Wiktor Wise
Electric vehicles (EVs) are not known for their towing capabilities, and their energy capacity is often cited as the limiting factor. The current state of battery technology means that only so much energy can be stored in a package that's not too big for a passenger car. Towing puts additional strain on an EV's battery system, and as a result, the regenerative braking system may need to work differently. The range of an EV is also affected by weight, speed, trailer aerodynamics, weather, temperature, and geography. For example, cruising at 75 mph can drop the range of an F-150 Lightning to less than 80% of its potential. However, as EV technology advances and demand for towing capabilities grows, manufacturers are increasingly certifying their vehicles for towing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Towing capacity | 2,500 kg (BMW iX with braked trailer), 7,500 pounds (GMC Hummer EV), 10,000 pounds (Ford F-150 Lightning), 11,000 pounds (Rivian R1T), 20,000 pounds (Chevrolet Silverado EV, in future production runs) |
| Range | Affected by weight, speed, trailer aerodynamics, weather, temperature, and geography. An open trailer can decrease range to 56% of its potential, while a large 7,700-lb SAE trailer can reduce it to 40%. Cruising at 75 mph can drop range to less than 80%. |
| Charging | Requires a half-hour or more to recharge, which is longer than refueling a conventional gas or diesel vehicle. Charging stations may be inconveniently located. |
| Instant torque delivery | Electric vehicles deliver torque smoothly and seamlessly, making them well-suited for towing. |
| Cooling systems | Electric vehicles designed for towing may have improved cooling systems to increase towing capacity. |
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What You'll Learn
Towing capacity
When it comes to electric vehicles (EVs), towing capacity can vary compared to their gas-powered counterparts. While EVs can technically handle towing, some are not certified to do so by their manufacturers, who may prioritise maximising range figures over towing capabilities. However, as EV technology advances and demand for towing capabilities increases, more manufacturers are certifying their vehicles for towing.
The towing capacity of an EV is influenced by factors such as weight, speed, and trailer aerodynamics. The type of trailer being towed also plays a role, with braked trailers having their own braking system and allowing for higher towing capacity, while unbraked trailers lack their own brakes and have a lower maximum weight limit.
EVs with strong towing capabilities include the GMC Hummer EV, capable of towing up to 7,500 pounds, and the Rivian R1T, which can tow up to 11,000 pounds. The Ford F-150 Lightning and the Chevrolet Silverado EV claim a maximum towing capacity of 10,000 pounds, while the upcoming Chevrolet Cybertruck is expected to offer a towing capacity of over 7,500 pounds.
It is important to note that towing can significantly impact the range of an EV. Factors such as weather, temperature, geography, and speed can contribute to a reduction in range, with some users reporting significant decreases in electric range while towing. Additionally, the regenerative braking system of an EV may function differently when towing, further impacting the vehicle's range and efficiency.
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Range impact
The range of an electric vehicle is significantly affected by towing. The energy density of electric cars is a limiting factor in their ability to tow long distances. The current state of battery technology means that only a certain amount of energy can be stored in a package that is suitable for a passenger car. As a result, today's electric cars, regardless of make, are not ideal for towing.
The range of an electric vehicle is impacted by several factors, including weight, speed, and trailer aerodynamics. The type of trailer being towed also has an impact. For example, according to Ford's estimates, an open trailer can reduce the range of an F-150 Lightning to 56% of its potential, while a large 7,700-lb SAE trailer can reduce it to just 40%. Maxing out the Lightning's towing capacity may result in only 34% of its maximum estimated range, or 109 miles.
Similarly, the Tesla Model X's range is significantly impacted by towing. The Model X's 100-kWh battery pack is currently the largest energy storage capacity of any production EV. When a trailer is added, that range decreases significantly. The impact of towing on range is further exacerbated when ancillary systems like HVAC are used, as they draw additional power from the battery.
Additionally, extreme temperatures can have a more pronounced effect on the range of electric trucks compared to gasoline-powered vehicles. This is an important consideration when towing, as the additional load can increase the strain on the battery and reduce the range even further.
To maximise range when towing with an electric vehicle, it is important to maintain a moderate speed. For example, cruising on the highway at 65 mph may not significantly affect the estimated range, but increasing the speed to 75 mph can result in a precipitous drop in range, to less than 80%. Planning charging stops carefully for longer journeys is also essential when towing with an electric vehicle.
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Charging infrastructure
The current charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs) is a key factor in the feasibility of towing with EVs. While it is technically possible to tow with an EV, the limited range and long recharging times of these vehicles can make towing impractical for long distances.
The range of an EV is significantly reduced when towing, with some sources estimating a decrease of 30-50% in normal range. This range reduction is influenced by various factors, including the weight of the trailer, speed, and aerodynamics. For example, an open trailer can decrease the range of a Ford F-150 Lightning to 56% of its potential, while a large 7,700-lb trailer can reduce it to just 40%. Extreme temperatures, which affect electric trucks more than gasoline trucks, can further exacerbate this issue.
The charging infrastructure for EVs currently consists primarily of charging stations located in parking lots. The process of charging involves pulling into a parking space, plugging in, and waiting for the battery to recharge. This recharge time can take 30 minutes or more, depending on the level of battery drain. In contrast, refuelling a conventional gas or diesel vehicle is quicker and more convenient, as it does not require detaching any towed load and gas stations are more commonly available.
To maximise range while towing with an EV, it is crucial to adopt strategies such as maintaining a slower speed and planning charging stops carefully. Additionally, utilising features like battery pre-conditioning, which ensures the battery can receive a charge at the fastest possible rate, can help minimise downtime during charging. Knowing the locations of charging stations and selecting them in the vehicle's navigation system can also enhance charging efficiency.
As EV technology advances, improvements in energy capacity and the increasing number of manufacturers focusing on towing capabilities will likely lead to more practical options for towing with EVs.
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Instant torque delivery
Electric vehicles (EVs) have several unique characteristics that make them well-suited for towing. One of these is instant torque delivery. Unlike petrol or diesel engines, electric motors deliver 100% torque at 0 RPM, which means they can provide instant power when you need it. This is especially useful when towing, as it provides a smooth, seamless towing experience and helps to improve acceleration, even when carrying a heavy load.
The instant torque of EVs also has benefits for off-road driving and towing. When traversing rough terrain, instant torque can provide the necessary power to overcome obstacles and navigate challenging conditions. This can be advantageous when towing equipment or vehicles in off-road settings, such as at construction sites or off-road camping trips.
Furthermore, instant torque delivery in EVs can help to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. The ability to deliver full torque instantly means that EVs can accelerate quickly and maintain speed without requiring high RPMs, which can lead to more efficient energy usage and potentially extend the vehicle's range.
While instant torque delivery is a significant advantage of EVs for towing, it is important to consider other factors that can impact the overall towing experience. These include the weight of the load, speed, trailer aerodynamics, and external conditions such as weather, temperature, and geography. Proper trip planning and understanding the limitations of your EV's towing capacity are crucial for a successful towing experience.
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Aerodynamics
The weight and aerodynamics of a trailer can significantly affect the overall efficiency of an electric vehicle. For instance, a boxy trailer or caravan trailing an electric car will have an adverse effect on aerodynamics and, therefore, the range. The range of an electric vehicle is dependent on the vehicle's displayed efficiency and its battery capacity.
A trailer can kill the driving range of an electric vehicle. For example, the F-150 Lightning's range can drop to 56% of its potential with an open trailer, and to 40% with a large 7,700-lb SAE trailer. Similarly, the Rivian R1T's range is expected to decrease by approximately 50% when towing a 7,000-pound trailer. The weight of the trailer is not the only factor that affects the range of an electric vehicle; the aerodynamics of the trailer also plays a crucial role.
The aerodynamics of a trailer can affect the range of an electric vehicle by increasing the drag force acting on the vehicle. This additional drag force requires more power from the electric motor to maintain the same speed, which, in turn, increases the energy consumption and reduces the range.
Additionally, the speed of an electric vehicle can also affect its range when towing. For example, cruising on the highway at 65 mph barely affects the EPA range estimates for the F-150 Lightning, but cruising at 75 mph can drop the range to less than 80%.
While electric vehicles can tow, they may not be practical tow vehicles until their energy capacity increases. However, some electric vehicles, such as the BMW iX eDrive40, the Tesla Model X, and the Ford F-150 Lightning, offer impressive towing capacities.
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Frequently asked questions
The range of an electric vehicle is affected by weight, speed, and trailer aerodynamics. For example, according to Ford’s trailer impact estimates, an open trailer can drop the Lightning’s range to 56% of its potential, while a large 7,700-lb SAE trailer can reduce it to 40%. Extreme temperatures can also impact electric vehicles more than gasoline-powered vehicles.
Electric vehicles have a lower payload capacity than gasoline-powered vehicles because the chassis of an electric vehicle already carries a lot of weight from electric motors and battery packs. For example, the electric Ford F-150 Lightning has a maximum payload capacity of 2,000 pounds, while a regular F-150 with a V8 engine has a maximum payload capacity of 3,325 pounds.
To maximize the range of your electric vehicle when towing, watch your speed. For example, cruising on the highway at 65 mph barely affects the EPA range estimates for the F-150 Lightning, but cruising at 75 mph can drop the range to less than 80%. You should also plan your charging stops carefully for longer journeys.
