Which electric cars are compatible with a roof top tent?
A roof top tent an electric car? Absolutely. But whether your EV is suitable depends on one number: the maximum roof load. Most popular electric cars in the Netherlands can carry up to 75 kg on the roof, which means virtually all of our rooftop tents will fit without any issues. In this blog, we’ll show you which EVs are suitable, why the roof load checker is your best friend, and what panoramic roofs, range, and handling mean for your adventure.
By 2025, nearly half of all new cars sold in the Netherlands will be electric, and that trend will continue into 2026. Models like the Skoda Elroq, Kia EV3, Tesla Model Y, and Volkswagen ID.4 are increasingly common in the driveways of people who also want to keep camping. It makes sense that we’re getting asked more and more often: will a Koala Creek roof top tent fitroof top tent my electric car? The short answer is: usually, yes. You can read the slightly longer answer below.
The most important figure: maximum roof load
Whether a car is suitable for a roof top tent on the dynamic roof load: the weight the roof is allowed to carry while driving. This information is listed in the car’s owner’s manual. When the car is stationary, the roof can support significantly more weight (usually 5 to 6 times as much), which makes sense, since when the car is parked, you’ll be sleeping in it with your partner and possibly your children.
So, when calculating the weight of a roof top tent , you roof top tent add up: the weight of the tent + roof racks + any accessories. That total must stay within your car’s dynamic roof load limit. For electric cars, that limit is often 75 kg—sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. That’s enough for most of our models.
Our roof tents and their weights
- Teide (softcover): 58 kg
- Eiger (hardcover): 65 kg
- Teide (softcover): 66 kg
- Roadtrip (hardcover): 69 kg
- Teide (softcover): 73 kg
- Outback (hardcover): 74 kg
On average, a roof rack adds 4 to 6 kg to the vehicle’s weight. This means that a Teide fits perfectly on a car with a 75 kg roof load capacity, leaving room for accessories. An Outback is right at that limit and is therefore not suitable for every EV.
First, check if your car is compatible using our roof load checker
Instead of having to do the math and look up specs yourself, we’ve built a tool for this. At koalacreek.info/daktenten, you’ll find our roof load checker. Just select your car, and we’ll instantly show you which Koala Creek are compatible based on weight. No calculations, no guesswork, no wrong purchases. It’s something we’re proud of, because it really saves our customers time and hassle.
The checker is especially useful for EV drivers, since the specifications for newer models are harder to find than those for traditional cars. We keep the database up to date and are constantly expanding it to include new EV models as they come onto the market.
Popular electric cars in the Netherlands: Do roof tents fit on them?
Here’s a quick look at some of the best-selling EVs in the Netherlands in 2025. You can always check the exact combination of tent and car using the roof load checker, but this should give you an idea.
Skoda Elroq
The Elroq topped the sales charts at the end of 2025. Its roof load capacity is 75 kg, comparable to other Skoda models on the MEB platform. This is sufficient for our lighter models, such as the Teide or Eiger , and leaves room for roof racks.
Kia EV3, EV6, and EV9
The Kia EV3 was the best-selling EV in early 2025 and remains popular. All three models offer roof rails as an option, making it easy to install roof racks. The larger EV9 offers extra space for a 160- or 190-cm-wide tent, while the more compact EV3 works best with a 140-cm model.
Tesla Model Y and Model 3
Tesla specifies a maximum roof load of 75 kg for both the Model Y and Model 3. Due to its larger dimensions and SUV design, the Model Y is the most popular model for a roof top tent. Important: Tesla uses specific mounting points, so you’ll need a roof rack set designed to fit them. These are widely available.
Volkswagen ID.4, ID.5, and ID. Buzz
The VW ID. family shares the MEB platform with the Skoda Elroq and Enyaq, which have similar roof load capacities. With its wider roof, the ID. Buzz is an ideal candidate for a 160- or 190-cm-wide tent, giving you that authenticroof top tent .
Volvo EX30 and EX40
The compact Volvo EX30 is popular, but has a lower roof load capacity than larger SUVs. Be sure to use the roof load checker here to see which models are compatible. The EX40 offers more space and compatibility.
Point to note: the panoramic roof
Many modern EVs have a large panoramic glass roof, sometimes even without roof rails. It looks fantastic from the inside, but it raises a valid question: can you just mount roof racks on it and roof top tent a roof top tent ?
The answer is a bit more complicated. The manufacturer always specifies the roof load capacity for the entire roof structure, including the glass panel. So if your Tesla Model Y has a roof load capacity of 75 kg, that also applies to the version with a panoramic roof. However, it’s important to note:
- Always use a roof rack system that is specifically approved for your vehicle model. This distributes the weight across the correct mounting points, not across the glass.
- Follow the installation instructions carefully. The forces must be applied to the roof posts or special mounting points, never directly to the glass panel.
- If you're unsure, ask one of our dealers for advice. They can help you with this.
In practice, this works great, as long as you use the right roof racks.
How does a roof top tent your range?
That’s a fair question—and one that really only applies to EVs. A roof top tent increases drag and weight, and both of those factors consume energy. With a gasoline-powered car, you’ll notice this in higher fuel consumption; with an EV, you’ll notice it in a shorter range.
The amount of the difference depends on several factors:
- Speed: The impact is greatest on the highway. At 80 mph, a roof top tent can roof top tent reduce range by 10 to 20 percent. At slower speeds on back roads, the difference is much smaller—sometimes just a few percent.
- Tent type: A hardcover roof top tent generally more aerodynamic than a softcover, as its profile is lower and sleeker. For long highway trips, a hardcover may hardcover be a more sensible choice.
- Load: the more stuff you have in the tent and on the roof, the greater the air resistance.
- Weather conditions: headwinds and rain further increase fuel consumption.
In practical terms, this means you’ll need to charge a bit more often during a long trip. On a 600-kilometer drive in an EV that normally gets 500 kilometers on a single charge, you roof top tent plan for an extra charging stop if you’re using a roof top tent . This isn’t a problem for many people, since coffee and a quick stretch are part of any good roadtrip.
Tips for maintaining your range
- Drive more slowly on the highway. The difference between 100 and 110 km/h and 130 km/h is surprisingly significant.
- Take the tent down if you're not going to use it for a while. It sounds simple, but many people leave it up permanently and end up paying for it with every mile they drive.
- Plan your charging stops in advance. For long trips, fast-charging networks like Fastned, Allego, and Tesla Supercharger offer good coverage.
- If you're unsure, choose a lighter, more aerodynamic model from our selection. We'd be happy to help you make that choice.
The benefits of electric travel with a roof top tent
There’s also a nice side to traveling by electric vehicle with a roof top tent. Charging stations are available at many campgrounds and campsites, and since you roof top tent in the roof top tent , you often have plenty of time to charge your vehicle. A single night plugged into a standard outlet at the campground provides enough power for several dozen kilometers the next day.
In addition, this combination aligns with a certain mindset: conscious travel, closer to nature, with lower emissions. This is something we regularly hear from our customers as a reason for choosing this combination.
Getting Started: How to Find the Right roof top tent Your EV
The order we recommend:
- Check your car using the roof rack checker. You'll know right away which models are compatible.
- Decide which you prefer: softcover hardcover. Hardcover quicker to set up and more aerodynamic, while softcover less expensive and often more spacious when set up.
- Choose the right width: 130 or 140 cm for two people, 160 cm for two adults and a child, 190 cm for the whole family.
- Visit one of our dealers. There, you can see, touch, and test the tents, and get expert advice on how they work with your specific EV.
A roof top tent an electric car doesn’t mean you have to compromise. With the right preparation, the right model, and realistic expectations about range, you can enjoy a travel style that combines comfort, freedom, and sustainability. Start with the roof load checker, and we’ll be happy to help you with the next step.