Towing with an electric vehicle

Towing with an Electric Vehicle: What You Need to Know

As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular, many drivers are wondering how these vehicles perform when towing trailers, boats, or campers. Traditionally, internal combustion engine vehicles have dominated the towing market due to their power and long-range capabilities. However, with advancements in EV technology, many electric vehicles are now capable of towing, and some do so impressively.

But how does towing with an electric vehicle differ from using a gas-powered one? Let’s dive into the details of towing with EVs, including the benefits, challenges, and tips for making the most of your electric towing experience.

1. Can Electric Vehicles Tow?

Yes, many electric vehicles are designed with towing capabilities. Several EVs, including trucks like the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning, as well as SUVs like the Tesla Model X, come with tow ratings comparable to many gas-powered vehicles. These vehicles offer impressive torque from their electric motors, which helps them tow heavy loads with ease.

Here are a few EVs that can tow:

Rivian R1T: Towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds.
Tesla Model X: Towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.
Ford F-150 Lightning: Towing capacity of up to 10,000 pounds.
Audi e-tron: Towing capacity of up to 4,000 pounds.

The key takeaway is that the ability to tow with an electric vehicle isn’t limited by the motor's strength—EVs often have more torque than their combustion-engine counterparts, which means they can handle heavy loads well. However, other factors come into play when towing with an EV, including range and efficiency.

2. How Does Towing Affect an EV’s Range?

One of the biggest concerns when towing with an EV is the effect on range. Towing a trailer or a heavy load increases the amount of energy required to move the vehicle, which, in turn, decreases the overall range. On average, towing can reduce an EV’s range by 30% to 50%, depending on factors like the load’s weight, terrain, and driving habits.

For example:

A Tesla Model X, which has a typical range of around 340 miles, could see its range drop to about 170-230 miles when towing a heavy trailer.
Similarly, the Rivian R1T, with a range of approximately 314 miles, might only cover around 160-200 miles while towing near its maximum capacity.

The exact reduction in range depends on factors such as:

Trailer weight: Heavier loads require more energy to move.
Aerodynamics: A large, boxy trailer creates more drag, further reducing range.
Speed: Higher speeds lead to more air resistance, affecting range.
Terrain: Uphill climbs and rough terrains require more energy, reducing the vehicle’s efficiency.

3. Charging Considerations While Towing

One of the challenges with towing an electric vehicle is the availability of charging stations. When towing, you may need to stop more frequently to recharge, and depending on the size of your trailer, maneuvering into a charging spot can be tricky. While charging networks are expanding rapidly, many stations are still designed with smaller, non-towing vehicles in mind.

Here are a few tips to manage charging while towing:

Plan your route: Use apps like PlugShare or the EV’s built-in navigation system to plan your trip with charging stops that can accommodate a trailer.
Detach the trailer: In some cases, it may be easier to unhitch the trailer before charging, especially if the station layout doesn't accommodate larger vehicles.
Choose fast chargers: DC fast chargers can significantly reduce downtime, allowing you to get back on the road quicker. Look for charging stations along highways that support high-speed charging.

4. The Advantages of Towing with an Electric Vehicle

While towing with an electric vehicle presents some challenges, it also offers several unique advantages:

Instant torque: EVs produce maximum torque from a standstill, making it easier to start moving with a heavy load or navigate steep inclines.
Smooth acceleration: The smooth power delivery of an electric motor provides a more seamless towing experience, especially when compared to the shifting gears of traditional trucks.
Lower maintenance: EVs have fewer moving parts, which means less maintenance overall. There's no need to worry about oil changes, transmission issues, or exhaust systems.
Regenerative braking: Most electric vehicles use regenerative braking, which captures energy when you slow down and feeds it back into the battery. When towing, this can help offset some of the range reduction, especially on downhill stretches.

5. Challenges of Towing with an Electric Vehicle

Towing with an EV can also present some challenges:

Range anxiety: The range reduction when towing means you’ll need to be more conscious of where and when you charge, particularly on long trips.
Charging infrastructure: While public charging stations are increasing, not all are designed with trailers or large vehicles in mind, making some charging sessions more difficult.
Payload limits: In addition to towing capacity, it’s important to consider the vehicle’s payload limit, which includes passengers and cargo. Exceeding these limits can affect handling and safety.

6. Tips for Towing with an Electric Vehicle

If you’re planning to tow with an EV, here are some tips to ensure a smoother experience:

Know your vehicle’s towing limits: Make sure your EV can handle the load you plan to tow. This includes checking both the maximum towing capacity and the payload limit.
Factor in range reductions: Plan for fewer miles per charge and identify charging stations along your route.
Adjust driving style: Drive at lower speeds to reduce wind resistance, and take advantage of regenerative braking when possible.
Monitor battery levels carefully: Use the EV’s onboard tools to track energy consumption and range estimates, and be mindful of weather conditions and terrain, which can impact efficiency.
Optimize trailer aerodynamics: If possible, use a trailer with better aerodynamic properties, as this can reduce drag and improve range.

Conclusion

Towing with an electric vehicle is entirely feasible, thanks to advancements in EV technology. While towing does impact range and presents some logistical challenges around charging, the benefits of smooth, powerful, and eco-friendly towing make EVs an appealing choice for drivers who need both utility and sustainability. By understanding the limitations and planning ahead, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—electric driving and towing capability.

As electric vehicles continue to evolve, we can expect even more towing-friendly EV options to hit the market, with longer ranges and better charging infrastructure making it easier than ever to tow with electricity.