Can I use a cargo box on an electric car?
30 August 2026
Yes, you can use a cargo box on an electric car, but only if your electric car is equipped with a tow bar. That sounds obvious, but far from all electric cars come standard with a tow bar or are homologation-approved for fitting one. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about using a tow bar case on an electric car.
Does an electric car even have a towbar?
Not every electric car has a towbar, and not every electric car is allowed to have one. Whether your electric car is suitable for a towbar depends on the model, the manufacturer, and the type approval. Nowadays, more and more electric cars come standard with a towbar or offer it as an option, but it is not a given.
Always check your car's registration certificate or type approval documents. These state whether the car is approved for towing a trailer or carrying a cargo box, and what the maximum permissible load on the tow bar is. If in doubt, contact the dealer or importer of your brand. Some manufacturers, such as Tesla, Volkswagen, and Hyundai, offer official tow bars for their most popular models. Other brands simply do not allow the use of a tow bar, which may affect the warranty.
What is the difference between a towbar box and a roof box?
A towbar box hangs behind the car on the tow bar, whereas a roof box is mounted on top of the car using roof racks. The biggest difference lies in the impact on driving dynamics and range: a towbar box has hardly any effect on air resistance, whereas a roof box disrupts the car's dynamics and therefore consumes more energy.
For electric cars, this difference is particularly relevant. Driving range is precious in an electric car, and anything that adds extra drag or weight eats into that range. A towbar box hangs low and behind the car, meaning the airflow over the vehicle is barely disturbed. A roof box places your luggage high on the roof, which raises the center of gravity and significantly increases air resistance. Both options have their own pros and cons, but for electric drivers who want to conserve driving range, a towbar box is, in principle, the better choice. Would you still prefer to go for a roof box? View our assortment for a complete overview of our models.
How much range do you lose with a towbar box on an electric car?
With a towbar box, you lose less range on average on an electric car than with a roof box, but there is always some loss of range. The extra weight behind the car causes more rolling resistance and puts strain on the drivetrain. Based on the general experiences of electric car drivers, you can expect a range loss of roughly five to fifteen percent, depending on the load, driving style, and speed.
Driving speed plays a major role in this. The faster you drive, the more energy the car consumes, even without an extra load. With a heavily loaded cargo box on the motorway at high speeds, the loss of range can end up at the upper end of that range. If you drive more calmly and plan your charging stops carefully, the loss is manageable in practice. The advice is to always plan the route in advance, including charging stops, for longer journeys, especially if you are taking a cargo box.
What is the maximum load a towbar box may weigh on an electric car?
The maximum load a towbar cargo box may weigh on an electric car is subject to the so-called maximum support load of the towbar. This support load is the maximum vertical pressure the towbar may withstand and is stated in the car's owner's manual or registration certificate. For most passenger cars, the support load is between fifty and one hundred kilograms.
A towbar box itself typically weighs between eight and fifteen kilograms, depending on the model and size. The contents are added on top of this. Therefore, ensure that the total weight of the box plus luggage does not exceed the permitted load limit. Exceeding this limit is not only dangerous for driving stability but can also lead to damage to the towbar or problems with any potential insurance claim. Also, check whether the towbar box itself has a maximum load capacity and always adhere to it.
What are the best alternatives if a towbar box doesn't fit?
If your electric car does not have a tow bar or if fitting a tow bar is not permitted, a roof box is the most obvious and popular solution. A roof box offers ample cargo space, fits on almost any car with roof racks, and is available in a wide range of sizes and price ranges.
Other alternatives are:
- A bicycle carrier on the towbar: If you already have a towbar but prefer not to have a closed trunk, a bike carrier offers extra transport capacity for bicycles or sports equipment, for example.
- A roof tent: For adventurous families who go camping, a roof tent offers a compact sleeping solution on top of the car.
- A luggage net or roof basket: for light, bulky items that do not fit in the trunk, but for which a fully closed case is not necessary.
- Pack smarter: Sometimes a good suitcase organizer or vacuum bags already solve the problem without extra accessories.
For most families, a roof box is the most practical choice. We offer a wide range of TÜV-certified roof boxes, from the entry-level Roady to the spacious Traxer with a double-sided opening. Via the online configurator or our contact form We are happy to help you find the right size and model that suits your car and your travel needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mount a towbar box without the car needing to be roadworthy for trailers?
Yes, in many cases it is. Technically, a towbar box is not a trailer, but a carrier that rests on the towball. Nevertheless, it is important to check whether the type approval of your electric car explicitly permits the use of a towbar box, even if towing a trailer is not allowed. If in doubt, always contact the manufacturer or dealer to ensure you do not void your warranty or insurance coverage.
How do I install a cargo box on my electric car, and how long does it take?
Installing a towbar box is in most cases simple and DIY-friendly: you slide the box over the towball, lock it in place with the supplied mounting mechanism, and optionally secure it with a lock. The entire process usually takes no more than five to ten minutes. After installation, always check that the box is securely fastened, does not wobble, and does not block your car's rear lights — this is legally required.
Does a towbar box affect the reversing camera or parking sensors of my electric car?
Yes, that can certainly be the case. A towbar box is located directly behind the car and can partially or completely block the reversing camera, and parking sensors may detect the box as an obstacle. Some towbars for electric cars are equipped with an electrical connection that automatically deactivates parking sensors when something is mounted on the towbar. Check this in advance for your car model and reverse with extra caution if the camera or sensors are malfunctioning.
Am I allowed to take a towbar box through an automatic car wash?
No, that is strongly advised against. The brushes and conveyor belts in an automatic car wash are not designed for protruding parts such as a towbar box, which can lead to damage to the box, the towbar, or the washing system. Always remove the towbar box before entering a car wash. Most towbar boxes are easy and quick to remove, so this will only take you a few minutes.
What should I do if my electric car does not have a towbar but I still want to use a towbar box?
The first step is to find out whether a tow bar is officially permitted for your specific model — consult the type-approval documents or contact the manufacturer for this. If it is permitted, you can have an original or certified aftermarket tow bar fitted via the dealer or an authorized installer. If a tow bar is not permitted or technically unfeasible, a roof box is the most practical alternative for extra luggage space.
Are there specific towbar boxes that are better suited for electric cars than others?
There are no towbar boxes designed exclusively for electric cars, but there are features you should pay extra attention to as an electric driver. Preferably choose a lightweight model with a dynamic shape so that extra drag and weight remain as limited as possible. A box with a low unladen weight (preferably under ten kilograms) and a sleek, rounded housing helps minimize range loss. Also, always check whether the maximum load capacity of the box fits within the load capacity of your towbar.
How do I ensure my luggage stays safe and dry in a towbar box during a long drive?
Most high-quality towbar boxes feature a waterproof seal and a lockable lid, providing good basic protection against rain and dirt. Pack fragile or valuable items in sturdy bags or use waterproof sacks for extra protection, especially in bad weather. Furthermore, distribute the weight evenly in the box to prevent buckling while driving, and double-check that the lid is fully closed and locked before departure.