Weekend escapade involved towing a 3,500-pound boat a round trip of 116 miles with my GMC Sierra EV.
In the world of pickup trucks, electric vehicles (EVs) are making their mark, and towing is no exception. Here's a roundup of the latest developments in the electric truck towing landscape.
Electric trucks are now available that can tow around 11,000 pounds, a significant milestone in the EV industry. The Tesla Cybertruck, set to be released in 2025, boasts a towing capacity of 11,000 pounds with a payload capacity of 2,500 pounds[1][5]. Other EVs like the Rivian R1T also offer towing capacities close to 11,000 pounds, albeit with slightly lower payload capacities[5].
However, it's important to note that the range impact of towing heavy loads can vary. Studies and real-world tests suggest that an electric truck towing a heavy trailer can still achieve substantial range as long as the trailer is aerodynamic and not a large, blunt shape that greatly increases drag[4]. For instance, one test scenario showed towing 11,000 pounds for about 177 miles on a charge[4].
The Ford F-150 Lightning, for comparison, is rated for up to 10,000 lbs, slightly less than 11,000 lbs[2][3][5].
One of the biggest performance advantages for electric trucks is instant torque, which allows for quicker acceleration when towing heavy loads.
In terms of real-world examples, the GMC Sierra EV successfully towed a 3,500-pound boat during a weekend trip[6]. The Ram 1500 Ramcharger, an upcoming extended-range electric vehicle, is also aiming to address the near-term challenges of battery technology and charging networks[7].
Electric boats are also joining the electric truck revolution. One of the boats shown is an electrified version of an American classic[8]. Erick Pinzon responded to a post with a picture of his Ford F-150 Lightning towing an electric boat made by Chris Craft[8].
David Kuperberg, the author of SAE's comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car," and a contributor to Torque News, towed a boat from Morris county, NJ to the Leonardo State Ramp[9].
As electric vehicles continue to enter a market long dominated by gas-powered workhorses, they need real towing and hauling capabilities to be taken seriously. While electric trucks are well suited for towing over intermediate distances, their range can drop sharply for long-distance towing, requiring frequent recharging. Understanding the strengths and limitations of electric trucks will be key for anyone considering an electric pickup.
References: 1. Tesla Cybertruck Specs 2. Ford F-150 Lightning Specs 3. Ford F-150 Lightning Towing Capacity 4. Electric Trucks Towing: Range Impact 5. Electric Trucks Towing Capacity Comparison 6. GMC Sierra EV Tows Boat 7. Ram 1500 Ramcharger: Extended-Range Electric Vehicle 8. Electric Boat Towed by Ford F-150 Lightning 9. David Kuperberg Tows Boat with Electric Truck
Incorporating the given words, here are the sentences:
The luxury of modern lifestyle is amplified with the advent of electric-vehicles, such as the Tesla Cybertruck and Rivian R1T, which can tow gadget-laden cars and even electric boats, showcasing the potential of technology-driven transport solutions for a greener future.
After acquiring an electric truck for work purposes, one might consider upgrading their lifestyle accessories with cutting-edge gadgets, ensuring compatibility on their newly automated vehicles, elevating their daily journey experience.
