Over the Easter weekend, we decided to spend three days cycling in the Ardennes with the kids. Four bikes including two e-bikes (mine and my wife's) to load into the car. My brother-in-law had a roof rack on his petrol Clio. We compared notes once we arrived. His fuel consumption had shot up by 30%. Mine, with a tow bar rack on my EV: +8%. Electric cars handle bike racks much better.
Why you should avoid a roof bike rack on an EV
With a petrol car, a roof bike rack increases consumption by 30 to 40%. With an EV, the impact is even worse: the loss of aerodynamics translates directly into lost range. The ADAC measured the following in real-world conditions at 130 km/h:
| Rack type | Extra consumption | Impact on 400 km range |
|---|---|---|
| Tow bar (2 bikes) | +6.3% | −25 km |
| Tailgate (2 bikes) | +22% | −88 km |
| Roof (2 bikes) | +34.2% | −137 km |
Source: ADAC, EV bike rack tests, 2024.
Over 400 km of range, a roof rack costs you 137 km. You lose an entire fast charge. The maths speaks for itself: a tow bar is essential for cyclists who cover real distances.
TOP 5 EVs for transporting multiple bikes
| Rank | Model | Boot (seats folded) | Max tow bar | DC charging | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tesla Model Y Long Range | 854 L | 1,600 kg | 250 kW | €49,990 |
| 2 | Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD | 527 L + 24 L frunk | 1,600 kg | 220 kW | €54,990 |
| 3 | Škoda Enyaq 85 | 585 L | 1,200 kg | 175 kW | €45,990 |
| 4 | Kia EV6 AWD | 490 L + 20 L frunk | 1,600 kg | 233 kW | €49,990 |
| 5 | VW ID.4 Pro | 543 L | 1,200 kg | 135 kW | €45,990 |
Prices from the official Belgian configurator, March 2026. Tow bar optional on all models.
N°1, Tesla Model Y: the obvious choice for cycling families
The 854 L boot with seats folded is the largest in this selection. Two bikes fit easily, with room left for panniers and cycling shoes. The Tesla tow bar supports 1,600 kg — more than enough for a rack loaded with 4 e-bikes (roughly 120 kg total for rack + bikes). The Supercharger network makes cycling weekends in Normandy or the French Ardennes stress-free. The only downside: the OEM tow bar costs €1,400.
N°2, Hyundai IONIQ 5: the frunk as a hidden asset
Its 24-litre frunk (front boot) is perfect for storing helmets, pump, repair kit, shoes — everything that usually clutters the rear boot. The main boot (527 L) is slightly less generous than the Model Y, but more than enough for two disassembled road bikes. The tow bar supports 1,600 kg, charging runs at 220 kW on 800V, and the standard heat pump makes October weekends perfectly viable.
N°3, Škoda Enyaq 85: best value for cyclists
585 L of boot space, 1,200 kg towing capacity and a price of €45,990 make the Enyaq the most rational choice for cyclists who don't want to exceed €50,000. DC charging at 175 kW is decent — 35 minutes from 10 to 80% on an IONITY charger. For cycling weekends in Belgium or the Ardennes (under 300 km each way), that's more than enough.
N°4, Kia EV6: for cyclists who cover serious distances
DC charging at 233 kW (the fastest on this list) makes the EV6 the best pick for keen sportive riders who combine a long drive with a demanding cycling outing. The 20 L frunk is useful, and the tow bar supports 1,600 kg. Its boot (490 L) is the smallest in the selection, but a tow bar rack solves that.
N°5, VW ID.4: the network advantage in Belgium
VW's service network is the densest in Belgium — a real asset if you regularly hit the road with equipment. Its 543 L boot and 1,200 kg tow bar comfortably handle two standard bikes. For heavy e-bikes, the 1,200 kg rating is the limit — check your specific configuration before buying.
Which bike racks to choose with an EV?
Tow bar (recommended): Thule EasyFold XT 3 (60 kg, tilting, 3 bikes, €1,199) or Eufab Bike Lift (60 kg, 2 bikes, built-in loading ramp for heavy e-bikes, €399). The tilting feature is essential: it lets you access the boot without unloading the bikes.
Tailgate mount (if no tow bar): Thule OutWay Platform 2 (60 kg, 2 bikes, €429). Compatible with most tailgates, but boot access is blocked. Acceptable for short distances.
Roof mount: Avoid with e-bikes and on long trips. Reserve it for the occasional transport of a single lightweight bike (under 15 kg).
What to check before buying your bike rack and EV
Check field F3 on your registration document. That's the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). If this field is empty or zero, your vehicle isn't approved for towing anything. That's the case for some EV configurations without the tow bar option.
A bike rack with a displaced licence plate and signal lights is mandatory as soon as the rear plate is obscured — which is the case with every tow bar rack. Budget €50 to €80 for the signal board.
Le verdict de Christophe F.