Is towing an Australian thing? It must be based on the announcement from Hyundai that the latest model KONA Electric (extended range only) is capable of towing to make it appeal to Australian customers.
Using the optional Hyundai Genuine Accessory towbar, the Kona EV extended range is rated at a maximum braked towing capacity of 750kg with a maximum tow ball weight of 100kg. If towing an unbraked trailer, towing capacity is limited to 300kg.
A towbar is great accessory because it can also be used to carry bikes. However, with only 300kg unbraked and 750kg with trailer brakes, it does limit owners to a small boat, box trailer or dirt bike trailer.
I may be stereotyping here, but people with hobbies that require a trailer wouldn’t be the target market for electric cars. So it’s a great signal to the market that an EV can tow something and will remove one more excuse for fleet drivers resisting the EV transition.
