Many people considering buying an electric vehicle (EV) often wonder how it compares to the traditional gas-powered cars they are familiar with. A common question is, "Can electric vehicles tow trailers, boats, or other items?" The short answer is yes. The longer answer is still yes, but with a few considerations.

Types of EVs That Can Tow

An EV is just as robust as its gas-powered counterpart, with options available across various price ranges. Similar to gasoline cars, many EVs can pull at least a light load.

However, not every gas-powered car can tow heavy items like trailers or other vehicles. The same applies to electric vehicles.

Smaller cars, whether gas or electric, are less likely to be able to tow large loads. Every vehicle has weight limits that determine how much it can tow safely. Even vehicles with lower limits may still be able to pull something lightweight, like a small bike trailer.

For EVs, the situation is much the same. Most manufacturers design EVs with towing in mind, and nearly all can tow some kind of trailer. The real issue boils down to the weight capacity.

If towing is a priority for you, make sure to check whether the EV you're considering has an available towing package. These packages often include a hitch, necessary hardware, and even software updates to help manage the strain that towing can place on the vehicle.

What to Check When Evaluating an EV's Towing Capacity

When you're in the market for an EV and you plan to tow, pay attention to the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of the vehicle. These figures will give you a clear idea of the towing capability of the model you're interested in.

GVWR:This refers to the maximum loaded weight of the vehicle, including passengers and cargo.
GCWR:This represents the combined maximum loaded weight of both the vehicle and any attached trailer.

Because EVs tend to be heavy due to their battery packs, the GVWR and GCWR provide insight into the vehicle's limits in terms of weight. These figures take into account factors like braking ability, maneuvering, and the impact of weight on driving range. The more weight you're towing, the more adjustments you’ll need to make on the road.

The towing capacity of an EV varies by make and model. For instance, towing a small bike trailer is much different from towing something like a horse trailer or another vehicle.

Like with any vehicle purchase, it’s essential to know your towing needs ahead of time. If towing large loads is important to you, an electric SUV or truck may be the better option over a compact EV. But if you don’t plan to tow heavy items, the type of EV you choose won’t make much difference.

How Towing Affects Range?

When towing, a typical gas-powered vehicle can lose about 40 percent of its fuel efficiency, according to HowStuffWorks. EVs can experience a similar drop, with manufacturers estimating a range decrease of up to 40 to 50 percent when towing.

Some manufacturers offer battery upgrade options that can significantly extend the range. This can be an excellent investment if you plan on towing frequently.

The weight of the load and factors like wind resistance (drag) also impact how much range an EV will lose when towing. A closed trailer tends to create more drag compared to an open-bed trailer, meaning the more drag, the harder the EV has to work, which reduces range faster.

Knowing this means you’ll need to plan ahead for road trips, including more frequent stops for recharging if you're covering long distances while towing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tow an electric car?

Yes, but it should be done with a flatbed truck or trailer. Since EVs don’t have traditional transmissions, towing them in neutral can cause damage. Using a flatbed ensures the wheels don’t move and prevent generating power unnecessarily. If you're an RV owner towing an EV, a flatbed trailer is the safest method.

How much weight can an EV tow?