Electric trucks are no longer a futuristic concept—they’re here, and they’re powerful. Models like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, Tesla Cybertruck, and Chevrolet Silverado EV promise impressive torque, advanced tech, and zero tailpipe emissions. But for many truck owners, the critical question remains: Can you really tow with an electric truck—and how far can you go?
In this article, we’ll dive into the real-world towing capabilities, range impact, and performance trade-offs you need to know before hitching a trailer to an EV.
🔌 Yes, You Can Tow with an Electric Truck
Today’s electric pickups are built with serious capability. Thanks to the instant torque from electric motors, most EV trucks deliver exceptional towing power—in some cases rivaling or even exceeding their gas and diesel counterparts.
Here’s how leading electric trucks compare on paper:
| Truck | Max Towing Capacity | Max Range (Unloaded) | Battery Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 Lightning | 10,000 lbs | 320 miles | 131 kWh |
| Rivian R1T | 11,000 lbs | 328 miles | Up to 135 kWh |
| Tesla Cybertruck (AWD) | 11,000 lbs | 340–350 miles | ~123 kWh est. |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | 10,000–20,000 lbs (future trims) | 400+ miles (claimed) | 200+ kWh |
These numbers are promising—but they don’t tell the full story.
🛻 The Real-World Impact of Towing on Range
Towing with any vehicle reduces fuel efficiency. But for electric trucks, range drop is significantly more noticeable. In real-world tests, towing can reduce EV range by 40% to 60%, depending on weight, terrain, speed, and aerodynamics.
Real-World Towing Test Examples:
🔹 Ford F-150 Lightning
- Trailer Weight: ~6,000 lbs
- Advertised Range (Extended Battery): 320 miles
- Actual Range While Towing: ~140–160 miles
- Reduction: ~50%
🔹 Rivian R1T
- Trailer Weight: ~7,000 lbs
- Advertised Range: 314 miles
- Actual Range While Towing: ~130–150 miles
- Reduction: ~50–55%
🔹 Tesla Cybertruck (Dual Motor)
- Trailer Weight: ~6,000 lbs
- Advertised Range: 340 miles
- Actual Range While Towing: ~170 miles
- Reduction: ~50%
These results highlight a key truth: EVs can tow, but not very far without recharging. That makes planning essential—especially for long-distance hauls or overlanding.
⚙️ Why Towing Drains EV Range So Quickly
Several factors contribute to the dramatic range reduction:
1. Weight Load
Towing thousands of pounds demands more energy output from the motors. That extra effort rapidly depletes the battery.
2. Aerodynamic Drag
A trailer (especially a tall RV or box trailer) disrupts airflow and adds resistance—forcing the truck to work harder.
3. Regenerative Braking Limits
EVs regain some energy through regenerative braking, but while towing, their braking system is often less efficient at capturing energy due to added mass and trailer brake systems.
4. Battery Thermal Management
More load = more heat. Towing increases stress on the battery and motors, which can trigger thermal management systems that use extra power to keep temperatures in check.
🔋 Charging While Towing: Still a Challenge
Fast-charging infrastructure is growing, but it’s not always trailer-friendly. Many charging stations don’t accommodate longer vehicles or trailers, which means you may have to:
- Unhitch your trailer to charge
- Block multiple parking spaces (not ideal)
- Seek out truck stop-style chargers (still uncommon)
Charging times also vary:
- Level 3 fast chargers can add 100–200 miles in ~30–45 minutes.
- Level 2 home chargers are too slow for meaningful road trip charging (~10–15 hours).
If you plan to tow often, factor in charging logistics as part of your route planning.
🧠 Pro Tips for Towing with an Electric Truck
- Use the Right Driving Mode
Most EV trucks have a towing mode that adjusts throttle response, braking, and suspension for stability and efficiency. - Plan Routes Around Chargers
Use apps like PlugShare, A Better Routeplanner (ABRP), and manufacturer-specific nav systems to find high-speed chargers on your route. - Tow Within Your Range Comfort Zone
If your estimated towing range is 160 miles, plan to recharge every 100 miles. Don’t push your battery too far—especially in rural areas. - Mind the Weather
Cold temperatures already reduce EV range—add towing, and your range could drop 60–70%. Warm up the battery and cabin while still plugged in when possible. - Check Payload Limits
Don’t forget the combined weight of trailer + cargo + passengers. Max towing doesn’t always mean max payload—watch your Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
🔄 Alternatives: Hybrid or Extended-Range Solutions
If you need to tow regularly but aren’t ready for full EV limitations, consider:
- Plug-in hybrid trucks (e.g., Ram 1500 Ramcharger coming in 2025)
- Range-extender options (potentially available in future EV platforms)
- Diesel or gas models with mild hybrid systems
These offer more range flexibility with some electric advantages.
⚖️ Pros and Cons of Towing with an EV Truck
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Instant torque for smooth, powerful towing | Range drops up to 60% with heavy loads |
| Lower maintenance (no oil, fewer moving parts) | Long charging times and limited trailer-friendly stations |
| Zero tailpipe emissions | Reduced regenerative braking while towing |
| Advanced towing tech (trailer backup assist, camera systems) | Battery stress and range anxiety on long trips |
Final Verdict: Should You Tow with an Electric Truck?
Yes—but with clear expectations. Electric trucks are capable tow vehicles for short and moderate trips, especially if you prioritize torque, comfort, and sustainability. But for long hauls, frequent heavy towing, or rural travel, the current limitations of charging access and range drop can make things challenging.
If you’re considering an EV truck for towing:
- Understand your real-world needs
- Match your trailer size and distance to available range
- Plan carefully, and enjoy the ride—with far fewer emissions
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