Alex Robbins is contributing editor at Telegraph Cars where, as well as responding to readers’ queries, he also contributes reviews of new and used cars, together with articles on buying and selling. 

His knowledge of the used car market informs his many buying guides relating to the best buys in particular sectors, with an emphasis on value for money.  Every week he will answer your questions on buying and selling, as well as solving your car problems, whether consumer or mechanical.

Do you have a motoring dilemma you’d like our expert to solve?  For consumer and used car advice, or car faults, email CarsAdvice@telegraph.co.uk and include your subscriber number. This week’s question… 

Dear Alex,

The packed recent caravan show at the NEC proves the market is there for an electric car with meaningful towing capacity which won’t break the bank to buy. Does such a vehicle exist; do the latest crop of mid-range, mid-market electric cars have any towing capacity?

– PS

Dear PS,

It is true that, until recently, electric cars’ towing capacities weren’t a match for their combustion-engined rivals. However, that is starting to change.

In answer to your question “does such a vehicle exist?” – the answer is yes. However, one with a meaningful towing capacity yet won’t be expensive? That’s a different matter.

Currently at the top of the crop is the BMW iX, whose 2,500kg towing capacity is comparable with some of the best tow cars on the market, and should be capable of towing all but the biggest double-axle caravans. But if that’s the sort of towing capability you need, then you’ll have to stump up at least the £69,905 starting price. 

If you’re prepared to sacrifice some towing capacity, however, there are some EVs for more reasonable sums that can still tow considerable weights.

For example, the BMW i4, Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5 (as well as the Mercedes EQA, but only in twin-motor, four-wheel drive form) can all tow up to 1,600kg, which should be enough to pull a small- to medium-sized van. It’s expected that this will improve with time, too, with more and more EVs being rated to tow greater loads. All can be had for between £40,000 and £50,000, except the BMW, which is a tad more.

One thing you will need to keep in mind, however, is how much towing a caravan will affect an EV’s range. It’s hard to get a feel for just how severe this effect is just yet as there are relatively few people towing with EVs at the moment. But the significant extra weight and drag involved will inevitably demand much of batteries. 

It probably won’t matter too much if your touring doesn’t take you too far in one go, or if you’re willing to plan ahead and break your journey. But suffice it to say that if you’re planning cross-continental road trips with your van, you’ll probably need to build in plenty of charging stops. 

Oh, and keep in mind that most charging points’ parking spaces are not yet designed for cars with caravans attached.