My neighbour had just bought a Peugeot e-2008. She wanted to take her two road bikes for a weekend in the Ardennes. No tow bar planned, and no desire to install one for "just the occasional weekend". A fair question. Here is the complete answer.
What options are there for transporting bikes without a tow bar?
When you have no tow bar, you have a choice between two families of bike racks:
The tailgate bike rack (or "rear rack"): it attaches directly to the bottom and uprights of the tailgate via straps and hooks. No drilling, no installation. Downside: the boot is blocked and the load capacity is limited.
The roof bike rack: bikes travel horizontally or vertically on roof bars. Boot remains free, up to 4 bikes possible, but range is heavily penalised and loading is difficult for heavy e-bikes.
The right choice depends on how often you use it, the weight of your bikes, and the EV model.
Which bike rack penalises EV range the least?
| Solution | Extra consumption at 130 km/h | Loss 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, 2024.
The roof bike rack penalises range as much as a light caravan. On an EV with 350 km of range, you drop to 213 km with a roof bike rack. Which can make certain journeys stressful.
TOP 5 best-suited EVs without a tow bar
| Rank | Model | Roof bars | Tailgate compatible | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | VW ID.4 | Standard option | Square tailgate, compatible | T-slot bars, ideal tailgate geometry |
| 2 | Peugeot e-3008 | Integrated rails | High tailgate | Standard roof rails, large tailgate |
| 3 | Tesla Model Y | Option 295 € | Motorised compatible tailgate | High tailgate, well-studied tailgate fixation |
| 4 | Renault Mégane E-Tech | Optional | Sporty sloped tailgate | Light, tailgate-friendly |
| 5 | Hyundai IONIQ 5 | Optional | Flat compatible tailgate | Wide tailgate, good max load |
No. 1, VW ID.4: best equipped for the roof
The ID.4 offers original roof bars in the universal T-slot format, directly compatible with Thule and Yakima bike racks without adapters. Its square, vertical tailgate accepts tailgate bike racks without conflict with the bodywork. For use without a tow bar, it is the most versatile EV in the selection.
No. 2, Peugeot e-3008: integrated roof rails
The e-3008 has longitudinal rails integrated into the roof. This makes it easy to install cross bars compatible with all manufacturers. Its large SUV tailgate is compatible with tailgate bike racks. For two standard bikes (no heavy e-bikes), it is an effective combination.
No. 3, Tesla Model Y: the most permissive tailgate
The Model Y has no roof bars as standard, but Tesla offers original bars (295 €) directly compatible with Thule bike racks. Its motorised, high tailgate is the most compatible in the selection for tailgate systems — the rear bodywork area is well clear. For two road bikes or mountain bikes under 25 kg, it is practical.
No. 4, Renault Mégane E-Tech: the lightest and most accessible
The Mégane E-Tech is the lightest and least expensive in the selection. Its sloped tailgate is compatible with standard tailgate bike racks (Thule Outway Hanging, Buzzrack Beetle). For road bikes or light hybrids (under 15 kg), it is a simple and economical solution. For two e-bikes, contact the manufacturer to validate the load.
No. 5, Hyundai IONIQ 5: wide tailgate, good base
Its wide tailgate is well suited to tailgate bike racks with a wide fixing stance. The IONIQ 5 accepts aftermarket roof bars (Thule WingBar Edge, adapted feet). Its only downside without a tow bar: e-bikes often exceed the per-bike load permitted by non-tow-bar systems.
What advice for heavy e-bikes and long journeys?
For e-bikes (20–30 kg) without a tow bar, always remove the battery (2.5–4 kg) before loading. Choose a tailgate bike rack certified for 25–30 kg per bike (not 15 kg). The Thule OutWay Platform 2 (60 kg, 2 bikes, 429 €) is the reference.
For the roof, drive at a maximum of 90 km/h on the motorway with bikes. Reducing speed limits range loss and reduces the risk of the rack coming loose. Check the safety lock at every stop.
The real advice: if you transport bikes more than 10 times a year, invest in a tow bar (600–1,400 €). Over 5 years, you recover the investment through range savings and comfort. The 110 km range difference between a tow bar and a roof bike rack represents one fewer charge on every Brussels–Ardennes journey.
Le verdict de Christophe F.