Can an Electric Ute Really Tow 3.5 Tonnes? The MGU9 EV Explained

Electric utes are changing the conversation around towing in Australia. But can an electric ute really handle a 3.5-tonne caravan, boat or work trailer?

The upcoming MGU9 EV is looking to challenge expectations, with MG advertising up to 3,500kg braked towing capacity, a 102kWh battery and up to 430km of WLTP driving range.

Those numbers sound impressive, but there's a catch. Towing capacity and driving range are two very different things.

Here's what the MGU9 EV's specifications actually mean for Australian drivers.

What Does 3.5-Tonne Towing Actually Mean?

A 3,500kg braked towing capacity means the vehicle is rated to tow a braked trailer weighing up to that amount, provided all applicable limits are met.

However, it doesn't mean you can load a ute with passengers, luggage and equipment, attach a 3.5-tonne caravan and automatically be within the vehicle's limits.

There are a few important figures to understand:

• GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): The maximum permitted weight of the loaded ute, including passengers, cargo and towball download.
• GCM (Gross Combination Mass): The maximum permitted combined mass of the loaded ute and trailer.
• Payload: The weight the ute can carry, including occupants, accessories and cargo.
• Towball download: The downward weight the trailer places on the towball, which contributes to the ute's load.

The final Australian MGU9 EV figures will determine how these limits work together.

How Far Can the MGU9 EV Travel While Towing?

MG advertises up to 430km of WLTP driving range for the MGU9 EV, but that figure isn't based on towing a heavy trailer.

Just like a diesel ute, an electric ute uses more energy when towing.

A large caravan creates additional wind resistance, particularly at highway speeds. Added weight, steep hills, headwinds and driving conditions can also affect energy consumption.

Electric vehicles can recover some energy through regenerative braking, but this doesn't eliminate the extra energy required to tow.

For drivers planning trips from Brisbane into regional Queensland, understanding actual energy consumption will be important.

Until real-world Australian towing tests are available, there's no confirmed figure for how far the MGU9 EV can travel while towing a 3.5-tonne trailer.

What About Charging With a Caravan?

Charging an electric ute while towing requires a little more planning than charging without a trailer.

Some public EV charging stations have drive-through bays suitable for longer vehicles. Others use standard parking spaces, which may require drivers to unhitch their caravan or trailer.

MG advertises 20% to 80% DC charging in 42 minutes under specified conditions, although actual charging times can vary.

Before heading away, it's worth checking charging locations, trailer access and whether unhitching will be necessary.

Is the MGU9 EV Worth Considering for Towing?

The MGU9 EV's advertised 3,500kg braked towing capacity is certainly worth paying attention to.

Beyond towing, MG has also previewed a 236L front storage compartment, 2.2kW power outlets and a tub designed to accommodate a standard pallet.

However, the real test will come when final Australian towing specifications and real-world driving results become available.

For anyone considering an electric ute for work, weekends away or caravanning, the MGU9 EV is one to watch

Frequently Asked Questions