EV Towing: What You Need to Know

Towing with an electric vehicle is increasingly common as trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, and Tesla Cybertruck hit the market. But towing dramatically increases energy consumption because of the added weight and aerodynamic drag from the trailer.

Why Towing Kills EV Range

Two forces work against you when towing: rolling resistance (proportional to weight) and aerodynamic drag (proportional to speed squared and frontal area). A trailer adds both weight and wind resistance, creating a compounding effect. At 65 mph with a 5,000 lb trailer, you can expect roughly 40 to 50 percent less range than the EPA rating.

Tips for Maximizing Towing Range

• Slow down. Dropping from 70 to 55 mph can recover 15 to 25 percent of your towing range. Aerodynamic losses grow exponentially with speed.
• Use an aerodynamic trailer or add a nose cone. Reducing the trailer's drag coefficient can improve range by 5 to 10 percent.
• Keep tires properly inflated on both the vehicle and trailer. Under-inflation increases rolling resistance significantly.
• Plan charging stops conservatively. Use the 80 percent rule and always have a backup charger in mind.
• Pre-condition the cabin before departing while still plugged in. This avoids using battery energy for climate control early in the trip.
• Check your vehicle's tow rating before loading up. Exceeding the rated capacity damages the drivetrain and voids warranty coverage.

Planning a Towing Trip

Route planning is critical when towing with an EV. Use apps like A Better Route Planner (ABRP) that let you input trailer weight and get adjusted range estimates. Build in extra time for charging stops. DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent is the most efficient window, so plan stops around that range.