
However, they might not be able to save as much fuel when towing as their gas-powered cousins. This is because hybrids’ electric motors help the gasoline engine during normal driving and only kick in when the vehicle needs extra power for longer trips or when hybrid suv towing capacity.
Plug-in hybrids that have larger batteries can travel for dozens of kilometres using just their electric motor or motors before the petrol engine needs to take over. These vehicles typically recharge their batteries through regenerative braking and by plugging in at home or public charge points on long trips.
But their range drops significantly when they’re towing a trailer. This is partly because the heavier load adds resistance that requires more energy to overcome. The electric motor also has to work harder, which depletes its charge more quickly.
Lower Emissions
Hybrid vehicles emit significantly less pollution than a conventional vehicle, especially when travelling at high speeds. This translates into significant reductions in greenhouse gases.
However, the small battery pack on hybrid vehicles will not be as efficient when towing a trailer, which will place extra strain on the motor and braking system. A regenerative braking system that typically recharges the batteries in a petrol/hybrid will be forced to do much more work when pulling a trailer, which can lead to quicker battery drain and hampered driving range.
The electric motor on a hybrid car is also less effective when hauling a heavy load, and its capacity to assist the engine when driving up steep hills will be limited. Despite these challenges, there are hybrid cars on the market with towing capability. With the development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV), which have larger battery packs, it should become easier for eco-conscious consumers to reduce their emissions while still transporting a caravan or other trailer.
Easier to Tow
Many hybrid SUVs and cars are capable of towing trailers. However, their towing capacities depend on the power and battery capacity of the vehicle as well as the weight and structure. Ideally, you should consult the owner’s manual for recommended guidelines.
The electric motors that feature in hybrid vehicles provide strong torque which is useful for towing applications. Nevertheless, the total load of the trailer also affects the car’s ability to tow as it places additional strain on its engine and battery.
Plug-in hybrids tend to have the best towing capabilities as they can run on electric power for part of the trip. This way, you can save on fuel while towing and enjoy the lower emissions of an alternative-fuel vehicle. Moreover, most plug-in hybrids are designed to run on electric power for 35-60km when fully charged. This means they have a much greater range for towing than their pure electric counterparts. For example, a Toyota RAV4 Hybrid can tow 480kg in its two-wheel drive model, which is enough for a small caravan or trailer.
More Versatile
Hybrid vehicles use both a fuel-powered engine and an electric motor to provide versatility in driving and towing capabilities. The fuel-powered engine offers more power to haul heavy trailers than pure electric models, making hybrid cars and SUVs a smarter choice for eco-conscious drivers who need towing capability.
However, a hybrid’s ability to tow will depend on its battery capacity and power output. It is a good idea to know the towing capacity of your vehicle before buying one, or consult its owner’s manual for guidelines on proper weight distribution. It is also essential to understand the impact of towing on a hybrid’s cooling systems and electric range.
Summary:
Generally speaking, plug-in hybrids are the best choice for towing, as they have larger batteries that can take them for dozens of kilometres on electricity alone before recharging. As such, they are more capable of towing than regular hybrids, which will drain the batteries quickly and cause poor performance while towing.
