Heading
Yes, you can absolutely tow with an electric truck!
Gasoline trucks offer a large range of towing capacities, given the plethora of available models, ranging from small light-duty trucks to larger heavy-duty trucks. Electric trucks, on the other hand, have a more level playing field and a shared attribute of a towing capacity of 10,000 lbs or higher, considered the benchmark for a capable truck. The Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and the Tesla Cybertruck all have towing capacities above this threshold.
Electric vehicles have the added benefit of instant and significant amounts of torque, minimizing the need for ¾ ton trucks with massive, inefficient engines. In fact, despite manufacturer advice against such uses, owners of smaller EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt have found themselves towing small loads over various distances. One such example towed nearly 1,300 lbs across hundreds of miles, reporting no issues with drivability, handling, or stopping power.
It is important to keep in mind that towing with any vehicle will reduce driving range. However, electric trucks are likely impacted more than gasoline trucks, with more pronounced effects at highway speeds and extreme conditions (e.g. low temperatures). Most reports indicate a 25-50% reduction in range for electric trucks when towing significant loads at highway speeds. Similarly, for gasoline trucks, the EPA estimates a 1% reduction in fuel economy for every extra 100 lbs of weight. For a gasoline truck that normally gets 30 MPG, it can be expected to achieve 10-15 MPG when towing 10,000 lbs at highway speeds. The question then changes from “Can you tow with an electric truck?” to “Should you, in your specific situation, tow with an electric truck?” The answer to the former is obvious; the answer to the latter can only be decided by you.
Dive Deeper:
