EV Towing Long Distance: What It Actually Costs You
A Tesla Model 3 just towed a camper 5,700km across Australia. Here's what that real-world data means if you're considering an EV on a novated lease.
A Tesla Model 3 recently completed a 5,700km towing trip with a pop-top camper trailer — and the results are worth paying attention to if you're on the fence about going electric. According to The Driven's real-world account [Source 1], the trip revealed the genuine impact towing has on range, charging stops, and running costs. Not a lab test. Not a manufacturer claim. An actual long haul across Australian roads.
The short version: range drops significantly when you're pulling a load, charging stops become more frequent, and route planning matters a lot more than it does in a petrol vehicle. None of that is a secret — but seeing it play out over nearly 6,000km gives it a credibility that spec sheets don't.
What this means for novated lease customers
If you're an Australian PAYG employee thinking about salary packaging an EV, towing capability is increasingly part of the conversation — especially as more EV models with genuine tow ratings come to market. Here's what the real-world data actually shifts:
Range anxiety is real, but manageable. Long-distance towing in an EV requires planning that petrol drivers don't need. That's a genuine trade-off, not spin. If you do frequent long hauls with a van or trailer, factor in charging infrastructure along your typical routes before you commit.
The FBT exemption still applies. Eligible battery electric vehicles under the luxury car tax threshold remain exempt from fringe benefits tax under current legislation — meaning the salary packaging advantage doesn't shrink because you want to tow. The EV's towing capability and its tax treatment are separate questions.
Running costs over the lease term still stack up favourably. Even with the increased energy draw of towing, electricity remains cheaper per kilometre than petrol at scale — contributing to the potential savings that make novated leasing an EV worth modelling properly.
The point isn't that EVs are perfect tow vehicles today. It's that the gap between EV and ICE for real-world Australian use is closing faster than most people expect — and the tax structure already rewards early movers.
Common questions
Can I novate a Tesla Model 3 if I want to use it for towing?
Yes. The Tesla Model 3 is an eligible EV for the FBT exemption and can be salary packaged through a novated lease. Whether its tow rating suits your specific needs is a separate practical question — check the manufacturer's rated tow capacity before committing.
Does towing affect the FBT exemption or my novated lease terms?
No. How you use the vehicle day-to-day — including towing — doesn't affect FBT exemption eligibility, provided the vehicle itself meets the criteria under current legislation. Your lease structure stays the same.
How does increased energy use from towing affect my novated lease budget?
Novated leases typically include a running cost budget that covers fuel or electricity. If you tow regularly and use more energy than estimated, you may need to adjust that budget at review time. A good broker will build in a realistic usage estimate from the start.
Which EVs on the market have the best tow ratings for Australian conditions?
Tow ratings vary significantly across EV models. Vehicles like the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV9, and several utes entering the market have higher rated capacities than the Model 3. We can help you compare options that are both lease-eligible and suited to your towing needs.
Is long-distance EV travel actually practical in regional Australia yet?
It depends on your route. Charging infrastructure along major highways has improved substantially, but remote or less-trafficked routes still require careful planning. The 5,700km trip reported by The Driven [Source 1] suggests it's achievable — but not effortless.