Yes, many EVs can tow, and some do it quite well thanks to the instant torque electric motors provide, but towing affects an EV’s range far more noticeably than it affects a gas vehicle’s fuel economy, which is the main thing to plan around.
Why EVs can actually be good at towing
Electric motors deliver maximum torque instantly, from a complete stop, which is exactly the kind of power delivery that matters most for getting a heavy trailer moving. Several current EVs, particularly electric trucks and SUVs built with towing in mind, offer tow ratings competitive with, or exceeding, comparable gas vehicles in the same class.
The trade-off: range takes a real hit
Towing significantly increases aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance, which translates to a meaningfully larger range reduction than towing typically causes in a gas vehicle’s fuel economy. It’s common to see range drop by a third or more while towing a substantial trailer, compared to unloaded driving, depending on the trailer’s size, shape, and weight.
What this means for trip planning
Road trips while towing require more conservative range planning and more frequent charging stops than the same trip without a trailer. It’s also worth checking in advance whether charging stations along your route have pull-through access or enough space to accommodate a vehicle with a trailer attached, since not all stations are laid out with towing in mind.
Not every EV is built for it
Tow ratings vary enormously across EV models, some smaller or efficiency-focused EVs aren’t rated to tow at all, or have fairly low limits, while trucks and larger SUVs built specifically with towing in mind can rival or exceed traditional gas trucks. If towing is a genuine priority, it’s worth checking the specific tow rating for the exact trim you’re considering, since it can vary within the same model lineup.
💡 Tip: Our Find My EV tool lets you filter by tow rating, and our Range Calculator can help estimate realistic range while towing so you can plan charging stops accordingly.