ACSI Trekauto survey: hybrid is not dead
The ACSI is a major European camping specialist, known for its camping guides that are popular among campers and caravan drivers. The ACSI also engages in several relevant surveys, including the annual tow vehicle survey of caravan owners. The survey in which 4,750 caravan drivers participated shows that the hybrid car is far from dead. Today, 25% of respondents drive a hybrid car, compared to only 8% four years ago. Half of hybrid cars are plug-in hybrids.
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No interest in electric
The electric car is not exactly in demand. Although last year it was found that almost 7% of newly purchased tow cars were fully electric, electrification is stagnating. Of all the cars Dutch caravan owners use as tow cars, only 1% are currently fully electric. Gasoline, with a 60% share, is still the most popular form of drive among caravan drivers, while the share of diesel has fallen below 15%.
Top-10 all-SUV
Less surprisingly, the entire top-10 most popular caravan tractor is an SUV. The Mazda CX-5 is the most popular caravan tractor in the Netherlands with 9% market share, the same as last year. Interestingly, the Ford Kuga PHEV has made a big jump as the best-selling caravan tractor in 2024, partly due to its generous towing weight of 2,100 kg. Volvo is the most popular brand among caravan drivers. Meanwhile, 1 in 8 caravans in the Netherlands is towed by a car from the Swedish brand. With the XC60 and XC40, Volvo is the only brand with two models in the top 10 most popular tow cars.
“Hybrid increasingly the standard”
According to ACSI director Ramon van Reine, the hybrid car is increasingly becoming the standard for caravan owners, as this technology combines the best of both worlds for now. Fully electric cars offer more than enough power to tow a caravan and they excel in various caravan tests. Yet the limited range, relatively long charging times and lack of charging points at and to the destination are still major stumbling blocks for vacationers. The fact that at many charging stations you have to disconnect the caravan in order to charge at all is also a major source of annoyance for many.
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Most popular tow vehicles among caravan drivers
- Mazda CX-5
- Ford Kuga
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volvo XC60
- Toyota RAV4
- Nissan Qashqai
- Volvo XC40
- Hyundai Tucson
- Subaru Forester
- Kia Sportage
Most popular brands among caravan drivers
- Volvo
- Mazda
- Ford
- Volkswagen
- Renault
- Toyota
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Nissan
- BMW
Best-selling new caravan tractors in 2024
- Ford Kuga
- Mazda CX-5
- Volvo XC60
- KIA Sportage
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Hyundai Tucson
- Volvo XC40
- KIA Niro
- Mazda CX-60
- Nissan Qashqai
