List Of Electric Vehicles Towing Capacity

Last updated on February 17th, 2023 at 12:46 pm

The primary concern of EV manufacturers is striking a balance between environmental and performance factors. 

Today, automobile makers utilize every skill to release new EV models with outstanding towing capabilities. EV towing is becoming a more significant business of the day than it is.

Introducing the GMC Hummer EV on the streets in late 2022 is a step forward. 

You might see more towing capability and rugged electric vehicles hitting most dealers’ lots sooner than later. It is vital to remember that most vehicles, even gasoline pickup trucks, need to be equipped to tow anything. 

Many EVs, like Tesla Model Y, require a towing package such as a hitch and software patches to withstand the strain of towing. 

This guide will answer these typical queries ranging from; can electric vehicles be used to tow trailers or other heavy loads? What is the towing capacity of popular electric vehicle models? How does the towing capacity of electric vehicles compare to that of gas-powered cars? Are there any electric vehicle models with high towing capacity? 

Can the towing capacity of an electric vehicle be increased with modifications; how does the towing capacity of an electric vehicle compare to that of a hybrid vehicle? Can electric vehicles be used to tow boats, other watercraft, and more?

Be patient; let’s get started right away!

Can Electric Vehicles Be Used To Tow Trailers Or Other Heavy Loads?

The simple answer is YES and, at the same time, NO. Suppose electric vehicles have a high towing capacity; they can tow trailers or other heavy loads. 

For instance, the 2022 GMC Hummer EV, with a towing capacity of 7500 pounds, can tow trailers or other heavy loads. 

However, most EV models have impressive rated capacities and compare favorably to petrol or gasoline vehicles. 

Conversely, electric vehicle models with less towing capacities wouldn’t tow trailers or other heavy loads. Consequently, towing affects the battery pack’s lifespan, the vehicle’s range, and efficiency. 

To this end, it depends on the model of the electric car. Always check your manufacturer’s guide for the towing capacity of your EV.

What Is The Towing Capacity Of Popular Electric Vehicle Models?

The towing capacity of popular electric vehicle models is the amount of weight an EV model can safely tow. 

You will find this information listed in your manufacturer’s manual. The towing capacity of the popular electric vehicle models differs by brand and model. 

However, they presently have a towing capacity range of 300kg (661 lb) to 6350 kg (13999 lb).

In as much, the towing capacity of an EV doesn’t stop at the numbers given by the manufacturers, but it is a starting point. 

It is up to you, the owner, to carefully note what you carry in terms of additional weight.

How Does The Towing Capacity Of Electric

 Vehicles Compare To That Of Gas-Powered Cars?

The towing capacity of the EVs is excellent but inconsistent with time due to loss of range as the battery would lose energy. 

As a result, most electric vehicles are suitable for towing, especially compared to their gas-powered counterparts. 

This comparison is because the electric motor in the EVs gives instant torque that is good for towing. 

As such, electric motors would deliver full power, while gas-powered cars rev up before they do so. In this case, when towing with EVs, they have a limited driving range that would be due to longer distances. 

But gas-powered cars would provide a consistent towing capacity more than EVs. 

Are There Any Electric Vehicle Models With High Towing Capacity?

Of course, yes! There are electric vehicle models with high towing capacity. 

These EVs have towing capacities comparable to that of internal combustion engines. And they are;

Tesla Cybertruck Tri motor is with a towing capacity of 13,999 lb or 6350kg, Rivan R1T Dual-Motor AWD Large Pack with a towing capacity of 4990 kg or 11001 lb, and Rivan R1T Quad-Motor ADW Large Pack with towing of 4990 kg or 11001 lb and to mention but a few.

Can The Towing Capacity Of An Electric Vehicle Be Increased With Modifications?

The simple answer is NO! The introduction of modifications such as trailer hitches on some EVs to make them tow or increase their towing capacity couldn’t have been more significant.

 However, towing reduces an EV’s battery range by closer to 50%. Modifying your EV with the battery range problem would only do a little if the battery pack can provide more power. 

It would be wise to understand the towing capacity of the EV, or you should tow with EVs of higher towing capacity.

How Does The Towing Capacity Of An Electric Vehicle Compare To That Of A Hybrid Vehicle?

 

An EV has impressive power and instant torque to accelerate with trailers or heavy loads. Their main problem, when compared with the Hybrid vehicle, is the most reduction in the maximum driving range. 

This loss in kinetic energy overwhelms the electrical system and could damage the electric powertrain. 

However, unlike the Hybrid vehicle, the electric motor can constantly switch to a gasoline engine when it loses its battery range. 

To this end, the Hybrid would still function and provide a continuous towing capacity as a gas engine. Towing with a Hybrid is an excellent option over some EVs.

Remember that manufacturers have specially designed EVs with high towing capacity than some of their Hybrid counterparts. Ensure to get a good brand and model for yourself and your business.

Can Electric Vehicles Be Used To Tow Boats Or Other Watercraft?

Yes, electric vehicles can tow boats or other watercraft, but it depends on the towing capacity. However, any EV towing capacity ranging from 3000 kg and above can tow boats or other watercraft.

List Of Electric Vehicles Towing Capacity?

Check out the list of most popular EVs with towing capacity;

S/N	Popular Electric Car Model	Towing Capacity
1.	Tesla Cybertruck Tri-Motor	13999 lb or 6350 kg
2.	Rivian R1T Dual-Motor ADW Large Pack	11001 lb 0r 4990 kg
3.	Rivian R1T Qual-Motor ADW Large Pack	11001 lb or 4990 kg
4.	Ford F-150 Lightning Extended Range	10000 lb or 4536 kg
5.	Tesla Cybertruck Dual-Motor	10000 lb or 4536 kg
6.	Ford F-150 lightning Extended Range	7701 lb or 3493 kg
7.	GMC Hummer EV Pickup EV3X	7500 lb or 3402 kg
8.	BMW iX xDrive50	5512 lb or 2500 kg
9.	BMW iX xDrive40	5512 lb or 2500 kg
10.	Tesla Model X Plaid	5000 lb or 2268 kg
11.	Tesla Model X	5000 lb or 2268 kg
12.	Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor Performance Pack	4850 lb or 2200 kg
13.	Volvo EX90 Twin Motor Performance	4850 lb or 2200 kg
14.	Volvo EX90 Twin Motor	4850 lb or 2200 kg
15.	Audi e-tron 55 quattro	3968 lb or 1800 kg
16.	Kia EV6 GT	3968 lb or 1800 kg
17.	Mercedes-Benz EQA 350 4MATIC	3968 lb or 1800 kg
18.	BMW i4 M50	3527 lb or 1600 kg
19.	Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD & AWD	3527 lb or 1600 kg
20.	Kia EV6 Long Range RWD & AWD	3527 lb or 1600 kg
21.	Tesla Model S Plaid	3527 lb or 1600 kg
22.	Tesla Model S Long Range	3527 lb or 1600 kg
23.	Tesla Model Y RWD	3527 lb or 1600 kg
24.	Tesla Model Y Performance	3527 lb or 1600 kg
25.	Cadillac Lyriq AWD	3499 lb or 1587 kg
26.	Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range RWD	3307 lb or 1500 kg
27.	Nissan Ariya 87 kWh e-4ORCE	3307 lb or 1500 kg
28.	Volkswagen ID.4 GTX	3086 lb or 1400 kg
29.	Tesla Model 3 Performance	2006 lb or 910 kg
30.	Peugeot e-Rifter 50 kWh	1653 lb or 750 kg
31.	Toyota bZ4X AWD & FWD	1653 lb or 750 kg
32.	Subaru Solterra AWD & FWD	1653 lb or 750 kg
33.	Kia Niro EV	1653 lb or 750 kg
34.	Mercedes-Benz EQA 250	1653 lb or 750 kg
35.	Hyundai Kona Electric 150 kW	661 lb or 300 kg

FAQ:

How Does The Towing Capacity Of An Electric Vehicle Compare To That Of A Diesel-Powered Car?

By comparison, electric vehicles (trucks) have good towing capacity because of their considerable power and torque. 

But the substantial drain on the batteries is a serious issue as they would only tow for a short time. However, diesel-powered cars produce better torque and power for increased performance and towing. 

To this end, it is because of their compression ratio, but they also lose energy in the longer run. At this point, diesel engines have the edge over EVs due to battery range problems.

.

Are There Any Electric Vehicle Models With Adjustable Towing Capacity?

As of the press time, there is no record of any EV models with adjustable towing capacity. 

The only attempt was to use a modifying hitch on EVs, such as the Chevrolet Bolt and Nissan Leaf, by aftermarket companies. 

Although, it was not successful since the battery range was depleted and would not provide more power needed to run the EV.

How Does The Towing Capacity Of An Electric Vehicle Compare To That Of A Gasoline-Powered Car?

Gasoline-powered cars take time to deliver power but unlike an EV. 

If you haul a heavy load with an EV, there is no problem with acceleration from the stop. Power is always immediately available if even climbing a hill. 

Towing in all-electric trucks is quick and safe, but the battery range is always an issue. Hence, EVs have the edge over gasoline-powered cars in towing capacity over EVs, especially EV pickup trucks.

Can The Towing Capacity Of An Electric Vehicle Be Affected By The Type Of Trailer Or Load Being Towed?

Of course, the towing capacity of an EV can be affected by the type of trailer or load towed. 

Electric trucks are good at towing trailers but may only tow some larger trailers or heavy loads due to their capacities. 

The towed load or trailer would make the EV travel 50% of the distance it is supposed to travel without hauling. 

How Does The Towing Capacity Of An Electric Vehicle Compare To That Of A Gasoline-Powered Truck?

 

Without needing to rev up, EV produces instant torque to the wheels, which gasoline power truck doesn’t do. Gasoline-powered truck tends to rev up before accelerating. 

So, an EV is more straightforward than a gasoline-powered truck. But the battery range is reduced within a short time as it tows. However, EV pickup trucks are better at towing than most gasoline-powered trucks.

Are There Any Electric Vehicle Models With Specialized Towing Features Or Equipment?

There are EV models with specialized towing features or equipment. For instance, EV trucks such as the GMC Hummer EV Pickup EV 3X, Ford F-150 Lightning Extended Range, Rivian R1T Dual-Motor ADW Large Pack, and Tesla Cybertrucks are specialized for towing. 

They provide high torque and more stability towing when compared to other EVs.

Can Electric Vehicles Be Used To Tow Horse Trailers Or Other Livestock Carriers?

Yes, electric vehicles can tow horse trailers or other livestock carriers, depending on the towing capacities of such vehicles. 

To this end, EV towing range on horse trailers will also depend on factors such as the weight of the horse trailer or livestock carriers and terrain and weather conditions. 

For instance, electric vehicles with a higher towing capacity of 10,000 lb will be able to tow a horse trailer or other livestock carriers farther than one with a less towing capacity of 7,000 lb.

Conclusion 

Finally, the drawbacks of towing with electric vehicles are apparent compared to their gasoline counterpart. 

They can do the job with their excellent torque, but only for a short time/distance. 

In EVs, more energy is needed for towing, which will reduce the range of the battery that runs the electric motor. It has been a very much concern for EV manufacturers. 

Suppose you are looking for an EV to tow; this is the right time to get into the market. However, the longer you wait, the more selection issue you might have. 

Currently, these EVs are more expensive than their gasoline counterpart, so be prepared to open your wallet for the type and model of EV you want. 

With your next towing rig, ensure you understand your vehicle’s capabilities and performance before you hit the road.

Do well to share this insightful write-up with others!

Sharing is caring!