Has the dream of towing with\u00a0electric vehicles\u00a0come true? For instance, we know EVs can serve up instantaneous acceleration from any speed without an internal combustion engine\u2019s need to spool up to deliver power. Indeed, even a slow EV can have impressive torque. We also know that many EVs are currently rated for towing. But should we consider owning or leasing an electric vehicle if towing is our priority?\u00a0<\/p>\n
To answer all these questions, we\u2019ve compiled this electric vehicle towing guide to sort through the pros and cons in all areas of EV towing.<\/p>\n
Also see<\/strong>: New Ram electric pickup can get up to 500 miles on a charge, go 0-60 in 4.4 seconds<\/p>\n The bigger question remains: Does good acceleration translate into the ability to tow a heavy load?\u00a0Because electric trucks are flooding the market, you may consider trading in your gasoline or diesel truck for an electric vehicle. After all, exciting new EV trucks from tech startups Rivian So why not make the jump? There\u2019s lots of power with zero tailpipe emissions, suggesting a guilt-free utility experience. Even still, we recommend heavy haulers should not yet send their workhorse trucks out to pasture.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s a look at what automakers estimate as to the top towing rating for several electric trucks that are either on sale or on their way:<\/p>\n See<\/strong>: Tesla\u2019s Cybertruck delayed again\u2014when will we see it?<\/p>\n Bollinger, Canoo See<\/strong>: Canoo dig it? Startup\u2019s EV looks like a cross between a city bus and a space pod<\/p>\n But it\u2019s not only electric trucks that can tow. Many current\u00a0electric cars\u00a0offer towing capabilities. Those include:<\/p>\n Even though electric cars and SUVs offer towing capacity, it does not mean you should tow with them due to battery drain events like hot weather and more. You can read about the events below.<\/p>\n Aftermarket firms make trailer hitches for many electric cars, including the\u00a0Nissan Leaf,\u00a0Ford Mustang Mach-E, and\u00a0Chevrolet Bolt EV. However, car manufacturers still do not recommend using those specific vehicles to tow trailers.<\/p>\n It\u2019s no mystery that a significant increase in weight means the electric motor will need to work harder to lug that trailer. In some cases, it weighs more than double the towing vehicle. But there are plenty of other power vampires electric vehicles contend with when towing.<\/p>\n With a gasoline or diesel engine, there is more consumption of fuel. The same principle applies to electric vehicles in battery depletion. And the only way to add a substantial charge to an electric car is to plug it into a charger. Even the most\u00a0rapid chargers\u00a0take longer to replenish a battery than a fuel station takes to fill up.<\/p>\n Electric vehicles feature\u00a0regenerative brakes\u00a0that recapture energy during the stopping process. The recaptured energy can indeed provide a trickle to the battery pack. Even the extra heat produced by braking a heavier vehicle and trailer offers only a tiny amount of replenished power.<\/p>\n But as with any towing situation, numerous factors can help drain energy from a battery, including:<\/p>\n A loaded-up trailer means more work for the electric motor. Less is more when it comes to battery life.<\/p>\n Adding passengers or a\u00a0bed full of cargo\u00a0translates into more weight for the truck to pull around. That weight results in a harder-working motor and more battery usage.<\/p>\n An electric vehicle operates best at around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, with notable declines in hotter and colder weather.<\/p>\n Using the air, heater, or other accessories will reduce range.<\/p>\n While going downhill for extended stretches can recharge the battery, climbing grades means a harder-working motor. Unfortunately, going up a 1,000-foot grade and descending does not equal net-zero consumption.\u00a0<\/p>\nTowing capacity of electric trucks\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n RIVN,
\n
\n and Tesla
\n TSLA,
\n
\n plus legacy GM
\n GM,
\n
\n and Ford
\n F,
\n
\n have recently been added.<\/p>\nElectric trucks of the present and near-future<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
Electric trucks still to come<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n GOEV,
\n
\n and Lordstown
\n RIDE,
\n
\n may not be household names, but all three startups plan to offer electric trucks soon. Here\u2019s a look at those and others planned.<\/p>\n\n
\n TM,
\n
\n Tacoma EV<\/strong>: TBD<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nTowing capacity of electric cars and SUVs<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n PSNY,
\n
\n 2<\/strong>: up to 2,000 pounds<\/p>\n<\/li>\nElectric cars not recommended for towing\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
The challenges of electric vehicle towing\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Power drain<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Regenerative brakes drain\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Trailer weight\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Payload<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Weather variables<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Heating\/air conditioning and other accessories draw<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Hills and mountains<\/strong><\/h4>\n