Spent the Weekend Camping with the Ford F-150 Lightning and I Must Say, It's the Most Powerful Tow Vehicle I've Ever Possessed
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In recent tests, electric trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Ford F-150 Lightning have demonstrated impressive towing performance for short to moderate distances. These vehicles have been found to match or even exceed the expectations set by their gas or diesel counterparts.
Chris Johnston, an experienced product manager in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications, and the author of SAE's comprehensive book on electric vehicles, has been involved in covering these tests.
The tests revealed that aerodynamics play a significant role in towing efficiency. Towing a mostly empty trailer, for instance, reduces efficiency compared to running without one. This is because aerodynamics and wind resistance have a greater impact on range than just the weight of the load.
A YouTube channel named Aging Wheels tested the Chevy Silverado EV's towing and hauling capacity by adding a 1,600-pound load of shingles. Across a consistent 60-mile highway loop at 75 mph, the added weight dropped the Silverado EV's efficiency by only 4.3%. In contrast, a gas-powered F-150 with a 5.0L V8 showed no statistically significant effect on fuel efficiency.
Users report that electric trucks tow "effortlessly" and quietly, with power available on demand without the typical stress of monitoring engine RPMs or transmission temperatures. The Ford F-150 Lightning, for example, provides significantly more torque than its hybrid counterpart, enhancing its towing capabilities.
However, skepticism towards towing with electric trucks remains due to concerns about range limitations on long-distance towing, the less developed charging infrastructure compared to fuel stations, and entrenched perceptions about EV capabilities versus traditional engines. Long-haul towing is still challenging due to battery range and charging time constraints.
Future models like the 2026 GMC Sierra EV aim to push towing capacity even higher (up to 12,300 lbs) and offer user-friendly features that increase the practical appeal of electric pickups in towing scenarios.
In a direct comparison, the Chevy Silverado EV and the Rivian R1T delivered similar results while towing, with the Silverado's larger battery providing an edge in range. A Reddit user named jturkish shared a positive towing experience with the Ford F-150 Lightning, stating it tows effortlessly and is quiet and seamless.
Terrh, another Reddit user, commented that electric trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning would be ideal for contractors who tow a small enclosed trailer around a city due to potential fuel savings.
It's worth noting that weight does not significantly impact the range of electric trucks while towing, but wind resistance does. Rearranging cargo to create a sail-like surface made things worse in terms of efficiency, and in one test, the truck nearly ran out of charge after pulling a makeshift air brake at highway speeds.
Regenerative braking might be more efficient with added weight, as the Silverado used slightly less net energy during deceleration when carrying a heavy load. The Silverado EV's max pack offers the fastest DC charging of any electric truck currently available, adding about 160 miles of towing range in 40 minutes at a peak rate of 370 kW.
At home electricity rates around 9¢ per kWh, driving the Silverado EV costs one-third as much as fueling the F-150 over 100 miles, even under the worst towing conditions tested. These results debunk common myths around electric trucks and towing.
In conclusion, electric trucks offer strong real-world towing performance, especially for moderate hauls, with advantages in torque delivery and ease of use. Skepticism persists mainly due to range and infrastructure concerns rather than the trucks' actual towing abilities demonstrated by early adopters.
- Chris Johnston, a product manager specializing in technology and wireless communications, has been covering tests that demonstrate the impressive towing performance of electric cars like the Chevrolet Silverado EV, showcasing their potential in city-based sports, such as transporting equipment for a contractor's lifestyle.
- In the future, as technology advances, electric cars like the 2026 GMC Sierra EV will not only offer higher towing capacities but also user-friendly features, making them ideal for individuals seeking a more economical and efficient lifestyle, particularly in sports and hobbies requiring towing capabilities.
