As electric trucks gain popularity and hit the market, truck owners are understandably curious about their capabilities. The likes of the Rivian R1T and Ford F-150 Lightning are impressive, with instant torque and commanding acceleration, but towing heavy loads on a long trip is still a concern for many due to range anxiety.
While all vehicles experience range loss when towing, electric trucks require more attention to planning ahead. Gas-powered vehicles have the luxury of easily refueling when the fuel tank is getting low. With electric trucks, you need to consider the vehicle’s range while towing, the availability of charging stations along the route, and the distance between each stop.
To give current and potential owners an idea of what to expect, Edmunds recently tested the towing range and charging situation for the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T. Both trucks towed identical box trailers over about 200 miles, loaded with a Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric crossover. The aim was to collect data on the expected range of these electric pickup trucks while towing and to compare which truck is the better choice for such adventures.
The tests showed that both the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T performed well while towing, with the latter offering slightly better range. The Ford F-150 Lightning lost 45% of its estimated range, while the Rivian R1T lost 34%. The charging situation was also found to be convenient, with fast-charging stations readily available along the route.
Overall, these tests show that electric trucks are viable options for towing heavy loads on longer trips, with careful planning ahead of time. The availability of fast-charging stations makes charging easy, and the Rivian R1T offers a slightly better range when towing. Truck owners can now consider electric trucks as a feasible option for their towing needs.
