Trystan Casey
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular, with several models now offering towing capacities comparable to their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. However, one of the primary concerns for prospective EV owners is the impact of towing on their vehicle's range. This concern is particularly relevant given the shorter ranges of EVs compared to ICE vehicles and the limited availability of charging stations. While the specific impact on range will depend on various factors, including weight, speed, trailer aerodynamics, and temperature, it is evident that towing significantly affects the range of EVs.
How does towing affect electric vehicle range?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Factors that affect range | Weight, speed, trailer aerodynamics, weather, temperature, geography, load, climate, and traffic |
| Range | The range of an electric vehicle is affected by the above factors, and can drop significantly when towing. For example, the range of the Tesla Model Y Long Range dropped from 229 miles without a trailer to 99 miles when pulling a 2,250-pound trailer. |
| Comparison with gas-powered vehicles | Towing affects the range of both electric and gas-powered vehicles, but the range of an electric vehicle is typically lower to begin with. |
| Charging | There are fewer charging stations than gas stations, and accessing a public charger with a trailer can be challenging. |
| Torque | Electric vehicles typically deliver more torque than gas models, which aids acceleration and is important when hauling a trailer. |
| Weight | The weight of the battery in an electric vehicle can provide superior handling capabilities, which is important for stability when towing. |
| Towing capacity | There are now several electric vehicles with towing capacities on par with, or better than, their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. |
| Hybrid options | Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) can be used as EVs for shorter-range trips until the gas engine kicks in, providing more range for towing. |
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What You'll Learn
The impact of speed on range
The EPA's estimated range is a good starting point, but it's important to remember that it may not be accurate for every individual's driving habits and travel routes. For example, driving at a constant 70 mph, as performed in tests by InsideEVs, will result in a different range than a mix of city and highway driving.
Additionally, speed is not the only factor that affects the range of an electric vehicle. The weight of the load being towed, the aerodynamics of the trailer, weather conditions, temperature, geography, and driving style can all impact the range. Aggressive driving, speeding, heavy cargo, inclines, and using 4-wheel drive will all reduce a vehicle’s fuel range, regardless of whether it is powered by electricity or gasoline.
Furthermore, the specific electric vehicle model also plays a role in determining the accuracy of the EPA estimate. Different electric vehicles will have different ranges and efficiency ratings, so it is important to consider the make and model when estimating the impact of speed and other factors on the overall range.
Overall, while speed is a significant factor in determining the range of an electric vehicle, it is important to consider the various other factors that can also impact the range. By understanding these factors and driving at optimal speeds, electric vehicle owners can maximize their range and make their vehicles more suitable for longer journeys.
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The effect of trailer weight
The weight of a trailer has a significant impact on the range of an electric vehicle (EV). The heavier the trailer, the greater the reduction in range. For example, the Ford F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck has a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds. While this is impressive and on par with its gasoline-powered counterparts, towing a heavy trailer can reduce the Lightning's range to just 34% of its maximum estimated range, or 109 miles.
Similarly, the Tesla Model Y Long Range experienced a significant drop in range when towing a 2,250-pound trailer, going from 229 miles without a trailer to 99 miles with the trailer. This test demonstrates the inverse relationship between trailer weight and EV range.
The weight of the trailer is not the only factor affecting range. The speed at which you drive, the aerodynamics of the trailer, and the temperature can also impact the range. For instance, driving at 75 mph can reduce the range of the F-150 Lightning to less than 80% of its potential, and colder temperatures can further negatively impact the range.
EVs have certain advantages when it comes to towing that can help mitigate the range loss due to trailer weight. EVs typically deliver more torque than gas models, which aids acceleration and is beneficial when hauling a heavy trailer. Additionally, the weight of the battery in an EV provides superior handling capabilities, which is crucial for stability when towing.
To maximize range when towing with an EV, it is recommended to watch your speed, plan your charging stops, and consider the aerodynamics and weight of the trailer. While trailer weight has a notable impact on EV range, careful planning and consideration of the above factors can help optimize your towing experience.
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Towing capacity of different EV models
The towing capacities of different EV models vary, with some capable of towing up to 11,000 pounds. When it comes to the top EV models for towing, the GMC Hummer EV boasts an impressive 7,500-pound tow rating. The BMW X5 xDrive 50e PHEV offers a maximum towing capacity of 7,200 pounds, though its gas-only model can tow up to 5,952 pounds. The Audi e-tron GT has a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, making it suitable for light towing duties like small trailers or jet skis. The Genesis Electrified GV70 has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which is slightly less than its competitors but still capable of handling lighter trailers or equipment.
The Polestar 2 models have a standard towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, which is decent for those who need to tow occasionally. The BMW iX can tow up to 2,500 kg with a braked trailer, and the Q6 e-tron, in all versions (RWD, Quattro AWD, and SQ6), can tow up to 4,400 pounds. The Ford F-150 Lightning and the upcoming Chevrolet Silverado EV claim a maximum tow rating of 10,000 pounds, while Chevy plans to increase this to 20,000 pounds later in production. The Cybertruck lineup, including the dual-motor AWD and tri-motor Cyberbeast models, has an 11,000-pound tow rating, with a payload capacity of at least 2,000 pounds.
It's worth noting that towing significantly impacts an electric vehicle's range, reducing it by 30-50%. Proper weight distribution and understanding the regenerative braking system are crucial for safe towing with EVs.
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How to maximise range when towing
The range of an electric vehicle is impacted by several factors, including weight, speed, trailer aerodynamics, weather, temperature, and geography. Here are some ways to maximise range when towing:
Watch Your Speed
While cruising on the highway at 65 mph may not significantly affect your range, increasing your speed to 75 mph can drastically reduce your range to less than 80%. Slowing down can help you maximise your range when towing.
Choose a Lighter and More Aerodynamic Trailer
The weight of the trailer you're towing has a direct impact on your EV's range. Opting for a lighter trailer or one that is more aerodynamic can help you maximise your range. For example, towing a small boat or a U-Haul trailer will likely result in a greater range compared to a larger, heavier trailer.
Plan Your Route and Charging Stops
The availability of charging stations is still a concern for EV owners. Plan your route in advance, taking into consideration the locations of charging stations. Knowing when and where you will charge can help you maximise your range and minimise downtime spent charging.
Consider a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
If you're concerned about range and charging times, a PHEV might be a good alternative. These vehicles allow you to drive shorter distances as an EV, and then the gas engine kicks in for longer trips. Some PHEVs, like the BMW X5 xDrive50e, offer a significant towing capacity of almost 6,000 pounds while providing a longer overall range.
Monitor Your Driving Habits
Aggressive driving behaviours, such as speeding, heavy acceleration, and frequent use of 4-wheel drive, can all contribute to reduced range. Adopting a more conservative driving style can help you maximise your range when towing.
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The impact of temperature on range
Temperature can have a significant impact on the range of electric vehicles (EVs). Cold temperatures, in particular, can reduce the distance an EV can travel on a single charge. This is due to several factors, including the increased resistance of cold batteries to charging, the energy required to heat the cabin and batteries, and the impact of cold weather on battery chemistry. For example, a study by AAA found that when temperatures dropped to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, the driving range of EVs was reduced by 12%. Similarly, Consumer Reports found that cold weather could sap around 25% of the range when cruising at 70 mph compared to mild weather conditions.
However, it is important to note that temperature is not the only factor influencing range. The design of the vehicle, including its weight, shape, and size, also plays a role in fuel efficiency. Additionally, driving habits, such as frequent acceleration and deceleration, can impact the range, regardless of the type of vehicle.
To mitigate the effects of cold temperatures on EV range, some measures can be taken. Pre-heating the cabin while the vehicle is still connected to a charging station, using heated seats instead of cranking the heater, and keeping the battery fully charged before setting off on a trip can all help to reduce range loss.
On the other hand, extreme heat can also negatively impact EV range, though the effects are generally less significant than those of cold weather. The use of air conditioning, for example, draws power from the battery, reducing the vehicle's range. To minimize the impact of hot weather, it is recommended to use the climate control system to cool the car while parked and charging, park in shaded areas or garages, and plan trips during cooler times of the day.
Overall, understanding the impact of temperature on EV range is crucial for owners and prospective buyers, especially those in regions with extreme climates. By being mindful of the potential range reduction in cold or hot weather, drivers can take the necessary precautions and adjustments to their driving habits to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Towing a load behind an electric vehicle will reduce its range. The extent of the reduction depends on factors such as weight, speed, trailer aerodynamics, weather, temperature, and geography.
Towing affects the range of both electric and gas-powered vehicles. However, electric vehicles typically start with a lower range than their gas-powered counterparts, so the impact of towing may be more noticeable.
Driving at higher speeds can significantly reduce the range of a towing electric vehicle. For example, cruising on a highway at 75 mph can drop the range of an F-150 Lightning to less than 80% of its potential.
Yes, there are several electric vehicles on the market with towing capacities on par with gas-powered vehicles. For example, the Ford F-150 Lightning has a towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, and the Tesla Semi has a towing range of 500 miles when fully loaded.
To maximize the range of your electric vehicle while towing, you can drive at lower speeds, use a lighter and more aerodynamic trailer, and utilize features like battery pre-conditioning and navigation systems to minimize charging downtime.
