Some electric vehicles, particularly the truck varieties, boast impressive towing specs.
For instance, EVspecs.org notes that the Chevrolet Silverado EV 3WT has a max towing capacity of 12,000 pounds. Meanwhile, the Rivian R1T Quad-Motor AWD Max Pack, Tesla Cybertruck AWD, and Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast can each tow around 11,000 pounds.
But those specs can be deceiving since towing slashes the range between charges.
Here are 16 things to consider before towing with your EV. You might think twice.
Towing Will Slash Range
A test reported by J.D. Power shows that an EV with a range of 229 miles without a trailer saw its range drop to 99 miles when pulling a trailer weighing 2,250 pounds. Unless you have a short trip, the drop in range while towing with an EV can make for a painfully long trip.
Carrying Things in the Truck Bed Will Lower the Range
Even if the electric truck you buy has an impressive payload rating, that spec will come at the expense of range. A heavy cargo load will force the EV to work harder and drain the battery.
Going to the Gas Station Will Be a Chore
You’ll find it more challenging to charge an EV if you’re towing a trailer. Most EV charging stations aren’t designed for EV owners towing trailers. You might find a few options at Tesla Superchargers. Otherwise, you might have to unhook your trailer in a safe location, go to a charger, and then connect the trailer to the trailer hitch again. It’ll be a royal pain.
Road-Tripping Will Be Epically Tedious
Even if you have a fast-charging EV, road trips will take longer with an EV than a traditional vehicle. But driving an EV with compromised range due to towing will mean more stops at EV charging stations. Remember that it’s harder to find EV chargers accommodating motorists towing trailers. So, you had better have a ton of patience.
Using Climate Control Will Drain the Range
According to one source, blasting the AC on a hot day can slash an EV’s range by up to 17%. And that doesn’t even include the adverse impact towing will have on the range.
Planning Short Trips Makes the Most Sense
If you want a pickup and have your heart set on an EV, go for it. But it’ll make sense if you don’t tow with it or only tow for short distances. You should be okay as long as you understand that towing decimates the range and are okay with that.
Towing Smaller Trailers With Less Weight Is Best
While towing will lower the range, you might not mind as much if towing a small trailer with minimal weight. So, it’s about knowing your needs and deciding if towing with an EV is doable.
Towing Other EVs Must Be Done Safely
Yes, you can tow another EV. But put the EV being towed on a flatbed trailer. Using a tow dolly — where two wheels are on the road — isn’t a good idea. If two wheels are on the road, they will generate power that the EV can’t use. That could ruin the battery.
Leaving the Truck Bed Uncovered Will Ding the Range
According to a report on Car and Driver, there was a 10% increase in battery power consumption when driving an EV truck with the truck bed open versus with the tonneau cover in place. So, while that’s not a massive range hit, it’s a range hit nonetheless.
Choosing Bigger Tires Reduces Range
Bigger tires will reduce range. While that’s true, it’s also true that larger tires can offer better handling and traction. That could make it easier to tow a larger trailer on challenging terrain.
Towing With a Traditional Vehicle Might Be Best
If you want an EV, fine. But it might make more sense to have multiple vehicles if that’s the case. You can enjoy your EV and use a traditional truck or SUV for long-distance towing.
Selecting the Right EV for Towing Can Work Wonders
Some EVs have more range than others. So, if you’re buying one intending to tow with it, focus long and hard on the specs. You’ll want something with great range so that — even when towing — you can still travel acceptable distances between stops at charging stations.
Driving Downhill Boosts Energy Efficiency
Your route can help or hinder your range when towing with an EV. Does your route involve a lot of downhill driving? If so, you’ll get better energy efficiency and tap into regenerative braking.
Towing With Your EV Can Be Hard on Your Tires
Even if you take towing out of the equation, EVs tend to run through tires faster than comparable internal combustion engine vehicles. On the one hand, EVs are heavy. On the other hand, EVs produce instant torque. After adding towing to the equation, you will see more tire wear and tear.
Getting a Plug-In Hybrid EV Is Worth Considering
A plug-in hybrid, which combines an EV battery and a gas engine, could be a more suitable towing vehicle than a fully electric EV. A plug-in hybrid’s electric-only range might only be 40 to 50 miles. But that range combined with the gas tank could add up to 400, 500, or 600 miles. So, a plug-in hybrid can be a better option if towing is on the agenda.
Choosing a More Aerodynamic Trailer Will Help
Don’t just think about the size of your trailer. Look for one that is aerodynamic. That can make a tangible difference in the range department.
Towing With an EV Is Possible — But There Are Some Things to Consider First
If you want to tow with an EV, consider these 16 points. It’s possible to get an EV capable of towing. But there are things to think about beforehand to make an informed decision and avoid buyer’s remorse.
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