Tag: Travel

  • Electric Vehicles & Towing in South Africa: Powering Premium Adventures

    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.

  • Don’t Be Jorge: The Adventurer Who Learned the Hard Way Why Towbars Matter.

    Jorge, a young, spirited trailblazer with a thirst for adventure, is cruising down a rugged, off-the-beaten-path trail. His car is packed with gear, his heart is full of excitement, and the horizon promises endless possibilities. Jorge is the kind of guy who lives for the thrill of exploration—mountain trails, desert dunes, and hidden forest roads are his playground. But there’s one thing Jorge didn’t pack for his journey: a towbar. And that’s where his story takes a turn.

    On this particular trip, Jorge’s adventurous spirit led him to a remote area where the terrain was as unforgiving as it was beautiful. His car, sturdy as it was, eventually met its match—a deep, muddy ditch that refused to let go. Jorge was stuck. No cell service, no help in sight, and no way to tow his vehicle out. As the sun dipped below the horizon, Jorge realized his mistake: he should’ve installed a towbar.

    The Towbar: A Small Addition with Big Benefits

    A towbar might seem like a simple piece of equipment, but for adventurers like Jorge, it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:

    1. Safety Net for Emergencies: Whether you’re stuck in mud, sand, or snow, a towbar ensures you can be towed to safety. Without one, you’re left stranded, just like Jorge.

    2. Versatility on the Road: A towbar isn’t just for emergencies. It allows you to tow trailers, caravans, or even transport extra gear for your adventures.

    3. Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a reliable way to get help in tough situations lets you focus on enjoying your journey.

    Jorge’s Regret: “I Wish I Called Towbar Experts”

    As Jorge sat in his stranded car, he couldn’t help but think about how different things could’ve been if he’d just called Towbar Experts. They’re the go-to professionals for mobile towbar fitments, making it easy and convenient to get your car adventure-ready. With their expertise, Jorge could’ve had a towbar installed in no time, ensuring he was prepared for whatever the road threw his way.

    But Jorge didn’t call. And now, he was stuck—literally and figuratively.

    Don’t Be Jorge: Call Towbar Experts Today

    Jorge’s story is a cautionary tale for every adventurer out there. Don’t wait until you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere to realize the importance of a towbar. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-time explorer, a towbar is an essential addition to your vehicle.

    At Towbar Experts, we make it easy. Our mobile towbar fitment service comes to you, so you don’t have to put your adventures on hold. We’ll equip your car with a high-quality towbar, ensuring you’re ready for anything the road throws your way.

    So, don’t be Jorge. Don’t let a lack of preparation turn your adventure into a nightmare. Call Towbar Experts today and get the peace of mind you deserve. Because when it comes to exploring the great outdoors, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

    Ready to equip your car for adventure? Contact Towbar Experts now and schedule your mobile towbar fitment. Don’t wait until it’s too late—be prepared for every journey!

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