What is the towing capacity of an electric truck?
Electric trucks tow between 7,000-14,000 pounds. RAM 1500 REV leads with 14,000 pounds, followed by Silverado EV (12,500), Rivian R1T and Cybertruck (11,000 each). Most electric pickups match or exceed gas-powered alternatives.
Remember when people laughed at the idea of electric pickup trucks? “What’s it going to tow? A shopping cart?” they’d joke. Well, those days are over. Today’s electric trucks aren’t just matching their gas-powered rivals – they’re surpassing them in many ways.
The secret? Instant torque delivery that gives electric trucks a significant advantage when it comes to towing capacity. And as battery technology improves, the gap between traditional and electric trucks continues to widen.
Power Rankings: The Strongest Electric Haulers
The numbers don’t lie. The current champion in electric truck towing capacity is the RAM 1500 REV, with an impressive 14,000 pounds of pulling power. That’s not just good for an electric vehicle – it’s excellent by any standard.
Here’s how the top electric trucks stack up:
| Rank | Brand | Model | Model Year | Battery (kWh) | Towing Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | RAM | 1500 REV | 2026 | ~168 | 14,000 lbs |
| 2 | Chevrolet | Silverado EV | 2024 | ~205 | 12,500 lbs |
| 3 | Rivian | R1T | 2025 | 135 or 180 | 11,000 lbs |
| 4 | Tesla | Cybertruck | 2024 | ~200 | 11,000 lbs |
| 5 | GMC | Sierra EV Denali | 2024 | ~205 | 10,500 lbs |
| 6 | Ford | F-150 Lightning | 2022 | ~131 | 10,000 lbs |
| 7 | GMC | Hummer EV Pickup | 2025 | ~212 | 8,500 lbs |
| 8 | Toyota | Hilux EV | Late-2025 | ~120 | 8,200 lbs |
| 9 | Isuzu | D-Max BEV | Late-2025 | ~130 | 7,716 lbs |
| 10 | Maxus | eTERRON9 | 2024-2025 | ~103 | 7,700 lbs |
* specifications may vary by source, and details may change as some models are still in development
To put this electric truck towing capacity in perspective, the average horse can pull about 1,500 pounds. So essentially, the RAM 1500 REV has the equivalent pulling power of an entire stable of horses. And it achieves this herculean feat thanks to its ~168 kWh battery pack, which stores enough electricity to power an average American home for nearly a week.
The Science of Electric Pulling Power
What makes electric trucks so effective at towing? It comes down to the nature of electric motors. Unlike gas engines that need to build up to their peak torque, electric motors deliver 100% of their torque instantly.
This creates a towing experience that’s more responsive and confidence-inspiring. The torque curve in electric trucks is essentially flat – maximum torque all the time. This eliminates the gear-hunting that happens with traditional trucks when towing uphill.
Electric trucks also benefit from better weight distribution. With heavy battery packs mounted low in the chassis, these vehicles have a lower center of gravity. This reduces trailer sway and improves stability, especially at highway speeds or in crosswinds.
Electric Truck Towing Capacity vs. Gas Trucks: How Do They Compare?
When comparing electric truck towing capacity to traditional trucks, the electric options are increasingly competitive. The RAM 1500 REV’s 14,000-pound capacity matches or exceeds many gas-powered trucks, while the Cybertruck and Rivian R1T compete well with mid-range diesel alternatives.
The approach to achieving towing power differs between the two types. Traditional trucks rely on displacement and gearing, often sacrificing fuel efficiency. Electric trucks use instant torque and sophisticated power management systems to deliver impressive towing without the fuel penalties when not towing.
One challenge for electric trucks is range reduction when towing heavy loads. Most will see their range drop by 25-50% when towing at highway speeds. This means more frequent charging stops on long trips, an area where diesel trucks still have an advantage – though the gap is narrowing with each new generation.
Beyond Towing: Payload Capacity and Weight Ratings
Electric truck towing capacity is just one part of the equation. Payload capacity – the maximum weight a truck can carry in its bed and cabin – is equally important for many users. Here, electric trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning offer payload capacities comparable to their gas-powered counterparts.
Another key specification is the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR), which represents the maximum allowable weight of the truck, cargo, and trailer combined. This figure is often higher for electric trucks due to their substantial battery weight, which manufacturers account for in their design.
The GMC Hummer EV Pickup, with its massive ~212 kWh battery, has a GCWR that accommodates its 8,500-pound towing capacity while accounting for its substantial weight. This engineering achievement is impressive considering the Hummer EV maintains luxury features and off-road capabilities.
Cold Weather Considerations
Towing with an electric truck in winter presents unique challenges. The instant torque can help when starting on slippery surfaces, but cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency and range.
If you’re towing with an electric truck in winter, consider these tips:
- Pre-condition your battery while charging to optimize cold-weather performance
- Plan for 30% less range in winter, plus additional range reduction when towing
- Adjust regenerative braking strength on slippery roads
- Find the optimal speed (usually 55-60 mph) to maximize range
- Choose more aerodynamic trailers when possible
Cost Comparison: Electric vs. Diesel Truck Towing
What about the cost? When comparing electric truck towing capacity and costs to diesel trucks, several factors come into play: purchase price, energy costs, maintenance, and resale value.
Electric trucks typically cost more upfront, though this gap is shrinking as production scales up and battery costs decline. Where electric trucks excel is in operating costs. The cost per mile for electricity is significantly lower than diesel, especially if you charge at home or during off-peak hours.
Towing a 7,000-pound trailer with a diesel truck might cost around $0.30-0.40 per mile in fuel, while an electric truck might cost $0.15-0.25 per mile in electricity. Maintenance costs also favor electric trucks, with fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and regenerative braking that reduces wear on friction brakes.
However, the charging infrastructure for towing scenarios is still developing. Finding charging stations that accommodate a truck with a trailer can be challenging, and charging takes longer than refueling with diesel.
Real-World Logistics and Practical Concerns
When switching to an electric truck for towing, practical considerations go beyond just the electric truck towing capacity numbers. Trailer hitch compatibility is generally straightforward, with most electric trucks offering standard hitch receivers similar to gas-powered trucks.
Charging logistics require more planning. Most electric trucks come with factory-installed tow packages that integrate with the vehicle’s systems to optimize performance and safety. However, charging while towing can be challenging due to space limitations at charging stations.
Some manufacturers are addressing these concerns with innovative features. The Ford F-150 Lightning’s Pro Power Onboard system can provide power to a trailer while stationary, eliminating the need for separate generators. Others are developing “pull-through” charging stations that accommodate vehicles with trailers.
Tomorrow’s Towing Technology
The towing capabilities of electric trucks will only improve in the coming years. Advancements in battery technology will increase energy density, allowing for either longer range or lighter vehicles.
Manufacturers are also refining their power delivery algorithms to enhance control and efficiency when towing. This includes sophisticated traction control systems that can modulate power to individual wheels, providing superior stability compared to traditional differential-based systems.
We’re also seeing innovations in regenerative braking systems that can adapt to the presence of a trailer, optimizing energy recovery without compromising stability. These systems can detect the additional weight and adjust accordingly, providing a more integrated towing experience.
Electric Truck Towing: The Revolution Is Here
The days of dismissing electric trucks as inadequate for serious work are over. With towing capacities that match or exceed their gas-powered rivals, instant torque delivery that transforms the towing experience, and lower operating costs, electric trucks make a compelling case in the towing arena.
Challenges remain – primarily range anxiety when towing and charging infrastructure limitations. But the progress in addressing these issues is remarkable, and the future of towing is clearly electric.
The next time you see a RAM 1500 REV silently pulling a massive boat up a steep grade or a Rivian R1T effortlessly managing a loaded horse trailer, remember: this is just the beginning. Electric truck towing capacity isn’t just competitive – it’s setting new standards for what trucks can do.
