Buying guide
Towing with an EV in Iceland: what works, what doesn't, real range hits
Caravan? Horsebox? Boat trailer? We tested five popular EVs with loads and measured the real-world range drop.
The short answer
Towing roughly doubles your energy consumption. A 450 km EV becomes a 220 km EV. Plan accordingly.
The cars and the loads
We tested with a 1,200 kg twin-axle caravan, Route 1 from Reykjavík to Selfoss and back, 4°C, light wind.
| Car | Tow rating | Solo Wh/km | Towing Wh/km | Range hit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y LR | 1,600 kg | 175 | 360 | -51% |
| Kia EV9 | 2,500 kg | 220 | 405 | -46% |
| BMW iX xDrive40 | 2,500 kg | 210 | 395 | -47% |
| VW ID.Buzz | 1,800 kg | 235 | 470 | -50% |
| Polestar 3 | 2,200 kg | 215 | 400 | -46% |
What this means in practice
- A 200 km tow leg between charge stops is a comfortable maximum
- Add 30-40% buffer for headwinds (Iceland: always)
- Plan around CCS stalls with enough clearance to pull through with the trailer attached — many ON stalls require unhitching
When you should NOT tow with an EV
- Highland gravel routes with no charging
- Long trailer commutes (>250 km one-way) without an overnight charge target
- Boat ramps with steep gradients on low-state-of-charge — regen and traction control can fight each other
The diesel alternative is still alive
For serious tow users (>2,000 kg, >15,000 km/year of towing), a diesel Land Cruiser or Defender still makes economic and practical sense in 2026.