Can Electric Vehicles Tow? A Look at EV Performance

Introduction

Many drivers wonder: Can electric vehicles (EVs) tow as well as gasoline or diesel trucks?

The short answer is yes, EVs are more than capable of towing. In fact, electric motors deliver instant torque, making them excellent for pulling heavy loads. However, towing with an EV does come with some challenges, especially when it comes to battery range and charging.

In this article, we’ll explore how EVs handle towing, their towing capacity, and the best electric trucks and SUVs for towing.

1. How Towing Works in Electric Vehicles

How EV Motors Generate Torque for Towing

• Unlike gas engines, EVs deliver maximum torque instantly.
• This allows for smooth acceleration, even with heavy loads.
• EVs don’t need gear shifts, reducing strain on the drivetrain while towing.

Why EVs Are Well-Suited for Towing

✅ High torque at low speeds → Better for towing than gas vehicles.
✅ Lower center of gravity due to battery placement → More stability when towing.
✅ No transmission lag → Immediate power delivery for heavy loads.

2. Towing Capacity: EVs vs. Gasoline Trucks

Why Some EVs Have Limited Towing Ratings

• Battery weight: EVs are already heavier than gas trucks, which affects towing efficiency.
• Range concerns: Towing can reduce EV range by 30-50%, limiting long-distance capability.
• Cooling requirements: EV motors and batteries need cooling under heavy loads.

💡 Example: A Rivian R1T towing a 7,000-lb trailer can experience a 50% range reduction, turning a 314-mile range into about 150 miles.

3. Best Electric Vehicles for Towing

🚙 Tesla Cybertruck

• Towing Capacity: 11,000 lbs
• Battery Range: 250-500 miles (without towing)
• Why it’s great: Tri-motor power, high torque, adaptive air suspension.

🚙 Ford F-150 Lightning

• Towing Capacity: 10,000 lbs
• Battery Range: 320 miles (without towing)
• Why it’s great: Built on Ford’s trusted F-150 platform, practical for work and everyday use.

🚙 Rivian R1T

• Towing Capacity: 11,000 lbs
• Battery Range: 314 miles (without towing)
• Why it’s great: Quad-motor AWD for off-road towing, adventure-ready design.

🚙 GMC Hummer EV Pickup

• Towing Capacity: 7,500 lbs
• Battery Range: 329 miles (without towing)
• Why it’s great: Extreme off-road capability and “crab walk” maneuverability.

4. How Towing Affects EV Range

One of the biggest challenges of towing with an EV is range reduction.

• Towing increases aerodynamic drag and weight, forcing the battery to work harder.
• Expect a 30-50% range drop when pulling heavy loads.

🔋 Real-World Example:

• A Ford F-150 Lightning (320-mile range) towing a 7,500-lb trailer may drop to 150-180 miles per charge.

🚗 Solution:

• Plan charging stops in advance.
• Use regen braking to recover energy on downhill drives.

5. Charging Challenges While Towing

Limited Charging Station Access for Towed Trailers

• Many public EV chargers aren’t designed for vehicles with trailers.
• Some fast-charging stations require the driver to disconnect the trailer before charging.

Future Solutions for EV Towing and Charging

🔋 Tesla’s Supercharger expansion will include trailer-friendly chargers.
🔋 Electrify America is adding pull-through chargers for EVs with trailers.

🚗 Tip: When towing long distances, look for charging stations with drive-through access.

6. Benefits of Towing with an EV

⚡ Instant Torque and Smooth Power Delivery

• No lag or gear shifts → Easier towing experience.
• Electric motors provide consistent power, reducing strain on the vehicle.

🛠️ Lower Maintenance Costs Compared to Gas Trucks

• No oil changes, fewer moving parts → Less wear and tear.
• Regenerative braking reduces brake wear, making long downhill towing safer.

7. The Future of EV Towing

🔋 Battery Advancements for Longer Towing Range

• Solid-state batteries will offer higher energy density, improving towing range.
• Newer battery chemistries (LFP, sodium-ion) could lower costs and increase durability.

🚗 More Powerful Electric Trucks in Development

• Ram 1500 REV (2025) → Tows 14,000 lbs, 500-mile range.
• Chevrolet Silverado EV → 10,000-lb towing, 400-mile range.

Conclusion

Yes, electric vehicles CAN tow—and in some cases, they outperform gas trucks thanks to instant torque and smooth acceleration. However, towing does impact battery range and charging convenience, making long-distance towing more challenging.

🚗⚡ As battery technology and charging infrastructure improve, EVs will become an even better choice for towing in the future!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can an EV tow as much as a gas truck?

Yes! Some EVs, like the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T, can tow up to 11,000 lbs, similar to gasoline trucks.

2. How much does towing affect EV range?

Towing can reduce EV range by 30-50%, depending on weight and road conditions.

3. Can I charge an EV while towing a trailer?

Yes, but many chargers don’t have trailer-friendly parking. Some networks are adding drive-through EV chargers for trucks with trailers.

4. Are there any electric SUVs that can tow?

Yes! The Rivian R1S, Tesla Model X, and Kia EV9 all have 5,000+ lb towing capacity.

5. Will future EVs improve towing range?

Yes! Next-gen solid-state batteries and larger battery packs will make EV towing even better.