Can an EV truck tow a trailer?
Yes. Modern electric pickup trucks can tow trailers, with capabilities that vary by model and configuration. The key is to match the trailer’s weight to the truck’s official tow rating, and to plan for the impact on range and charging along the way.
Tow capacity and what it means
When evaluating an EV truck’s ability to tow, the official rating indicates the maximum trailer weight the vehicle can safely pull. Real-world towing depends on payload, battery state of charge, terrain, and climate. Electric trucks also deliver instant torque, which affects acceleration and braking with a trailer attached.
Torque and power delivery when towing
EVs typically provide strong, immediate torque, which can help with hill starts and confident acceleration when towing. However, this can also challenge traction if the trailer is heavy or the road is slick, so drivers should adjust speed and braking accordingly.
Key factors to consider before hitching up:
- Tow rating and payload: Ensure the combined weight of trailer and cargo fits within the vehicle’s maximum tow and payload limits.
- Tongue weight and hitch type: The trailer’s downward load on the hitch affects stability; use the correct hitch class and ensure proper weight distribution.
- Braking and trailer brakes: Some trailers require separate braking systems; check if the truck’s tech supports trailer brake integration.
- Electrical hookups and tail lights: Verify that trailer wiring and any brake controller are compatible with the EV truck’s electrical system.
- Regenerative braking impact: Towing reduces regenerative braking efficiency; plan for consistent braking and energy use.
- Range impact and charging: Towing can significantly reduce range; plan charging stops and consider a higher-capacity charger for longer trips.
In practice, EV trucks offer towing capabilities across a range of trailer sizes, but you should align expectations with the vehicle’s official specs and your typical trips. Always verify configuration for max tow rating and consider installing any optional towing packages.
Representative towing figures for current EV pickups
Different models offer different maximum tow capacities based on wheels, drive layout, and equipment. The following figures reflect common, manufacturer-reported ratings for popular electric pickups as of 2024–2025. Exact numbers can vary by configuration and model year, so check your build sheet for the final rating.
The following snapshots illustrate typical towing capacities you may encounter:
- Ford F-150 Lightning: up to about 10,000 pounds of towing capacity with the Extended Range battery and appropriate options.
- Rivian R1T: up to roughly 11,000 pounds of towing capacity with suitable configuration and equipment.
- Ram 1500 REV: targeted to tow up to around 14,000 pounds in select configurations.
- GMC Hummer EV Pickup: about 7,500 pounds towing capacity.
- Chevrolet Silverado EV: commonly cited ranges around 8,000–10,000 pounds depending on configuration.
For buyers, the takeaway is that several EV pickups today offer practical towing capability, with more options expanding as the segment matures.
Practical tips for towing with an electric pickup
Here are actionable steps to make towing with an EV pickup safer and more efficient, based on current technology and industry practice.
- Plan for range: estimate trailer towing miles and factor in added energy use; carry a plan for charging stops along your typical routes.
- Use trailer and brake features: enable and properly calibrate any trailer brake controllers and backup assist features when towing.
- Load and balance your trailer: keep tongue weight within recommended limits and distribute cargo to maintain stability.
- Moderate speed and pacing: towing demands more energy; gradual acceleration and steady speeds help conserve range.
- Battery conditioning: precondition the battery before departure, especially in extreme temperatures, to optimize performance and charging speed.
With careful setup and planning, towing with an EV pickup is a practical option for many everyday needs and recreational trips.
Charging strategy and trip planning
Long trips require thoughtful charging plans because towing increases energy use and can shorten the vehicle’s usable range. A disciplined charging strategy helps minimize downtime and keep you moving.
- Plan frequent charging stops at compatible DC fast-charge networks; know the peak charging rate of your vehicle and how it tapers with time.
- Aim to start journeys with a higher state of charge to absorb the extra energy demand from towing.
- Climate and terrain matter: towing in cold weather or on hilly terrain typically increases energy consumption, so adjust route and charging stops accordingly.
- Home charging: a higher-capacity home charger can reduce the need for frequent public charging on long trips.
Careful planning and reliable charging infrastructure make towing with an EV pickup more predictable and convenient.
Summary
Electric trucks can tow trailers effectively, with capabilities that vary by model and configuration. When evaluating an EV pickup for towing, compare official tow ratings, payload capacity, and the impact on range. Plan trips with charging stops in mind, and use appropriate towing equipment and practices to maintain stability and safety. As the market evolves, more models and configurations are expected to offer higher towing capacities and improved charging options, making electric pickups a growing option for towing needs.
How much can an EV truck tow?
Electric truck towing capacity varies by model and configuration, with many capable of towing up to 10,000 pounds or more. For example, the Ford F-150 Lightning can tow up to 10,000 pounds with the Max Trailer Tow Package, the Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck can tow up to 11,000 and 14,000 pounds, respectively, and the Chevrolet Silverado EV and GMC Sierra EV can reach up to 12,500 pounds. Remember that towing significantly reduces an EV's range, sometimes by more than 50%.
Sample electric truck towing capacities:
- Chevrolet Silverado EV: Up to 12,500 lbs (depending on model)
- Ford F-150 Lightning: Up to 10,000 lbs (with Max Trailer Tow Package)
- GMC Sierra EV: Up to 12,500 lbs (depending on model)
- GMC Hummer EV: Up to 8,500 lbs
- Rivian R1T: Up to 11,000 lbs
- Tesla Cybertruck: Up to 14,000 lbs
Important considerations when towing with an EV:
- Reduced Range: Towing significantly impacts an EV's driving range, so plan accordingly for charging stops.
- Payload and Tongue Weight: Always account for the weight of your passengers, cargo, and the trailer's tongue weight (the downward force on the hitch), ensuring they do not exceed the vehicle's specified payload and Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR).
- Configuration Matters: Towing capacity can depend on the specific trim level and battery pack chosen. For instance, a standard-range F-150 Lightning has a lower tow capacity than an extended-range model with the Max Trailer Tow Package.
- Towing Equipment: Some trucks, like the Ford F-150 Lightning, require a specific "Max Trailer Tow Package" to achieve their highest tow ratings, which includes extra cooling hardware for the motors and battery.
Why are EVs not good for towing?
EV's lose more range when towing than ice vehicles do because they rely on greater efficiency to attain their range when not towing. Therefore, towing hurts their efficiency more than it does ice trucks.
Can you tow a trailer with an electric truck?
I towed my trailer from California to Georgia with my Tesla Model X. I've also towed my other trailer with My Tesla Cybertruck. I've also towed my trailer from Georgia to California in my Ford F-150 Lightning electric truck. Folks, Electric vehicles can tow and they do it very well.
Can electric vehicles tow a trailer?
Firstly, in answer to the often-asked question, “Is an EV capable of towing a trailer?” Yes, it is. Larger EVs make great tow vehicles and the abundance of torque from take-off is a real plus compared to similar-sized internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
