The State of Electric Vehicle Towing Capabilities: Can They Handle a 10,000 Pound Trailer for 300 Miles Without Recharging?

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, one key question remains: can these vehicles tow a 10,000-pound trailer for 300 miles without needing to recharge? This article explores the current state of EV towing capabilities, focusing on models available now and those under development, such as the Rivian and Ford pickups, the Tesla Semi, and the Freightliner eCascadia. Additionally, it sheds light on the challenges of towing with EVs and potential future innovations to address these limitations.

Current Towing Capabilities of Electric Trucks

Several major manufacturers, including Rivian and Ford, have electric pickups that can tow a 10,000-pound trailer. However, these trucks typically need to recharge every 100 miles. This significantly limits their range for towing. In contrast, the Tesla Semi can tow for about 500 miles between recharges, but comes at a much higher cost and its battery pack is about six times larger than that of the Rivian and Ford trucks.

Challenges in Towing with EVs

Towing a trailer with an electric vehicle presents several unique challenges. The primary issue is not just the weight of the trailer, but its aerodynamics. When a trailer is towed, it functions similarly to a parachute, which causes significant drag. As such, the more slowly a vehicle travels, the greater its range will be.

For heavy-duty EVs like SUVs and semis, there is a limited market due to the high demand for large battery capacities in manufacturing. Matching a trailer to a cab, as in a semi-truck, greatly mitigates these challenges. Tesla is developing designs that can tow for 300 or 500 miles, though these designs have been delayed repeatedly due to battery manufacturing capacity and high demand. BYD is also working on prototypes for electric semis, which are expected to be released soon.

Future Perspectives and Innovations

While current electric vehicles face significant challenges when towing large loads over long distances, the future looks promising. For instance, the Freightliner eCascadia is currently capable of moving 80,000 pounds for 250 miles. With around 300 miles for a 10,000-pound load, it is expected to be easily manageable with a couple of hundred extra miles to spare. These trucks are already in production and being used by customers.

Additionally, there are several innovative solutions currently being developed to address the limitations of towing with EVs. These include:

Caravans with Integrated Batteries and Motors: Some caravans are being designed with integrated batteries and motors, which can be used to maneuver the trailer remotely, reducing the load on the towing vehicle. Aerodynamic attachments: Aerodynamic matching attachments and trailers that can fold in for travel and expand for use are being developed to reduce wind resistance and improve towing efficiency. Developments in Battery Technology: As battery manufacturing capacity increases and demand is met, we can expect more electric vehicles to have the range to handle heavy towing duties without the need for frequent recharging. As the easier production challenges are overcome, the demand for heavy-duty applications will be better met with the corresponding increase in battery capacity.

Overall, while electric vehicles currently face significant challenges when it comes to towing long distances, the market is rapidly evolving. As technology advances and battery capacities increase, we can expect to see more and more EVs capable of handling heavy towing duties efficiently and effectively.