Volvo electric vehicles win caravan and motorhome towing competition

Volvo’s range of electrified models scooped up two prizes in the annual Caravan and Motorhome Club Towcar of the Year competition.

The XC40 Recharge pure electric all-wheel-drive compact SUV was the winner in the 1500-1700kg caravan category, while the V60 Recharge T6 AWD estate was named the best plug-in hybrid vehicle.

Their capabilities were put through rigorous track testing by the competition judges at the Millbrook Proving Ground, near Bedford, with further assessment of their ‘caravanability’ – having accessible load space large enough to carry all the accessories required for caravan towing.

Nick Lomas, director general of the Caravan and Motorhome Club, said: “We’ve been receiving an increasing number of enquiries about the technicalities and practicalities of towing with hybrid and electric vehicles, so it’s fantastic to see a boom in competition entrants and winners in these categories.”

The judges acclaimed the XC40 Recharge as “a super-impressive pure battery electric SUV that combines stunning performance with precision low-speed manoeuvrability” and “outrageously good, a complete thrill to drive.” Further praise was given to its “flawless” hill-start performance.

The V60 Recharge plug-in hybrid T6 AWD was commended as “another outstanding towcar from Volvo”. The judges added: “Performance is significantly enhanced by the car’s hybrid boost, and the ride and handling are up with the best in the class – all backed up with the reassurance and sure-footedness of all-wheel drive.”

Matt Galvin, Volvo Car UK’s commercial operations director, said: “These successes are a validation of the all-round quality and performance of our electrified car technologies. With both our Recharge pure electric and plug-in hybrid models emerging as winners, we can show that our commitment to electrification doesn’t call for any compromise from our customers, in particular when it comes to strong, reliable and comfortable towing performance.”