In terms of power, torque, and even towing, electric trucks have demonstrated that they can rival gas-powered pickups. However, how much does their range change when they are towing a trailer or carrying a heavy load? To help you select the best EV for your towing or work requirements, we’ve included a thorough comparison of loaded and unloaded electric truck range in this guide.
How Weight Impacts Electric Truck Range
Heavy battery packs are necessary for EVs, and additional weight from cargo or trailers raises energy consumption, which means:
- Higher consumption (kWh/mi)
- More frequent charging
- Reduced range—sometimes by up to 50%
For fleet managers, tradespeople, or long-distance towers, it is therefore essential to comprehend real-world range under load.
Loaded vs Unloaded EV Truck Range: Side-by-Side Comparison (2025)
| Truck Model | Unloaded Range | Loaded/Towing Range | Max Towing Capacity | Payload Impact (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Cybertruck AWD | 340+ miles | ~170–200 miles | 11,000 lbs | ~40–45% |
| Ford F-150 Lightning ER | 320 miles | ~150–170 miles | 10,000 lbs | ~45–50% |
| Rivian R1T (Max Pack) | 410 miles | ~210–250 miles | 11,000 lbs | ~40% |
| Chevrolet Silverado EV | 400 miles | ~220–240 miles | 10,000 lbs (up to 20,000 for WT) | ~35–45% |
| GMC Sierra EV Denali | 400 miles | ~200–230 miles | 9,500 lbs | ~40% |
Note: Ranges are estimates based on mixed highway/city driving with maximum towing or payload capacities.
Factors Affecting Range Under Load
- Aerodynamics: Large trailers significantly increase wind resistance
- Terrain: Hills and elevation reduce range faster under load
- Speed: Higher speeds lead to rapid energy consumption
- Battery Size: Larger batteries handle load-induced drops better
- Towing Mode Settings: Optimizes motor power and regenerative braking
Real-World Example: Ford F-150 Lightning
- Unloaded: 320 miles
- Towing 9,000 lbs: Approx. 160 miles
- Towing at 70 mph uphill: As low as 120 miles
- Mitigated with: Frequent charging stops and pre-planned routes using Ford‘s Intelligent Range system
Tips to Maximize EV Truck Range While Loaded
- Drive slower: Speeds above 65 mph rapidly reduce towing range
- Plan charging stops: Use EV route planners that account for weight
- Use trailer mode: Adjusts torque, braking, and throttle for towing efficiency
- Keep tires inflated: Under-inflated tires decrease range
- Reduce idle loads: Minimize AC or power tools during stops
Do Larger Batteries Solve the Problem?
Indeed, bigger battery packs offer a greater buffer against range loss. Long-distance towing and hauling are better suited for trucks like the Silverado EV and Rivian R1T Max Pack because of:
- 400+ miles of baseline range
- Higher regenerative braking efficiency
- Optimized battery cooling under strain
Should You Worry About EV Truck Range When Loaded?
Yes, but it’s doable.
When fully loaded or towing, the range of electric trucks decreases significantly; however, if you prepare ahead of time and select a model with a large battery and intelligent towing software, you can still complete the task without sacrificing performance.
The key to operational efficiency for commercial users is to invest in route planning tools and charging infrastructure.
