One question frequently asked is, “Can electric vehicles tow trailers, boats, and other things?”

The short answer is yes.

The longer answer is still yes, but with some caveats.

Illustration of an EV truck hybrid towing a motorcycle trailer.

EVs can tow both small and large loads depending on weight capacity ratings.Lyudinka/Getty Images

Just like other types of cars, most EVs can tow at least a lightweight load.

It’s the same with an EV.

It’s the same with EVs.

A vintage Chevrolet towing a camper.

Towing something with a car is an American pastime that EVs are quickly becoming part of.Stuart Lutz/Gado/Getty

EV manufacturers have taken towing into consideration and nearly all EVs can physically tow a trailer of some sort.

The key issue ultimately comes down to weight ratings.

These weights factor in things like braking distances, maneuverability, and driving range.

The more weight involved, the more time drivers require to make adjustments on the road.

So how much an EV can tow will depend upon the specific make and model involved.

Many manufacturers offer the option to purchase a battery upgrade.

The more drag introduced, the tougher the pull is for the EV and the faster range will drop.

FAQ

Yes, but only on a flatbed truck or trailer.

RV owners should use only a flatbed-throw in trailer for towing recreational EVs.

The answer to this lies very specifically within the EV itself.