Electric and hybrid vehicles are no longer just commuter cars. More shoppers are comparing them against gas trucks, SUVs, and crossovers for real towing jobs, from small utility trailers to campers and boats.
That shift makes sense. Many electric trucks and SUVs now advertise towing numbers that look familiar to shoppers comparing gas, hybrid, and EV options. For example, certain GMC Sierra EV trims are listed with towing capacities up to 12,500 pounds. At the same time, manufacturers continue to emphasize factors like range and charging time, which become especially important when towing.
So, are EVs good at towing? The answer is yes; some electric and hybrid vehicles can tow well. They can feel strong, stable, and easy to control when matched with the right trailer. But the advertised tow rating is only one part of the decision. Range, charging access, trailer weight, terrain, weather, and your towing habits matter a lot.
Towing Capacity Is Only the Starting Point
Towing capacity is the maximum trailer weight a vehicle is rated to tow when properly equipped. That phrase, “properly equipped,” does a lot of work.
The number on a vehicle listing may assume the right trim, drivetrain, battery, towing package, tires, hitch equipment, and loading conditions. It also does not tell you how comfortable the vehicle will feel pulling that trailer over hills, in wind, through traffic, or on long highway stretches.
Before you choose an EV or hybrid for towing, check:
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The vehicle’s rated towing capacity
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Gross trailer weight, or the loaded weight of the trailer
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Tongue weight, which is the downward weight placed on the hitch
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Payload capacity, including passengers, cargo, and tongue weight
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Gross combined weight rating, if listed by the manufacturer
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Hitch rating, receiver size, ball mount rating, and wiring needs
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Whether the trailer needs brakes or a brake controller
A good rule of thumb is to avoid shopping by the largest number alone. Many experienced towers follow the 80% rule, which leaves extra capacity for passengers, cargo, terrain, weather, and real-world driving conditions.
Why EVs and Hybrids Can Be Good Tow Vehicles
Electric and hybrid vehicles have some real towing advantages. The benefits are most noticeable with the right trailer, the right route, and a driver who plans the trip around the vehicle’s limits.
Instant Torque Helps With Acceleration
EVs deliver power differently than gas vehicles. Electric motors can provide strong torque right away, so an EV truck or SUV may feel quick and confident when getting a trailer moving from a stop.
That can help in normal driving situations like pulling away from a stoplight, merging at moderate speeds, or moving a trailer around a driveway or campsite. It does not change the vehicle’s tow rating, but it can make the towing experience feel smoother.
Hybrids can also help here, depending on the system. Many use electric motor assistance at low speeds, which can make stop-and-go towing feel less strained than it might in a smaller gas-only vehicle.
Battery Placement Can Help Stability
Many EVs carry a large battery pack low in the vehicle. That lower weight can help the vehicle feel planted, especially compared with a taller vehicle that carries more weight higher in the body.
That does not mean sway disappears. Trailer balance, tongue weight, tire pressure, hitch setup, speed, and wind still matter. If the trailer is loaded poorly or the hitch equipment is not matched correctly, an EV can still feel unstable.
Still, many drivers like how electric trucks and SUVs feel with a trailer because the weight and power delivery can make the vehicle feel controlled.
Regenerative Braking Can Help Manage Speed
Regenerative braking lets an EV or hybrid recover some energy when slowing down. Instead of relying only on traditional friction brakes, the electric motor helps slow the vehicle and sends some energy back to the battery.
That can be helpful in traffic, rolling terrain, and downhill sections. It can also improve efficiency by recapturing energy that would otherwise be lost as heat, though the benefit depends on driving conditions, vehicle weight, and system design.
Regenerative braking is not a substitute for properly working trailer brakes. If your trailer requires brakes, use the correct brake setup and follow the vehicle and trailer manufacturer’s instructions.
The Downsides of Towing With an EV or Hybrid
The biggest EV towing concerns are not usually about whether the vehicle can pull the trailer. The harder question is whether the vehicle can pull it far enough, charge conveniently, and fit your towing routine.
Towing Can Cut EV Range Significantly
Towing adds weight and wind resistance. EVs feel that quickly because range is tied directly to battery use.
The exact range loss depends on the trailer, speed, weather, terrain, tires, and load. A low utility trailer may have a smaller effect than a tall travel trailer. Highway speeds and headwinds can make the drop much worse.
Towing can meaningfully reduce EV range. A tested electric car’s real-use range dropped from 240 km to 185 km while towing, while larger electric commercial vehicles saw greater losses when carrying payload and towing.
That does not make EV towing impractical for everyone. It does mean you should plan around a lower towing range than the number shown on the window sticker.
Charging Stops Take More Planning
Gas stations are usually built for vehicles pulling trailers. Many charging stations are not. A charging stop with a trailer may require you to:
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Unhitch before charging
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Block multiple spaces if the station is tight
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Wait for a charger that can handle your route needs
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Drive away from your preferred route to reach a fast charger
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Plan extra buffer for hills, wind, cold weather, or detours
Charging access also depends on where you tow. A daily utility trailer route near home may be simple. A weekend trip to a lake, campground, job site, trailhead, or rural property can be harder if fast charging is limited nearby.
All-electric vehicles are powered by batteries charged from electricity, while plug-in hybrids use both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a battery. That difference matters for towing because a hybrid or plug-in hybrid may give you more flexibility on longer routes where charging is limited.
Not Every EV Is Built for the Same Kind of Towing
Some EVs are rated for light trailer use. Others are electric trucks built with heavier towing in mind. Many fall somewhere in between.
Vehicle type matters. A compact EV crossover might be a good fit for a small utility trailer or lightweight cargo trailer if the manufacturer allows it. That same vehicle may not be a good match for a camper with a large frontal area, even if the trailer weight looks close on paper.
Accessibility can also be an issue. EV truck pricing, trim availability, towing packages, charging access, and service access vary by market. Some drivers may find a hybrid SUV or truck easier to live with if they tow regularly but do not want to plan every longer trip around charging stops.
Payload Can Be the Limiting Factor
Payload includes the people and cargo inside the vehicle, plus the trailer’s tongue weight. If you load the cabin with passengers, coolers, tools, pets, and camping gear, you reduce the amount of remaining payload available for tongue weight.
This matters with EVs and hybrids just as much as with gas vehicles. Check the rating label on the vehicle and confirm the numbers in the owner’s manual before you commit to a trailer.
EV vs. Hybrid Towing: Which Makes More Sense?
Both can work, but they fit different types of towing.
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Vehicle Type |
Better Fit |
Main Tradeoff |
|
All-electric vehicle |
Local towing, predictable routes, drivers with home charging, lighter or moderate trailer use |
Range drops while towing, and charging with a trailer can be inconvenient |
|
Plug-in hybrid |
Mixed daily driving, occasional towing, drivers who want some electric driving with gas backup |
Electric-only range may be limited, and towing may rely heavily on the gas engine |
|
Traditional hybrid |
Everyday towing needs where fuel economy matters but charging is not part of the plan |
Tow ratings vary widely by model, and not all hybrids are built for heavier trailers |
If you tow short distances near home, an EV may be easy to live with. If you tow long distances, tow in rural areas, or pull a camper on weekend trips, a hybrid may be the more flexible option.
What to Check Before Buying an EV or Hybrid for Towing
Before you buy the vehicle, test your real towing needs against the vehicle’s ratings and your routes. Start with these questions:
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What will the trailer weigh when loaded?
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How far do you typically tow in a day?
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Do your routes include steep grades, strong winds, or extreme weather?
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Are suitable charging stations available along the route and at your destination?
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Will you need equipment such as trailer wiring, a brake controller, weight distribution, or sway control?
The Best Tow Vehicle Is the One That Fits How You Actually Tow
The biggest takeaway is that towing with an EV or hybrid requires a little more planning than towing with a traditional gas-powered vehicle. The right choice depends on what you tow, how often you tow, and where you plan to go.
If you already know what you plan to tow, Reese Hitches can help you match the right towing equipment to your setup. Browse Reese Hitches towing products, or contact the team for help finding the right hitch, wiring, brake controller, ball mount, or weight distribution equipment for your vehicle and trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an electric vehicle tow a trailer?
Yes, many EVs can tow a trailer if the vehicle is rated for towing and properly equipped. Check the owner’s manual, vehicle rating label, hitch rating, and trailer weight before towing.
Do EVs lose range when towing?
Yes. EVs usually lose range when towing because the vehicle has to move more weight and overcome more wind resistance. The amount depends on trailer size, speed, terrain, weather, and load.
Are hybrids better than EVs for towing?
Hybrids can be easier for longer towing trips because they do not depend fully on charging stops. EVs can work well for local and predictable towing routes, especially if you can charge at home.
Does regenerative braking replace trailer brakes?
No. Regenerative braking can help the vehicle slow down and recover some energy, but it does not replace trailer brakes when they are required. Use the proper trailer brake setup for your trailer and vehicle.
Can I charge an EV while towing a trailer?
Yes, but the station layout matters. Some chargers are difficult to use with a trailer attached, so you may need to unhitch before charging. Check charging locations before longer towing trips.
