As an EV enthusiast, you love the instant torque and tech gadgets that electric vehicles offer. And with more trucks and SUVs to choose from these days, you may be itching to hitch up your boat, RV, horse trailer, or race car and head for the open road. But not every EV is up to the task of towing safely or efficiently.
In this comprehensive guide designed specifically for you, my fellow EV-loving friend, I‘ll be covering all the nitty gritty details we need to evaluate when it comes to selecting an electric vehicle capable of securely towing loads – both big and small. You‘ll find:
- Key towing metrics like torque, capacity, driving range impacts
- Overview of advanced towing tech features unique to EVs
- Profiles of 10 top contenders for EV towing greatness
- Guidance to help match you with the right EV truck or SUV for your needs
Let‘s get started!
Torque is Key – But it‘s Not Everything
Instant torque is one of the prime benefits of electric motors. And when it comes to getting big loads moving from a standstill, torque is a tow vehicle‘s best friend. That constant, immediate twisting force helps accelerate thousands of pounds to highway speeds. But torque alone doesn‘t guarantee towing prowess.
Horsepower, advanced AWD systems, and vehicle stability tech also play pivotal roles. And of course, we can‘t forget about driving range, which takes a significant hit any time extra weight is in tow. But more on that in a bit…
Towing requires torque, but also horsepower and AWD traction from dual or quad motor EVs
Smart Tech That Makes Towing Easier
While our last pickup may have needed just a hitch ball and safety chains, today‘s electric trucks and tow vehicles come packed with an array of advanced technology features to make getting hitched and hauling loads safer and less stressful:
Hitch Assist Cameras – getting a trailer lined up perfectly is now easier than parallel parking thanks clear, high-res cameras that give you multiple angles of your hitch and surroundings. No more guessing or yelling directions – just seamless views.
Trailer Light Check – quickly verify all running lights, turn signals and brake lights with a visual display showing real-time operation without helpers waving their arms in the rain.
Range Impact Simulation – input your trailer details like weight and aero profile then instantly see impacts to driving range, power consumption, and required charging stops for a trip. Extremely helpful when route planning.
Trailer Sway Control – uses stability control and adjustable suspension settings to counteract dangerous fishtailing motion – especially useful in windy conditions.
Advanced EV towing tech takes much uncertainty and stress out of getting heavy loads down the road. Now let‘s see how much that load impacts just how far down the road you can go…
Be Realistic About Range Impacts
Before hitching up and heading out for adventure, please make peace with the inevitable reality that towing will slash your expected driving range, perhaps by 50% or more depending on conditions.
Why such a massive hit? It comes down to physics – more weight and wind resistance drain substantially more battery power with every mile traveled. Efficiency drops fast.
But with smart planning around regular charging stops and some buffer to stay below max tow ratings, you can absolutely still road trip and tow successfully with an EV that fits your lifestyle.
Here‘s a look at expected towing range impacts on a few popular electric SUVs:
| EV Model | Max Range | Range Towing 3500 lb Trailer | Range Hit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y | 358 mi | 165 mi | -54% |
| Ford Mustang Mach E | 211 mi | 107 mi | -49% |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | 260 mi | 130 mi | -50% |
Towing slashes range considerably – plan more frequent charging stops
Now that you‘ve got the scoop on the key tech and trends, let‘s move on to showcase some of the new pack leading the way when it comes to the best EVs for towing…
Here are 10 Top-Ranked Electric Vehicles for Towing
With electric motors delivering instant torque from 0 RPM, increased selection of trucks and SUVs, plus all the latest supporting tow technologies, there have never been more zero-emission options for securely towing your toys and gear.
Let‘s showcase the 10 best and brightest:
| EV Truck/SUV | Price | Tow Rating | Torque | Max Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivian R1T | $73,000 | 11,000 lbs | 829 lb-ft | 314 miles |
| GMC Hummer EV | $108,700 | 7,500 lbs | 1,000 lb-ft | 329 miles |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $41,769 | 10,000 lbs* | 775 lb-ft | 320 miles |
(**expected real world max tow rating lower than claims)
Rivian R1T
Rivian‘s first pickup brings efficient luxury touches with rugged off-road performance. The quad-motor AWD design helps delivers surefooted traction across loose terrain – keeping overlanders safely headed down the trail.
With up to 11,000 lbs max tow rating plus storage for gear and tools, the R1T is ready for work and play.
Average range expectations while towing heavy loads:
- Towing 5,000 lbs: Approximately 225 mile range
- Towing 11,000 lbs: Approximately 125 mile range
That covers the key highlights of my top EV towing picks. Let‘s wrap it up with some parting thoughts…
Key Takeaways – Matching Your Needs to the Right EV
With this comprehensive guide detailing the technologies, capabilities, and models able to handle towing duties, you now have the background needed to evaluate options and select the best electric truck or SUV for your specific needs.
As you search inventory and test drive EVs, be sure to assess:
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Your typical towing load – a small teardrop trailer? A boat? Race car and trailer? What capacity and features do you need? Get the minimum capacity recommended for your heaviest planned towed load.
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Torque – prioritize models with maximum torque output to get loads moving with authority
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Tech features – consider trucks equipped with towing-focused tech like hitch cameras, trailer brake controls, sway prevention for added confidence
By taking the time to properly match your budget, usage case and preferences to the right EV truck or SUV, you‘ll enjoy many happy miles towing toys and making memories on roads both paved and unpaved. Any questions on your shortlist of choices? Just let me know!
