Hey there! Have you ever considered towing a trailer or RV with an electric vehicle? I know the idea may sound strange if you‘re used to the roar of diesel trucks for all your towing needs. But today‘s EVs are surprisingly capable when it comes to hauling toys and gear!
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll explore key factors to weigh when selecting an electric tow vehicle, highlight top EV models with impressive tow ratings, and provide real-world insights from EV owners‘ towing adventures. You‘ll learn all about:
- How torquey electric motors perform under load
- Driving range impacts and charging considerations
- Specific EVs equipped for serious towing duty
- Common mistakes rookie EV towers make
Let‘s hitch things up and dive in!
How Do Electric Vehicles Perform When Towing?
EVs actually offer some inherent advantages over gas vehicles when pulling heavy loads:
Instant Torque – Electric motors provide 100% of their torque output instantly. This allows smooth acceleration even when towing heavy trailers that would strain gas engines.
Low Center of Gravity – Heavy battery packs mounted low on the chassis improve stability and reduce sway when towing.
But there are some key limitations to factor as well before hitching up!
Range Impacts – Towing dramatic cuts driving range by up to 50%. Careful charging stop planning is essential.
Charge Times – Recharging EV batteries takes longer than a gas fill-up. DC fast charging helps but adds stops.
Max Tow Ratings – Electric pickups and SUVs maximum tow capacities still lag behind the most robust gas trucks.
In general, modern EVs make excellent light and mid-size recreational tow rigs. Understanding their capabilities and limitations enables smart pairings of electric vehicles and trailers.
Key Specs: EV Tow Ratings, Range, Pricing
When selecting an electric tow vehicle, there are a few key specifications to consider beyond just max tow rating:
| Model | Drive | Tow Rating | Range | 0-60 mph | Torque | Base Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivian R1T | AWD | 11,000 lbs | 314 mi | 3.0s | 908 lb-ft | $73,000 |
| Ford F150 Lightning | AWD | 10,000 lbs | 320 mi | 4.5s | 775 lb-ft | $48,000 |
| Rivian R1S | AWD | 7,700 lbs | 316 mi | 3.0s | 835 lb-ft | $78,000 |
| Bollinger B2 | AWD | 7,500 lbs | 200 mi | 4.5s | 668 lb-ft | $125,000 |
Towing range approximately 50% of max range
Having overviews of key specs in one spot allows you to quickly compare models. Let‘s explore some top electric tow vehicles further.
Rivian R1T – King of Electric Truck Towing
The Rivian R1T pickup boasts an incredible max tow rating of 11,000 pounds – among the highest capacities from ANY production pickup truck. Its quad-motor AWD powertrain produces a mammoth 908 lb-ft of torque, enabling this EV truck to confidently haul massive loads.
Owners have reported only 10-15% range loss when towing close to its max rating. That allows for nearly 200 miles of tow range from R1T‘s 314 mile max range. DC fast charging support for long road trips.
Open the R1T‘s gear tunnel storage and you‘ll find a handy built-in camp kitchen! Roll into your off-grid basecamp ready for adventure.
I expect the R1T to hold the electric truck towing crown for years to come. Rivian is quickly cementing itself as a leader in the future of sustainable adventure transportation.
Ford F-150 Lightning – Familiar Favorite Goes Electric
The legendary Ford F-150 pickup requires no introduction. For 2023, this American icon goes fully electric while keeping MAX tow ratings of 10,000 pounds.
Two electric motors in the Lightning feed a sizable 775 lb-ft of torque, while the extended range battery aims to deliver 300 miles of towing range. DC fast charging supported.
Early production hiccups have prevented in-depth tow testing so far. But I expect Ford‘s years of truck expertise will translate well to this EV iteration of their golden goose.
The Lightning brings a trusted household name and accessible price point starting under $50,000. Exciting move by Ford into the expanding electric truck market!
Real-World – EV Towing Range & Charging Stops
Towing range anxiety still scares many prospective EV towers. But by following a few best practices, smooth electric towing adventures await!
DC fast charging networks continue expanding quickly, with chargers delivering 60-100+ miles of range in 15-20 minutes. This enables EV trip planning quite similar to gas fill-ups.
Brenden towed his 5000 lb travel trailer on a 400 mile weekend trip in his Tesla Model X. He stopped every 1.5-2 hours to add ~100 miles of charge. Shorter fast charging stops than rest breaks!
Room for improvement still exists, but convenient long-distance EV towing is here. Apps like PlugShare locate compatible chargers anywhere. Try it yourself!
EV Towing – mistakes to avoid
Having conversed with many experienced EV towers (and some rookies), a few common mistakes seem to trip up first-timers:
Insufficient range buffer – Max tow range doesn‘t equal max trip distance. Leave a 50+ mile buffer minimum in case plans change.
Not accounting for terrain – Tow range drops substantially in hilly or mountainous areas. Adjust route and charging plans accordingly.
Assuming alleys can handle trailers – The turning radii of trailers make alley access impossible in many urban areas with chargers.
Using public charging etiquette – Leave chargers once your session finishes, making room for other EVs to fast charge.
Following a few basic best practices helps ensure smooth electric towing trips!
The Takeaway
Electric vehicles offer some unique advantages when utilized for towing within their capabilities – instant torque for powering out of corners while towing, low centers of gravity for stability, and smoother deliveries of power.
While max tow ratings continue trailing the heaviest gas 3/4 and 1-ton trucks, electric pickups and SUVs make excellent tow vehicles for light and mid-size recreational trailers. Careful pre-trip planning and smart charging stop routing enable long-distance towing journeys.
As battery tech and fast charging infrastructure continue rapidly improving, EV towing ranges and capacities will only increase. Electric motors instant torque perfectly suits trailering needs. Hitch up and go electric – you may never go back!
Let me know if you have any other questions about towing with electric vehicles!
Ryan
