Towing With a Tesla
Electric motors make light work of a trailer, but range, ratings and the hitch itself need some thought. Here's what you need to know before you tow with a Tesla.
A buyer's guide from Tesla Inventory Europe · Updated November 2026
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Most Teslas sold in Europe can tow: the Model 3 (except Performance versions) and the Model Y with an optional factory tow hitch, and the Model S and Model X, which came with a tow bar. The instant torque of an electric motor makes pulling a trailer easy, but the extra weight and drag hit the range hard — so towing with a Tesla works best for occasional trips, bike racks and light trailers, and needs more planning for a caravan.
Tow ratings in Europe
| Model | Braked trailer (up to) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Model 3 | About 1,000 kg | Bike rack, small trailer, light boat |
| Model Y | 1,600 kg | Trailers, small caravans, bike racks |
| Model S | Up to 1,600 kg (2022+ cars; check the documents on a Plaid) | Light to medium trailers |
| Model X | Up to 2,300 kg (Plaid 2,250 kg) | Caravans, car trailers, horse boxes |
Maximum ratings for the versions approved for towing; the Model 3 is approved for towing only on certain wheel and tyre sizes, which rules out the Performance. Unbraked trailers are limited to 750 kg. The binding figure for any car is in its registration certificate.
Watch the load limits on the tow ball: about 100 kg nose weight with a trailer (90 kg on a Model X Plaid), but only about 54–72 kg for a bike rack or carrier — including the rack itself. Two e-bikes on a heavy rack can exceed it, so check the owner's manual for your car.
How to check the rating of a specific car
- Registration certificate: field O.1 shows the maximum braked trailer mass and O.2 the unbraked mass. If these fields are empty or zero, the car is not approved for towing in its current configuration.
- Listing: on Tesla Inventory, the "Tow hitch" filter shows cars that Tesla lists with a factory tow hitch.
- Trailer mode: with a hitch fitted, the car offers a trailer mode that adjusts the driver assistance and parking sensors. Check that it appears in the settings.
Used Teslas with a tow hitch right now
| Model | Used cars on sale | With tow hitch | Median price with hitch | Median price without |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model Y Juniper | 27 | 22% (6) | — | — |
| Model Y Legacy | 1,078 | 22% (239) | €36,650 | €35,400 |
| Model 3 Highland | 98 | 17% (17) | €46,500 | €36,400 |
| Model 3 Legacy | 377 | 6% (21) | €30,000 | €30,350 |
Snapshot as of 2026-11-02 from Tesla's used inventory across Europe; prices are medians in euro markets and are not adjusted for age or mileage. Updated daily.
A factory tow hitch is a useful extra on a used car: retrofitting one later costs more and may need an inspection. If you know you will tow, filter for it from the start.
Range and charging when towing
- Expect roughly half the range with a caravan or a tall trailer, and less in headwinds, cold weather or at high speed. A low, light trailer costs much less.
- Drive slower. Many countries cap speeds for cars with trailers anyway, and air resistance rises steeply with speed.
- Plan charging stops. Most Supercharger bays are built for cars only; at many you have to unhitch, or look for pull-through bays shown in the car's navigation.
- Use the trip planner with trailer mode on, so the car takes the extra consumption into account.
Retrofitting a tow hitch
Tesla offers a retrofit for many Model 3 and Model Y versions through its service centres, and aftermarket kits are available too. Before you buy a car planning to add one, check that the car's registration allows a trailer, whether your version is approved for towing, and whether your country requires the hitch to be inspected and recorded on the registration. If towing is a must, a car that already has a factory hitch is usually the simpler choice — and our guide to Model 3 vs Model Y explains why the Model Y is the better tow car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tesla can tow the most?
The Model X: up to 2,300 kg braked in Europe (2,250 kg for the Plaid), enough for most caravans and car trailers. The Model Y is rated for up to 1,600 kg, and the Model 3 for up to about 1,000 kg.
How much range do you lose when towing?
A lot — towing a caravan or a heavy trailer can roughly halve the range, and more at motorway speeds or in wind. Plan shorter legs between chargers, and note that at many Superchargers you have to unhitch the trailer to reach the charger.
Can I fit a tow hitch to a used Tesla?
On many Model 3 and Model Y versions Tesla offers a retrofit through its service centres, and aftermarket kits exist. Check that the car's documents allow towing and whether your country requires the hitch to be inspected or added to the registration.
Where do I find the towing capacity of a specific car?
In the EU registration certificate: field O.1 is the maximum braked trailer mass and O.2 the maximum unbraked trailer mass. This figure, not a brochure value, is what counts legally.
Guide by Tesla Inventory Europe (teslainventory.app), an independent site not affiliated with Tesla, Inc. Specifications, warranty terms and prices vary by market and change over time; always confirm current details with Tesla before buying.