Yes, and some of them tow impressively well. Electric trucks and larger electric SUVs have towing capacities that match or exceed comparable gas vehicles. That said, towing has a real and significant effect on EV range, which changes the planning involved.
Towing capacity: what’s available
The electric truck segment has grown quickly and capable options now exist across most major manufacturers. Current electric pickup trucks are generally rated to tow between 7,500 and 11,000 lbs depending on trim and configuration, which puts them squarely in the same territory as mid-range gas trucks.
Larger electric SUVs typically fall in the 5,000 to 8,000 lb range. Mainstream electric crossovers are more limited, usually rated for 1,500 to 3,500 lbs, which is enough for a small trailer, a pop-up camper, or a lightweight boat but not heavy loads. Smaller EVs and sedans generally carry no tow rating at all.
Tow ratings vary significantly by trim, battery pack, and drivetrain configuration within the same model, so always check the spec sheet for your specific build rather than relying on a headline number.
The range hit: the honest numbers
This is the part that matters most for real-world towing. Towing dramatically increases energy consumption, not just because of the extra weight but because a trailer’s aerodynamic drag is substantial at highway speeds.
Real-world testing and owner data consistently show that towing cuts EV range roughly in half under typical highway conditions. A truck rated at 300 miles unloaded might deliver 130 to 160 miles while pulling a loaded trailer at 65 mph.
The variables that affect it most:
- Trailer aerodynamics — a flat-fronted travel trailer creates far more drag than a streamlined boat or car hauler
- Speed — the range penalty grows significantly above 60 mph
- Load weight — heavier loads increase rolling resistance and demand more energy on grades
- Terrain — hills use considerably more energy than flat highway
What this means for towing trips
Towing in an EV is workable, but it requires more deliberate planning than in a gas truck. Charging stops will be more frequent. Plan on needing a charge roughly every 100 to 150 miles while towing, rather than every 200 to 300 miles unloaded. On popular corridors the DC fast charging network has expanded enough to make this manageable. On rural routes it requires checking your stops in advance.
A few other practical points:
- Payload capacity — EV trucks are heavy due to the battery pack, which eats into payload. Check both the tow rating and the payload rating for your configuration, as they are separate limits.
- Trailer brake controllers — most capable EV trucks support integrated trailer brake controllers, either factory or aftermarket, the same as gas trucks.
- Charge speed under load — some EVs reduce DC fast charging speed when the battery is thermally stressed from sustained heavy use. Factor extra time at charging stops on long towing trips.
- Tongue weight — follows the same rules as any tow vehicle, typically 10 to 15 percent of trailer gross weight.
PHEVs as a towing middle ground
If you tow regularly on longer routes, a plug-in hybrid truck or SUV is worth considering. You get the efficiency benefits of electric for daily driving, but the gas engine removes range anxiety on towing trips where stop frequency matters more.