Spent a Weekend Camping with the Ford F-150 Lightning, and It Unquestionably Stands as the Superior Towing Vehicle in My Possession to Date
Electric Trucks Offer Comparable Towing Capacities with Additional Benefits
Electric trucks, such as the Chevrolet Silverado EV and the Ford F-150 Lightning, are making their mark in the truck market. These electric vehicles (EVs) offer towing capacities comparable to traditional gas or diesel trucks, while providing additional benefits like quicker acceleration and smoother rides. However, their efficiency during towing is heavily influenced by aerodynamic factors rather than the trailer's weight.
The 2025 Silverado EV boasts a towing capacity of around 12,500 pounds, just shy of the gas-powered Silverado's 13,300 pounds. In terms of acceleration, the Silverado EV outperforms its gas counterpart, with a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds compared to 5.4 seconds for a gas V8 engine. Furthermore, the electric truck boasts an impressive efficiency of 68-70 MPGe, compared to 20 mpg for a gas truck [1].
The Ford F-150 Lightning is also a capable tow rig, offering practical range and built-in charging flexibility [2], [3].
When it comes to efficiency while towing, multiple tests have highlighted that trailer aerodynamics have a far greater effect on electric truck range than trailer weight. For instance, adding heavy cargo or extra payload caused only a modest (~4%) drop in efficiency, whereas a boxy or tall trailer shape drastically reduces range, nearly halving it in some cases due to increased wind resistance [3], [4]. This aerodynamic drag factor is crucial since electric trucks expend more energy overcoming air resistance at highway speeds during towing.
Gas engine trucks’ fuel efficiency is also affected by wind resistance, but to a lesser extent [3], [5]. Diesel trucks tend to excel in raw towing power and fuel efficiency but do not match electric trucks in zero-emission operation or instant torque performance.
In summary, electric trucks like the Silverado EV and F-150 Lightning tow comparably to gas/diesel trucks but with advantages in acceleration and zero emissions. Their towing efficiency is heavily influenced by trailer aerodynamics more than weight, meaning optimizing trailer shape can preserve electric range during towing far better than limiting cargo mass alone. However, gas trucks still provide quicker refueling and better range retention under towing conditions [1], [3], [4].
Myth-Busting Tests
Recent tests by Aging Wheels on the Chevy Silverado EV's towing and hauling capacity confirmed the significant role of aerodynamics. Adding a 1,600-pound load of shingles to test efficiency under max payload, the results showed that towing a mostly empty trailer reduced efficiency compared to running without one, and rearranging cargo to create a sail-like surface made things worse [6].
In one test, the truck nearly ran out of charge after pulling a makeshift air brake at highway speeds, indicating that wind resistance can have a greater impact on range than weight [6].
Positive experiences with towing electric trucks have also been shared by users on Reddit. For example, jturkish shared a positive experience about towing with the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning, finding it to be effortless, quiet, and stress-free [7].
Cost Efficiency
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 [8].
Regenerative braking might be more efficient with added weight, as the Silverado used slightly less net energy during deceleration when carrying a heavy load [8].
Comparative Performance
The Rivian R1T and Chevy Silverado EV delivered nearly identical results while towing the same trailer, with the Silverado's larger battery giving it an edge in range [9].
ScriptThat shared a personal experience of towing a 2-horse trailer with a Volvo C40 Recharge, expressing satisfaction with the process [10].
Expert Opinions
Chris Johnston, author of SAE's comprehensive book on electric vehicles, was involved in the tests and coverage of the Silverado EV's towing capacity [11]. Terrh commented on Reddit that electric trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning could be beneficial for contractors who tow small enclosed trailers around cities, potentially saving on fuel costs [12].
Charging Capabilities
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 [13].
Conclusion
Weight does not necessarily ruin the range of electric trucks; wind resistance is the main factor affecting range. The results of the tests debunk common myths around electric trucks and towing, highlighting the importance of optimizing trailer aerodynamics for efficient towing.
- Adopting a more aerodynamic design for trailers can significantly improve the range of electric trucks like the Chevrolet Silverado EV during towing, as proven in myth-busting tests by Aging Wheels.
- When it comes to cost efficiency, electric trucks such as the Silverado EV offer a more affordable towing experience compared to gas trucks like the Ford F-150, especially at home electricity rates around 9¢ per kWh.
