The Realities of Towing: A Journey with the Kia EV9

When considering towing an electric vehicle (EV), many assume that cruising at 60 mph on the motorway can deliver optimal efficiency. Recently, I set out to test this theory with a Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD, fully charged to 100%. With a predicted range of 287 miles on the trip computer, I felt confident embarking on the 198-mile journey from Bristol to Land’s End. However, that confidence quickly dwindled as I encountered a harsh reality.

The Weight of Reality

After only 60 miles of steady driving, the range began to drop alarmingly. It became clear that towing a 12-meter-long caravan attached to the Kia was taking a toll on the vehicle's predicted efficiency. Recollections of my early experiences with electric vehicles surfaced, recalling the often nerve-wracking journeys in the early Nissan Leaf, which had a mere 100 miles of range with a 24 kWh battery.

Fortunately, technology has advanced significantly since then. With a 99.8 kWh battery, the EV9 boasts an official range of 316 miles, and modern charging networks have expanded, featuring thousands of fast chargers that provide direct current at up to 350 kW. Yet, despite these advancements, my journey was proving to be more complicated than anticipated.

The Towing Experience

As we hit the road, I couldn’t shake the feeling of impending stress about frequent pit stops to recharge. Hooking up to charging stations with a caravan in tow felt particularly daunting. While pulling a caravan is usually discussed in the context of gasoline vehicles, the challenges posed to electric vehicles are significantly different.

With my extended side mirror giving me a wide view, I watched as the heavy caravan trailed behind the Kia, which was surprisingly quiet, nearly absorbing the noise of the wind. However, I quickly discovered that many of the vehicle's advanced features, like blind-spot detection, were disabled when towing.

Meanwhile, my colleague was driving the Hyundai Ioniq 9, our control vehicle for this journey. The Ioniq shares a chassis and much of the battery technology with the EV9, but has a larger battery and longer claimed range of up to 372 miles.

Real-World Efficiency

As the morning rolled on, our reality set in. We charged the Kia at Bailey of Bristol, and after just a brief run of 20 minutes, the battery was down to 95%. I learned that towing impacted the EV's efficiency heavily, which was a shock to my expectations. With the Unicorn Deluxe Cabrera caravan connected—a lightweight at 1,446 kg—the drop in range from 275 miles to 155 miles felt like a stab to my plans of a smooth journey.

As we merged onto the M5, I was pleasantly surprised by the powerful performance of the EV9. The vehicle's impressive torque made pulling away from red lights a breeze, even with the added weight of the caravan. However, as we settled into a calm cruise at a regulated speed of 60 mph, my confidence in the range began to shake.

Uneasy Implications

As we traveled, it became challenging to manage the caravan's weight, especially feeling bumps through the tow setup. The EV9 absorbed most jolts quite well compared to many vehicles. However, my mind lingered on the potential impacts of this experience on range efficiency. With the trip computer continuously reading lower than anticipated, I dialed my colleague to see how things were going behind me.

Ellis, in the Ioniq 9, echoed similar frustrations regarding range anxiety. Although his vehicle seemed more capable of making the distance, he still faced the underwhelming reality of real-world driving conditions. He noted how his vehicle’s efficiency drastically changed as soon as he approached any incline or stop.

Navigating the Road Trip

Our first unscheduled stop came at Exeter Services, a necessary recharge for the Kia. The location boasted a range of ultra-rapid chargers, but alas, the layout proved inconvenient for our caravan setup. I opted to unhitch the caravan while Ellis parked his Ioniq to safeguard it during charging. This break in our journey felt all too complicated, reinforcing the idea that EV charging remains tedious, especially when towing.

Once recharged, we hit the road again. Rain began to pour heavily, adding an extra layer of stress as I fumbled with the caravan connection once more. Each stop felt less efficient and more cumbersome, leading to growing weariness on this eight-hour odyssey.

The Final Stretch to Land’s End

After charging, we set off, begrudgingly heading for Dartmoor National Park, which ultimately proved to be a misstep. Maneuvering the bulky EV9 and our caravan down narrow lanes felt uncomfortable and restrictive. The thick hedges closing in on us painted a picture of the physical limitations we underestimated during the planning phases.

As we resumed the main roads, I tried to maintain momentum with the caravan, while question marks loomed over the EV9’s efficiency rating. Despite its impressive specifications, the real-world performance demonstrated a much harsher outcome. Throughout the trip, I grappled with my own decision to load down the car with heavy luggage, effectively simulating a real-world family outing.

With my eyes on the road, we plowed onwards despite nearing Land's End as the range dropped more rapidly than anticipated—now just a hair’s breadth away from empty.

Arrival and Reflections

Upon arrival at Land’s End, my trip computer indicated just eight miles of range remaining. The attractions at our destination were closed, but there was enough parking space to appreciate our accomplishment. Over the course of our trip, the Kia EV9 averaged a disheartening 1.5 miles per kWh—less than half of the originally expected efficiency.

Even so, this venture had taught me invaluable lessons about the practicality of towing with electric vehicles. The range limitations had encouraged me to appreciate the mechanics involved when towing heavier loads and navigating long journeys efficiently.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the Ioniq 9 showcased its superior range potential, arriving with 59% charge left. In contrast, my experience with the EV9 highlighted the complexities that arise when towing with an electric vehicle. Charging remains a fiddly process, and while maneuvering the caravan can feel laborious, the commitment to electric vehicles represents a forward-thinking shift in driving culture. For those considering towing with an EV, investing in a reliable and efficient car diagnostic tool like our online AI car diagnose software can streamline the process and alleviate some of the inherent challenges. By doing so, you can enjoy your adventures while ensuring your vehicle is performing at its best.