Can You Really Tow Long Distance in an EV? What Australian Drivers Need to Know
A Tesla Model 3 just towed a camper trailer 5,700km across Australia. Here's what that means if you're considering an EV on a novated lease. Read more.
Real-world EV road trips are starting to answer questions that spec sheets never could. According to a detailed account published by The Driven [Source 1], a Tesla Model 3 towed a 50-year-old pop-top camper trailer across nearly 5,700 kilometres — logging the actual hit to range, charging stops, and running costs along the way.
The short version: yes, towing significantly reduces EV range. The longer version is more nuanced — and more relevant to anyone thinking about salary-packaging an electric vehicle.
What this means for novated lease customers
If you're a PAYG employee weighing up an EV novated lease, the towing question comes up constantly. People want to know whether the car is genuinely usable — not just for the daily commute, but for school holidays, weekends away, and the occasional interstate run with a van or camper in tow.
The experience documented by The Driven [Source 1] shows that long-distance EV towing is possible, but it requires planning around charging infrastructure, accepting slower speeds, and adjusting expectations on how far you'll get between stops. That's not a dealbreaker for most people — it's just a different kind of trip planning than you'd do with a diesel.
From a novated lease angle, the relevant question isn't just "can the car tow?" It's whether the running costs still stack up given heavier charging loads and potentially longer trip times. The FBT exemption available on eligible EVs under the current legislation means the tax benefit doesn't change based on how you use the car — but your real-world charging costs will be higher on a towing trip than your day-to-day commute. Factor that into your budget assumptions, not just the headline lease payment.
Common questions
Can I tow a caravan or camper trailer with an EV on a novated lease?
Yes — provided the vehicle's tow rating covers your trailer's weight. Many popular EVs available under novated leases have genuine tow ratings between 1,000kg and 2,500kg. Always check the manufacturer's tow capacity before assuming.
How much does towing reduce an EV's range?
It varies significantly based on trailer weight, aerodynamics, speed, and terrain. Real-world accounts like the Tesla Model 3 trip reported by The Driven suggest range reductions can be substantial — plan conservatively and map your charging stops before you leave.
Does towing affect the FBT exemption on my EV novated lease?
No. The FBT exemption for eligible EVs is based on the vehicle type and its value at the time of the lease — not how you use it. Personal towing trips are included in the benefit, the same as any other private use.
Is a Tesla Model 3 available on a novated lease in Australia?
Yes. The Tesla Model 3 is one of the most commonly salary-packaged EVs in Australia and is eligible for the FBT exemption, subject to meeting the relevant thresholds under current legislation.
What EV should I choose if towing is important to me?
That depends on your trailer weight and typical trip profile. Some EVs have higher tow ratings and larger batteries that cope better with towing loads. Talk to us before locking in a vehicle — getting the wrong spec for your use case is a costly mistake.