I discovered that EVs are significantly heavier than the petrol counterparts. Aren't they supposed to be environmentally-friendly?

Last year we bought a Honda Jazz petrol auto, less than a year old, which we have taken to France on a car trailer three times. Total weight of car and trailer is 2000kg. We use a motorhome to tow it. Earlier this year, we thought about buying the electric version of the Jazz only to discover its kerb weight is 1500kg compared with 1100kgs for my existing Jazz. I thought EVs were supposed to be environmentally friendly, but I discover all EVs are about 400kgs heavier than their petrol version. I won't be buy an EV anytime soon as it would be too heavy for my motorhome to tow. Has our government thought their ban on petrol and diesel vehicles through?

Asked on 14 April 2020 by Michael Ogden

Answered by Andrew Brady

Electric cars are heavier than their petrol equivalents due to the weight of the batteries. A heavy kerb weight doesn't mean they're less environmentally friendly. Your requirement is quite a niche one, but there are lighter EVs out there - look at the Skoda Citigo-e iV, for example. This has a kerb weight of around 1200kg.

Tags: towing electric cars evs

Similar questions

Can you tow a caravan with an electric car?

I have a small caravan, 1200kg max. I’m looking at changing my Nissan X-Trail to an all-electric. Would you advise I hang on for a bit or what EV would you recommend for towing it?

What electric vehicles can tow a 1450kg caravan?

We are being pressurised into going electric, despite the manufacturing sites not being 'green' for the foreseeable future. Being a caravaner and also towing other trailers from time to time, what electric...

What's the cheapest electric car?

Which is the cheapest and most reliable electric city car for driving in London?

Related models