Towballs on EV cars...
 

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Towballs on EV cars and nose weight

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I'm thinking about replacing my car and going full electric. I'm also thinking of getting a towball fitted but my initial checks (not extensive) seem to suggest a nose weight of about 50kg as a common thing - is there a website that I can use to check nose weights? Ideally a small- to mid-sized ev with a nose weight of 75kg.
Do EV cars have the same checks as ice cars and nose weight is measured the same way?


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 1:29 pm
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There aren't many that can tow a decent amount. Hyundai Ioniq 5, VW iD4, Kia EV6, and other more expensive ones. When I checked their nose weight limits were 75kg or so.

This website is what you need:

https://electrictowcars.co.uk/


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 1:33 pm
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Thanks...that was my concern...I'm not wanting a huge vehicle, but if it could carry bike ride + 3 bikes then it would be great...my current rack and 3 bikes comes in around 60Kg.


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 1:35 pm
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TBH I've ignored 'nose weights' since my OH got a horse trailer - I'd hate to guess it's 'nose weight' but NOBODY is going to lift up the towball without using the jockey wheel & handle yet folk use all manner of cars & vehicles to tow them.


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 2:03 pm
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My new Kia Niro EV has a nose weight of 100kg, and a tow of 750kg.  Worth noting most vw EV eg id3 or cupra born don’t allow roof racks or tow bars


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 2:51 pm
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Toyota didn't officially allow tow bars on Priuses for years. They were perfectly capable of having them.


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 3:41 pm
 igm
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Skoda Enyaq with 75kg folding towball here


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 3:50 pm
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75kg on a Renault Megane.

Hoping it’s strong enough for an e-cargo bike.


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 4:52 pm
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TBH I’ve ignored ‘nose weights’ since my OH got a horse trailer – I’d hate to guess it’s ‘nose weight’ but NOBODY is going to lift up the towball without using the jockey wheel & handle yet folk use all manner of cars & vehicles to tow them.

Not doing much for the reputation of horseboxes being the worst driven things on the road 🤣


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 4:59 pm
timber reacted
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Hobby farm in the village has a Tesla X that seems to manage a twin axle single deck sheep trailer.


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 9:18 pm
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Id3 does allow a tow bar. Just fir carrying bikes though. Got one last week and carried 3 bikes on it no worries.


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 9:57 pm
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TBH I’ve ignored ‘nose weights’ since my OH got a horse trailer – I’d hate to guess it’s ‘nose weight’ but NOBODY is going to lift up the towball without using the jockey wheel & handle yet folk use all manner of cars & vehicles to tow them.

This does not make it a good idea. It's there to reduce the risk of the driver losing control of the vehicle or trailer. Wouldn't want to be having that discussion with an insurer after a prang.

EV cars + towing/nose weights seems to be quite problematic still. There's at least one more ICE family car in our future for this reason (well that and the eye watering cost of EVs and lack of range when towing/roof racked up).

The Kia EV6 looks awesome but with 20% down it's about £700 a month at 15k per annum before any extras beyond a tow bar. I looked (twice) as I really like the look of it!


 
Posted : 22/03/2023 11:23 pm
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EV cars + towing/nose weights seems to be quite problematic still. There’s at least one more ICE family car in our future for this reason (well that and the eye watering cost of EVs and lack of range when towing/roof racked up)

Germany has objected to the EU target date of 2035 to end sales of new ICE cars. It'll be discussed initially over the next couple of days at the EU summit; EVs are very good but the necessary infra-structure and their limitations are, well, limiting


 
Posted : 23/03/2023 6:56 am
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Nose weight is the safe load at the towball. A bike rack C of G is about 0.5m further back. Certified safe weight for a rack, when stated, is usually about 70% of the nose weight.


 
Posted : 23/03/2023 6:56 am
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The ID3 towbar is only for bike racks; no towing allowed.


 
Posted : 23/03/2023 7:03 am
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The German gov and manufacturers objections are based on them being behind the curve, and facing massive losses as they did not adjust properly when warned. If it were up to me I would move the date forward to 2030 based on their objections.


 
Posted : 23/03/2023 7:59 am
 mert
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TBH, i've been in a car where the nose weight was ignored, all i can say is don't try to stop in a hurry.

Quite amazing how quickly the front wheels lost all use or purpose as the weight on the tow bar pushed down and the front wheels went up, just lucky there was a nice area of grass to slide onto, instead of straight onto the M4.


 
Posted : 23/03/2023 8:30 am
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There’s at least one more ICE family car in our future for this reason (well that and the eye watering cost of EVs and lack of range when towing/roof racked up).

I'm planning on keeping the diesel for that reason. If I weren't towing I might've sold it already.


 
Posted : 23/03/2023 11:17 am
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I have an i4 on order, with retractable towbar. It has a nose weight of 75kg.


 
Posted : 23/03/2023 2:28 pm
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Vw called it a transport hitch for the id3. Not for towing. Can put a towbar bike rack on it and i'm assuming you could also put one of those transport type boxes on. No roof rack or bars allowed on id3.


 
Posted : 23/03/2023 7:13 pm
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Just got myself a Polestar last week and had a towbar fitted today for hauling the ebike about. Noseweight of 90kgs, so no problems at all.


 
Posted : 23/03/2023 7:28 pm
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You may now need to change your forum name ;0)


 
Posted : 23/03/2023 7:42 pm

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