Electric Truck Tow Capacity
There are a wide variety of electric truck models on the market in Canada, with impressive towing figures. Check these out:
- GMC Sierra EV/Chevy Silverado EV: up to 12,500 lbs
- Rivian R1T: up to 11,000 lbs for the tri motor, and 7,700 lbs for the dual motor
- Ford F-150 Lightning: up to 10,000 lbs
- Tesla Cybertruck: up to 11,000 lbs
Of course, confirm all numbers before purchasing an e-truck to ensure it can tow your trailer.
Why Electric Trucks Excel at Towing
Electric trucks provide smooth towing because of their instant torque, seamless starts under heavy loads, a low centre of gravity for better trailer stability, and regenerative braking to assist when slowing down a heavy load.
Hybrid electric pickup trucks are also highly capable of towing, with the additional bonus of gas-powered backup.
Electric Truck Towing Range: Plan Before You Go
Despite their smooth and powerful towing, electric trucks do have some limitations.
Towing typically reduces your battery range by 40–60%, depending on the trailer size, your speed, and the weather. A tall, boxy camper or car hauler will have a larger impact on battery range than a low-profile boat trailer, due to poor aerodynamics.
Canadian winters also compound this issue. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency. Try to plan your route around fast-charging stations, but keep in mind that trailer-friendly charging infrastructure is still catching up. Many stalls have short pull-through distances or tight turning radiuses that make it difficult or impossible to charge without unhitching. Some newer stations are being designed with longer vehicles in mind, but for now, building in extra time for unhitching and rehitching is smart trip planning.
Tips To Maximize Your Electric Truck Towing Range
As you do your research into which electric truck is best for your towing needs, decide what level of performance you require from your truck before choosing the battery configuration and tow package. The GMC Sierra EV's Max Range configuration, for example, offers up to 740 km unladen, giving you buffer when towing.
Most electric truck models include a trailer profile feature, so you can save your trailer weight, dimensions, and type directly into the infotainment system. With this feature, your truck can recalculate its real-time battery range estimate. The truck’s route planning software can help you plan the best route with plenty of charging stops along the way.
Finally, keep your eye on your speed, because excessive highway speeds can cause significant range loss.
Have It Checked Out
While electric trucks are highly capable, regular towing puts a lot of additional demands on EV systems. Before your next haul, ask a certified technician to inspect your battery health, brakes, suspension, tires, and the regenerative braking system. Ensuring these systems are inspected and repaired where needed will make your drive that much safer.
A NexDrive-certified technician has the tools and EV-specific knowledge to ensure your battery, brakes, suspension, and tires are in top shape before your next haul. Find your nearest NexDrive facility to book your next electric truck service.