Understanding the differences when driving, charging or towing with electric and hybrid vehicles.
Electric and hybrid vehicles are transforming the way we drive in the UK. From daily commutes to company fleets and towing trailers for work, more drivers than ever are now behind the wheel of an EV or hybrid.
With the Government’s target to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035, it’s no longer a question of if you’ll drive one — but when.
At Towing Solutions, we’ve been supporting drivers, businesses and local authorities across the UK to make that transition safely and confidently. Our EV & Hybrid Driver Training courses, approved by the Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI), are designed to help drivers understand how these vehicles behave — especially when used for towing or at work.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the essentials every driver should know about electric and hybrid vehicles, from charging and range to towing and safety.
What counts as an electric or hybrid vehicle?
There are three main types on UK roads:
1. Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
- Fully electric — powered only by a battery and electric motor.
- No petrol or diesel engine, no tailpipe emissions.
- Must be plugged in to charge (usually at home, work or public points).
2. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
- Uses both an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine.
- Can be plugged in to charge and driven short distances (typically 20–40 miles) on electric power alone.
- The engine takes over once the battery is depleted.
3. Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV or “Self-charging Hybrid”)
- Uses a smaller battery that can’t be plugged in.
- Recharges itself during driving through regenerative braking and the engine.
- Ideal for drivers who make frequent short trips and don’t want to plug in.
Whichever you drive, the goal is the same: smoother driving, better efficiency, and reduced emissions.
Everyday driving — what feels different?
Switching from petrol or diesel to an EV or hybrid can be a surprise at first. You’ll immediately notice:
- Quieter driving – almost silent at low speeds, which means pedestrians may not hear you.
- Instant power – torque delivery is immediate, so the car pulls away briskly.
- Regenerative braking – lifting off the accelerator can slow the vehicle faster than expected as energy is recovered.
- Different dashboards – range, battery percentage and efficiency replace rev counters.
Towing Solutions tip:
Practise gentle acceleration and early braking. Smooth inputs help conserve battery range and keep passengers comfortable — especially when towing or carrying heavy loads.
Using electric or hybrid vehicles for work
Electric and hybrid vans are becoming standard in many business fleets — from councils to contractors and delivery firms. But they come with new considerations:
- Charging policy: Know where and when you’re expected to charge.
- Cable safety: Avoid trailing leads across walkways or using extension leads.
- Vehicle checks: Keep on top of daily inspections — tyres, brakes and lights still matter.
- Payload and towing: Extra weight affects range and stopping distances.
If your team regularly drives electric vans or tows for work, our EV & Hybrid Van Driver Training course provides hands-on instruction on safety zones, high-voltage awareness and real-world driving.
For those responsible for towing plant, generators or equipment, we also deliver an IMI EV & Hybrid Van Driver and Trailer Awareness course — ideal for fleet managers and commercial operators.
Planning journeys and managing range
Range anxiety has eased with better batteries, but long trips still require planning.
Here’s how to make the most of your EV’s charge:
- Plan routes with charging stops in mind. Apps like Zap-Map, PlugShare and in-car systems show compatible chargers.
- Allow a buffer. Don’t aim to arrive on 0 %; keep 10–20 % in reserve.
- Use Eco mode. It reduces energy use and maximises range.
- Pre-condition while plugged in. Warm or cool the cabin before departure.
- Towing? Expect range to drop by around 25–35 % depending on weight and weather.
Charging safely at home, work and on the road
At home:
- A dedicated wall-mounted 7 kW charger is safest and fastest.
- Charge overnight using an off-peak tariff where possible.
At work:
- Use only approved charge points installed by qualified electricians.
- Don’t leave vehicles plugged in longer than needed.
- Keep leads tidy to prevent trip hazards.
On the road:
- Public chargers now exist at most supermarkets, service stations and car parks.
- Check your vehicle’s connector type and carry any required adapters.
- Never use domestic extension leads — they’re unsafe for high-current charging.
Weather and performance
UK weather can affect EV range and performance slightly:
- Cold weather reduces efficiency and battery range.
- Rain and headwinds increase drag.
- Hot weather can cause slower charging speed
- Keep tyres properly inflated, remove roof boxes when not in use, and clean sensors regularly. A few small steps make a noticeable difference to range and safety
Towing Solutions Tip
Keep tyres properly inflated, remove roof boxes when not in use, and clean sensors regularly. A few small steps make a noticeable difference to range and safety.
Towing with an EV or hybrid
Towing isn’t just for diesel 4x4s anymore. Many new EVs — including the Tesla Model Y, Kia EV6 and VW ID.7 — are fully approved to tow.
Before you hitch up:
- Check the handbook or VIN plate for towing capacity.
- Stay within weight limits for both car and trailer.
- Expect reduced range and plan charging stops in advance.
- Charge unhitched where possible — most charging bays aren’t designed for trailers.
- Drive smoothly to avoid sway and maintain efficiency.
“Electric vehicles can make excellent tow cars,” says Raessa Lea.
“They deliver instant torque and stability, but require gentle control and careful planning.”
If you regularly tow for work, we recommend reviewing your company’s risk assessments and driver familiarisation. Our certified trailer awareness courses include on-road towing with EVs and hybrids in real-world conditions.
Safety data: what the latest research shows
UK police and fire service data show unique risks that drivers should understand:
- Collision risk: Electric and hybrid drivers are twice as likely to collide with pedestrians in urban areas (Transport Safety Unit, 2024) — mainly because EVs are quieter at low speed.
- Fire incidents: Fire brigades recorded a 77 % rise in EV-related fires between 2022 and 2024.
Yet proportionally, EVs are still far less likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel cars (0.0012 % vs 0.1 %). - Recovery guidance: The DfT reminds recovery operators that EVs contain high-voltage systems, requiring isolation after accidents or breakdowns.
The message? Awareness and preparation make all the difference.
Legal basics for towing and work use
Before towing with any vehicle — electric or otherwise — ensure that:
- You hold the correct licence category for the combined weight.
- Both car and trailer are within plated weight limits.
- The trailer has working lights, reflectors and a matching number plate.
- You use towing mirrors for clear rear visibility.
For full details, visit GOV.UK – Towing with a car.
Everyday habits for safer, smoother driving
- Anticipate traffic to avoid harsh braking.
- Use Eco or Normal mode for most journeys.
- Keep tyres inflated and loads secure.
- Combine charging stops with rest breaks.
- Ease off slightly in windy or wet conditions, especially when towing.
“EVs reward smooth, confident driving,” Raessa adds.
“A little forward planning makes every journey safer and more efficient.”
Learn more with professional training
Electric vehicles bring huge benefits — cleaner air, lower running costs, and quieter roads. But they also demand new knowledge from drivers, mechanics and fleet managers.
If you or your business operate EVs or hybrids, explore our nationally accredited courses:
- Electric & Hybrid Van Driver Training – IMI-approved practical training covering EV systems, charging, PPE and safe operation.
- IMI EV & Hybrid Van Driver and Trailer Awareness – specialist training for fleet and trade drivers who tow or use trailers with electric vehicles.
Both courses are delivered by expert instructors at our IMI-approved centre in Macclesfield or can be run on-site for business fleets across the UK.
Email or call the office if you have any questions, or would like to receive a brochure