The open road. The distant coast. The mountain pass waiting to be explored.
For a growing number of South Africans, these journeys are no longer powered by petrol or diesel, but by the quiet strength and effortless torque of electric vehicles (EVs). Whether you’re towing a horsebox to the Midlands or heading down the Garden Route with a stylish caravan in tow, EVs are becoming the vehicle of choice for those who value sophistication, performance and sustainability — all without compromise.
Welcome to the new era of premium travel and towing in South Africa.
EVs Designed for the Adventurer
Not all EVs are equal — but a select few have been engineered for life beyond the city streets:
BMW iX / iX3
Combining German precision with power, these SUVs offer impressive towing capacity (up to 2,500kg) while ensuring unmatched ride comfort.
Audi Q8 e-tron
Bold design meets practical performance, built to tow everything from camping trailers to boat carriers with grace. Factory towbar preparation packages ensure seamless integration with the vehicle’s electronics and sensors.
Mercedes EQC
A quiet, luxurious cruiser with the muscle for a horsebox or a weekend adventure trailer. Mercedes includes electronic towbar readiness to ensure no interference with cooling or rear safety systems.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
Scandinavian simplicity blended with city and country versatility — perfect for bike racks or light off-road camping trailers.
BYD Atto 3
One of South Africa’s most affordable and fast-selling EVs, this stylish SUV offers surprising space and practicality for light trailers and bike racks — perfect for weekend escapes or city-to-coast travel.
Hyundai IONIQ 5 / IONIQ 6
Futuristic design, spacious interiors and growing popularity among premium EV drivers. The IONIQ 5 offers towing capability for smaller adventure trailers or e-bike carriers.
Kia EV6
A sleek crossover with strong torque and range, the EV6 combines sporty handling with enough power to tow lightweight camping or adventure trailers without effort.
Omoda C5 EV
The new player in the market, Omoda’s electric offering is set to cater for young adventurers with bike rack and lifestyle accessory compatibility
These vehicles offer more than transport. They deliver an experience — where performance meets elegance, and every drive feels like a statement.
For the Rider, Camper, Cyclist or Equestrian: Towing Possibilities Redefined
Towing with an EV requires more than just torque — it demands precision fitting. EV-specific towbars are crafted not to interfere with critical systems such as rear radar, battery cooling and parking cameras. This is why manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Audi now offer factory towbar preparation packages — a feature soon to expand to brands like Kia, Hyundai, BYD and Omoda as their South African presence grows.
Horse Trailers
Models like the BMW iX, Audi Q8 e-tron, and Mercedes EQC provide controlled, silent towing — a huge advantage when transporting valuable horses with care over long distances such as to Clarens or the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
Bike Carriers for the Active Traveller
Top-quality carriers from Thule, Holdfast, Yakima, and BuzzRack are compatible with the latest EV-specific towbars. Whether you drive a Kia EV6, Hyundai IONIQ 5, or BYD Atto 3, these racks ensure safe transport of mountain bikes for adventures in Sabie or the Drakensberg — without triggering parking sensors or cameras.
Roof Racks and Roof Boxes for Extra Gear
Brands like Rhino-Rack, Whispbar, and Mont Blanc offer aerodynamic roof systems made for EV owners needing extra storage — from kayaks to rooftop tents — while preserving battery range. These fit perfectly on models such as the Omoda C5 EV or upcoming Jaecoo EVs, where sleek design matters.
Caravans & Adventure Trailers
For luxurious coastal trips or weekend camping, EVs like the Mercedes EQE SUV or Audi Q8 e-tron can tow compact caravans or off-road trailers — thanks to properly rated detachable or retractable towbars that maintain their premium styling and aerodynamic efficiency.
South Africa’s Finest Travel Routes: Made for EV Journeys
Some roads deserve more than ordinary cars. These journeys are perfect for the premium EV adventurer — with towbar and trailer in tow:
The Garden Route (Cape Town to Knysna)
A breathtaking blend of ocean, forest and mountain — with charging stations thoughtfully placed along the way. Perfect for a weekend escape with your caravan or mountain bikes.
Johannesburg to Clarens (Golden Gate Highlands)
Golden sandstone cliffs, winding passes, and wide valleys. Tow your horse trailer or compact camper for a luxurious rural retreat.
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Meander
Green hills, art studios, boutique coffee stops — and some of the finest equestrian farms in South Africa. Ideal for horseboxes or bike carriers, with chargers along the Pietermaritzburg-Hilton corridor.
The West Coast Explorer (Cape Town to Paternoster)
A minimalist’s dream — flat plains, blue ocean, and quiet fishing towns. Tow a camping trailer and reconnect with simple beauty.
The Panorama Route (Mpumalanga)
Waterfalls, lush forest, and curving mountain roads — made for quiet electric power. Bike racks carry your adventure gear for trails in Sabie or Graskop
South Africa’s EV Industry: Growing for the Future
The local EV industry is expanding at pace:
Charging Infrastructure: Charging points along the N1, N3 and N4 continue to increase, with GridCars, Audi, and Jaguar Land Rover leading the rollout. Private game lodges and Cape Winelands hotels are installing destination chargers for the growing EV holiday market.
Manufacturer Expansion:
BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi offer factory towbar prep, designed for South African terrain and conditions.
Hyundai and Kia are expanding their IONIQ and EV6 offerings — both expected to introduce more tow-capable SUVs and crossovers.
BYD — already popular with the Atto 3 — plans further SUV models aimed at South Africa’s family and adventure markets.
Omoda and Jaecoo are launching their first EV ranges locally, targeting stylish, affordable options with the flexibility for bike racks, rooftop storage and lifestyle accessories.
Ford and Stellantis are considering local EV assembly — opening doors to bakkie-style EVs for true South African towing needs.
Accessory Innovation: EV-specific towbar systems — designed to protect battery cooling and sensor arrays — are becoming standard, with global suppliers creating detachable and retractable towbars that preserve EV efficiency and luxury appeal.
Rural Charging Growth: Private lodges, game reserves, and guest farms — especially in the Cape Winelands, Karoo, and Drakensberg — are installing destination chargers to attract EV travellers.
Key Considerations for EV Towing Excellence
Know Your Towing Capacity
Each premium EV has its limits. Ensure your caravan, trailer or horsebox is within your vehicle’s rated towing range.
Choose EV-Specific Towbars Only
Your EV’s battery cooling, rear radar and ESP systems can be compromised by the wrong towbar. Always select towbars specifically designed for EVs — detachable or retractable — and have them fitted by professionals who understand electric vehicles.
Plan for Charging
Towing reduces range. Routes like the N1, N3 and N4 now offer ultra-fast charging — essential for long, uninterrupted travel.
Safety, Balance & Handling
Luxury includes safety. Tow with care, distribute weight perfectly, and allow extra braking distance — especially when descending South Africa’s great passes.
Looking Ahead: The Future of EV Towing in South Africa
Luxury Electric Bakkies — Models like the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T may reach South Africa, built for towing and outdoor living.
EV-Friendly Lodges & Campsites — More private lodges, coastal retreats, and remote hideaways are preparing EV facilities for the eco-conscious traveller.
Continued Charging Network Growth — Cross-country EV adventures — even into the Karoo or Wild Coast — will soon be a stress-free reality.
Final Word: Experience the Best of South Africa, the Electric Way
Silent mountain passes. Coastal curves. Gentle towing of horses, bikes, or trailers — without the rumble or smoke of old engines.
South Africa’s greatest roads are waiting for those who want more from their journeys — more comfort, more care, more quiet power.
At Towbar Experts, we fit your electric vehicle with precision towbars designed for caravans, horseboxes, bike racks and trailers. Whether you’re heading to the Karoo or the coast, we’ll ensure your EV is adventure-ready — with the safety, performance and luxury you deserve.
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