The Complete Guide to Towing with an Electric Vehicle
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Towing with an EV can be daunting after hearing how much range it cuts, but EV towing is a cost-effective alternative to towing with a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. If you are looking to tow with your EV, then there are a few critical points you need to be aware of.
Key Takeaways
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What is an EV?
An EV (electric vehicle) is a vehicle that is powered by lithium-ion batteries and one or more electric motors. These vehicles are money savers with free/home charging and have a better overall effect on the environment.
Can You Tow With an EV?
Yes, towing with an EV is easier than you think. Most EVs feature a dedicated trailer mode to make sure the trailer isn’t triggering any auto-driving or backup sensors. Towing with an EV is similar to towing with an ICE vehicle; however, with an EV, you get added smoothness in power delivery due to the higher torque EVs have.
Sometimes trailers can feel like they lag behind ICE vehicles and are often disconnected from the power delivery; this isn’t the case with an EV. Some drivers even say they barely notice a trailer being pulled when using an EV. This makes for a better towing and driving experience by keeping you focused on the road.
It also gives you more control when driving up inclines, sharp corners, and from a complete stop. EVs are also much quieter, meaning that should anything happen to the trailer, you’ll notice it immediately.
What is The Best Trailer to Tow with an EV?
Towing with an EV is all about aerodynamics. You’ll want to pick a smaller trailer, around the same height, or only slightly larger than the towing vehicle. Luckily, U-Haul has six different trailers that are all under eight feet tall and have an empty cargo weight of under 1,500 lbs., which is perfect for EV towing.
Do Electric Vehicles Have a Worse Towing Capacity?
Because electric vehicles are heavier than their gas-powered counterparts, this affects their payload and towing capacity. Most EVs have a lower payload and towing capacity compared to ICE vehicles.
While this may be a downside, using home charging and free charging stations can be a huge money saver when towing, rather than paying for a whole gas tank with a traditional ICE vehicle.
Does Adding a Trailer Hitch to My EV Lower my Range?
No, adding a tow package to your EV should not lower your range. Because trailer hitches only weigh between 50 and 100 pounds, they will not affect your total range. Most hitches installed on EVs are inside the rear bumper and have a cover for the hitch when not in use. This makes it easy to keep the sleek look of your EV while maximizing the utility.
Does Towing with an EV Lower the Overall Range?
Yes, towing with an EV or any vehicle will decrease the vehicle’s overall engine/electric motor efficiency, no matter what. The less aerodynamic cargo you’re towing, the more your EV’s range will be impacted.
You can expect your overall range to be cut by 30-50%, depending on what you’re towing. A small 4 ft x 7 ft trailer is going to take less range from you in comparison to a 6 ft x 12 ft cargo trailer.
Having access to free charging stations and home charging stations while towing is the best way to ensure your short or long-distance tow doesn’t start to take too much out of your wallet.
Towing Capacities for Popular EV Models
The most popular EV models (crossover SUVs) all have a towing capacity starting at 1,500 lbs. and topping out at 3,500 lbs. EV pickup trucks generally start at 7,500 lbs. of towing capacity and go all the way up to 11,000 lbs.
Getting a hitch on any EV model will also cost less when going aftermarket, rather than installing at the dealership. You could potentially save almost $1,000 by going the aftermarket route.
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Most Popular EV Models and Towing Capacity |
Dealership Price |
U-Haul Price |
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Tesla Model Y – 3,500 lbs. |
$1,300 OEM Trailering Package |
Sub $900 U-Haul Hitch + Installation |
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Tesla Model 3 – 2,200 lbs. |
$1,495 OEM Trailering Package |
Sub $1,200 U-Haul Hitch + Installation |
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Chevrolet Equinox – 1,500 lbs. |
$1,495 OEM Trailering Package |
Sub $600 U-Haul Hitch + Installation |
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Ford Mustang Mach-E – 2,200 lbs. |
Not available |
Sub $800 U-Haul Hitch + Installation |
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Hyundai Ioniq 5 – 2,700 lbs. |
Not available |
Sub $1000 U-Haul Hitch + Installation |
How to Get the Right Trailer Hitch for Your EV
Doing proper research for your EV is crucial when it comes to deciding on the best trailer hitch. A trailer hitch is an investment, and you shouldn’t skimp out when it comes to choosing the right fit for your EV. Finding the right hitch for your EV is easy on uhaul.com!
You can even schedule a hitch installation for your vehicle through the U-Haul app in just a few taps! Learn more about How to Schedule a Trailer Hitch Installation on the U-Haul App.
Our hitch finder system will pair the right hitch for your vehicle and give you all the recommended parts to go along with your custom setup. This could include parts such as a ball mount, hitch ball, and trailer wiring. The best part? For just $5, you’ll get a lifetime warranty for your trailer hitch that covers any damage and theft.
Is an EV Better for Towing Than a Gas Vehicle?
The answer to this question isn’t so simple; it depends. If you are using a home charger or a free charger for your towing, then yes, it absolutely is. According to Electric Choice, the average price of a kWh in the U.S. at home is $0.14. And according to Kelley Blue Book, the average price of home charging in the U.S. costs around $60 a month for charging an electric vehicle to go 1,015 miles (the average monthly miles traveled in the U.S.)
This number is based on the average price of a kilowatt-hour at your home (kWh) multiplied by the number of miles you drive in a month.
On the other hand, the average price of using public charging stations, according to AAA, is $0.417 per kWh. That is nearly three times the cost of home charging, which can cost you around $140 instead of $60 per month. That costs more than a gas-powered vehicle that gets 30 mpg.
Towing with an Extended Range EV
One kind of EV receiving a lot of buzz is Extended Range EVs (EREV). This EV is similar to a hybrid, but the internal combustion engine serves as a generator for the battery, not a driving option. This type of EV can go 500+ miles on a single charge, which takes away the range anxiety you might experience with a conventional EV. So, you could potentially go 250+ miles on a single charge — while towing.
What Are the Benefits of Towing With an EV?
The biggest benefit is that when getting up to speed with any trailer or towing equipment, it can feel like you aren’t pulling anything because of the much higher torque output of an electric vehicle.
Regenerative braking is also better while towing because of the additional weight that is being forced onto the braking system, resulting in your EV losing less power when towing.
Additionally, if you are towing a camper with an EV and are going to a site with hookups, you can get all the free charging you want with conventional RV hookups, making an EV the best option for camping.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Vehicle Towing
Can all electric vehicles tow?
No, not all EVs are rated for towing. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for towing capacity and compatibility.
How much range do you lose when towing with an EV?
Most EVs lose about 30–50% of their range when towing, depending on trailer size and weight.
What happens if you exceed towing capacity?
Exceeding towing capacity can damage your vehicle, reduce braking performance, and create unsafe driving conditions. Always stay within manufacturer limits.
Is EV towing good for long-distance moves?
It can work, but it requires careful planning around charging stations. EV towing is generally better suited for shorter distances.
Do you need a special hitch for an EV?
Yes, you need a hitch that is compatible with your specific EV model. A proper setup ensures safe towing and performance.
Can you tow an electric car?
Yes, but many EVs require flatbed towing to avoid damage to the drivetrain. Check your owner’s manual for proper towing instructions.