Can you put a trailer hitch on an electric car?
Yes. Many electric cars can tow with a trailer hitch, either through an official tow package from the manufacturer or an approved aftermarket solution. Whether you can tow—and how much you can tow—depends on the specific model, trim, and the equipment installed.
Electric vehicles bring unique considerations for towing, including how towing affects range, battery cooling, drivetrain load, and electrical integration for trailer lights and brakes. This article explains what to know, how to choose a hitch, and which popular EVs currently support towing.
Before you hitch: key considerations
Before you decide to add a trailer hitch, it's important to understand the limits, compatibility, and electrical needs. The following factors help determine whether towing with your EV is practical and safe.
- Towing rating and overall weight limits (including vehicle and trailer combined weight) for your specific model and year
- Availability of an OEM tow package or approved aftermarket hitch, and whether it integrates with the vehicle’s electronics
- Electrical connections needed for the trailer (4-pin or 7-pin wiring, trailer braking, and any brake-controller requirements)
- Impact on driving range and charging strategy, especially for long trips or high-tow loads
- Warranty and service considerations when towing or installing a hitch, and any potential impact on drivetrain cooling
- Hitch class and receiver size (most EVs use a 2-inch receiver for standard towing packages)
In short, towing with an EV is feasible in many cases, but you should verify the exact numbers for your model year, trim, and market before purchasing a hitch.
EVs with official hitch options and common configurations
Some manufacturers offer factory-installed hitch receivers or official tow packages that integrate with the vehicle’s electronics and software. Availability varies by model year and region, so check the latest specs for your car.
- Tesla (Model Y, Model X, and certain configurations of Model 3): Official tow packages provide a 2-inch hitch receiver with wiring and trailer electronics support; towing requires using Tesla’s system with the vehicle’s tow software and limits
- Ford F-150 Lightning: A factory tow package enables trailer towing with integrated electrical connections and controller support, aligned with Ford’s prescribed limits
- Rivian R1T and R1S: Rivian ships with a factory hitch option and designed trailer electronics, suitable for the vehicle’s high-torque electric drivetrain
- Chevrolet Silverado EV (and related GM EVs offering trailering packages): GM has announced and rolled out trailering equipment and hitch wiring for supported trim levels
Installation and compatibility notes
Even when a hitch is offered by the manufacturer, installation may require professional service to ensure proper torque, electrical integration, and safety testing. Always confirm that the hitch and trailer wiring are compatible with your vehicle’s warranty and software updates, and ensure you use the correct trailer connector (4-pin vs 7-pin) and a compatible trailer brake setup if required by the model.
Additionally, verify the stated towing capacity for your exact configuration, since wheelbase, battery range, drivetrain (dual vs single motor), and regional regulations can influence the allowable trailer mass.
Practical tips for towing with EVs
To plan effectively and avoid surprises on the road, consider the following guidance when towing with an electric vehicle.
- Do range planning well in advance: towing reduces efficiency, so include extra charging stops and longer travel times in your itinerary
- Account for cooling needs: heavier loads can increase motor and battery cooling requirements, so monitor temps on long hills or hot days
- Use proper braking support: depending on the vehicle, you may need a trailer brake controller or rely on integrated trailer braking systems
- Ensure correct weight distribution: check tongue weight limits and distribute load to avoid trailer sway and to maintain vehicle handling
- Verify wiring and connectors: ensure the trailer lights, brake lights, and turn signals are synchronized with the EV’s systems for safety compliance
- Respect the hitch class and load limits: stay within the vehicle’s rated towing capacity and the trailer’s gross weight rating, including cargo
With careful planning and the right equipment, towing with an electric car can be a practical option for camping, moving, or recreational use.
Summary
In summary, many electric cars can be outfitted with a trailer hitch, and several popular EVs offer factory tow packages or hitch options. The key steps are to confirm your model’s specific towing rating, choose either an OEM or approved aftermarket hitch, ensure proper electrical connections, and plan for the impact on range and charging. Always consult the manufacturer’s latest specifications and have the installation performed by qualified technicians to maintain safety, warranty, and reliability.
Can you tow a trailer with an electric vehicle?
If your EV is type-approved to tow, you can pull a caravan, a trailer, or another car just as you would with a petrol or diesel car. Always check the maximum weight you can tow beforehand, and consider that your range may be reduced as the battery works harder to move more weight.
Why do EVs lose so much range when 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.
Which EVs can tow a trailer?
- 2025 GMC Hummer EV SUV. /10. C/D RATING.
- 2025 Rivian R1S. 8.5. /10.
- 2025 Tesla Model X. /10. C/D RATING.
- 2025 Lotus Eletre. 8.5. /10.
- 2025 Volvo EX90. /10. C/D RATING.
- 2025 Audi Q8 e-tron / Q8 e-tron Sportback. /10. C/D RATING.
- 2025 Audi SQ8 e-tron / SQ8 e-tron Sportback. /10. C/D RATING.
- 2025 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. /10. C/D RATING.
Can you put a tow hitch on an electric car?
More and more electric cars are coming onto the market that and are factory-fitted with a tow hitch or can be retrofitted with one. However, the heavier the hooked-up trailer, the more rapidly the vehicle's range will shrink. But this doesn't mean that camping enthusiasts can't enjoy a summer holiday in their caravan.
