Not all EVs are created equal when it comes to towing — and some manufacturers restrict tow ratings by market. For example, the Volkswagen ID.4 is rated for up to 2,700 lbs in Europe but has no tow rating in the U.S. due to legal and insurance liabilities.

If you’re buying in the U.S. (Or wherever), always double-check the official owner’s manual and build specs. Even when the vehicle is physically capable, the tow rating may be absent due to market-specific testing, certification, or warranty coverage. When in doubt, don’t assume your EV can tow — especially in North America.

✅ Top EVs for Towing

  • Rivian R1T: 11,000 lbs (Leading the pack for serious towing)
  • Ford F-150 Lightning: Up to 10,000 lbs (Extended Range + Max Tow Package essential)
  • Chevrolet Silverado EV: 10,000 lbs (WT model; note on future higher ratings for specific trims)
  • Tesla Cybertruck AWD: 11,000 lbs (Leverages advanced software for stability)
  • GMC Hummer EV Pickup/SUV: ~7,500 lbs (A brute with substantial pulling power)
  • Rivian R1S: 7,700 lbs (Excellent family SUV with strong towing for trailers)
  • Tesla Model X: 5,000 lbs (A long-standing capable EV for moderate towing)
  • Kia EV9 AWD: Up to 5,000 lbs (Strong contender in the 3-row SUV segment)
  • Volvo EX90: ~4,850 lbs (New luxury 3-row with solid towing)
  • Audi Q8 e-tron / SQ8 e-tron: 4,000 – 4,400 lbs (Premium SUV with good capability)
  • BMW iX M60: 5,500 lbs (Luxury and capability, check regional specs)
  • Tesla Model Y (AWD with tow package): 3,500 lbs (Popular choice for lighter towing needs)
  • Genesis Electrified GV70: 3,500 lbs (Luxury option with decent capacity)
  • Volkswagen ID.4 AWD: 2,700 lbs (A widely available option for lighter loads)
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD / Kia EV6 AWD: 2,300 lbs (Surprisingly capable for their size, for lighter trailers)
  • Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV: Up to 4,000 lbs (Luxury SUV with moderate towing)

🚫 10 EVs Not Recommended for Towing

  • Chevrolet Bolt EV/EUV: No official tow rating.
  • Nissan Leaf: No official U.S. tow rating (very light duty in Europe).
  • Hyundai Kona EV: No official U.S. tow rating (light duty in Europe).
  • Mazda MX-30: No tow rating, very limited range.
  • Mini Cooper SE: Designed for city driving, no towing.
  • Fiat 500e: No structural support for towing.
  • Tesla Model 3 RWD/AWD (without specific tow package/region): Generally not factory-rated for towing in the U.S. (unlike Model Y).
  • Lucid Air: High-performance luxury sedan, not designed for towing.
  • Toyota bZ4X (and Subaru Solterra): Minimal or no official towing, not marketed for it.
  • VinFast VF8: Limited data and stability concerns under load make it questionable for towing.
  • Any small, economy-focused EV not explicitly listed with a tow rating: Most will simply not be designed or rated for towing.

General Considerations for EV Towing:

It’s important to remember a few key things about towing with EVs:

  • Range Reduction: Towing significantly reduces an EV’s range. This is a crucial point that can’t be overstated. Heavier loads and aerodynamic drag from trailers mean you’ll be stopping to charge much more frequently.
  • Charging Infrastructure: Not all charging stations are tow-friendly (e.g., pull-through spots are limited). This requires extra planning for longer towing trips.
  • Instant Torque: EVs excel at towing due to their instant torque, making for very smooth acceleration even with heavy loads.
  • Regenerative Braking: While helpful for efficiency, some EVs might have limitations or require specific settings when using regenerative braking with a heavy towed load to prevent overheating or damage.

Please remember to check the specific owner’s manual and trim levels for your desired vehicle for the most accurate and up-to-date towing information.

Sources

  1. go-e: Electric Cars Towing Trailers Guide (2025)
  2. Car and Driver: Rivian R1T (2024)
  3. Cornerstone Ford: F-150 Lightning Towing Capacity
  4. Car and Driver: Silverado EV (2026)
  5. Car and Driver: Rivian R1S (2022)
  6. Car and Driver: BMW iX (2026)
  7. Hyundai Newsroom: Ioniq 5 Overview (2023)
  8. Fowler Kia: EV9 Towing Info
  9. Mercedes-Benz Scottsdale Blog (2025)
  10. Car and Driver: GMC Hummer EV
  11. Edmunds: Audi Q8 e-tron (2024)
  12. Polestar: Polestar 3 Specifications
  13. Genesis Atlanta: GV70 Towing
  14. Fleet EV News: Kona EV Towing
  15. CarsGuide: Mazda MX-30 Towing
  16. TorkLift Central: Mini Cooper SE Trailer Hitch
  17. eTowbars: Fiat 500e Towbar (U.S.)
  18. Lucid Motors: Gravity Essentials