Electric trucks have redefined the pickup truck landscape, offering not just environmentally friendly designs but also jaw-dropping towing capabilities. While early EVs weren’t equipped to haul major loads, the current lineup is proving these vehicles can compete with traditional gas-powered trucks. Today, we’re comparing six heavyweights in the electric trucking game, including the GMC Hummer EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, 2025 Chevrolet Silverado EV, 2025 GMC Sierra EV, and Tesla Cybertruck. Whichever suits your needs, one thing is clear: the future of towing is electric.

The Contenders and Their Towing Capacities

Towing power is one of the most critical metrics for truck buyers, and these six contenders don’t disappoint. Here’s how they compare in terms of maximum towing capacities:

  • GMC Hummer EV - 7,500 pounds
  • Ford F-150 Lightning - 10,000 pounds
  • Rivian R1T - 11,000 pounds
  • Chevrolet Silverado EV - 10,000 pounds
  • GMC Sierra EV - 9,500 pounds
  • Tesla Cybertruck - 14,000 pounds

The Tesla Cybertruck leads the pack with its massive 14,000-pound towing capacity. However, the Rivian R1T still shines as an all-around workhorse, and the Lightning and Silverado EV are strong players for mid-range loads. The Sierra EV offers a blend of premium features and towing capability, while the Hummer, though lower in towing power, stands out for its rugged durability.

Test Conditions Matter

Towing numbers are great, but how do these trucks actually perform when hitched to a real load? A recent test hitched several of these electric trucks to the same 29-foot, 6,100-pound camper (excluding the Cybertruck and Silverado EV, which are still awaiting hands-on evaluations). Conditions included an 85-degree summer day, a flat highway loop at 70 mph, and climate control set to 72 degrees. Each truck was driven until its battery reached a critical low charge.

Here’s how they fared.

Range While Towing

For electric trucks, towing a load dramatically reduces range. Here's how our lineup stacks up when considering towing range on a full charge:

  • GMC Hummer EV: Around 140 miles, thanks to its oversized battery
  • Ford F-150 Lightning: Around 100 miles, with a sharp early drop in predicted range
  • Rivian R1T: Around 110 miles, with predictable but limited range
  • Chevrolet Silverado EV: Estimated 125 miles, blending utility and efficiency
  • GMC Sierra EV: Estimated 120 miles, slightly less robust than the Silverado
  • Tesla Cybertruck: Anticipated 150 miles, leveraging its cutting-edge battery tech

The Hummer EV maintains an impressive range due to its larger battery despite higher energy consumption. The Tesla Cybertruck is poised to top the charts once available, using its industry-leading battery efficiency to pull ahead. The Silverado EV and Sierra EV hit a sweet spot, offering better range than the Lightning while remaining competitive.

Performance and Drive Quality While Towing

Towing isn’t just about range; it’s also about how the truck handles the trailer on the road. With regenerative braking, adaptive cruise control, and weight stability, these trucks help reduce the stress of hauling heavy loads.

  • GMC Hummer EV: Its incredible size and weight provide excellent stability. Adaptive cruise control works seamlessly, and its smooth ride makes it a joy on the highway.
  • Ford F-150 Lightning: Strong overall, though adaptive cruise control is a highlight. It disables one-pedal drive while towing, which might feel less intuitive if you're used to it.
  • Rivian R1T: Excels with its regenerative braking, helping the trailer slow down safely. However, it lacks adaptive cruise control while towing, a glaring omission.
  • Chevrolet Silverado EV: Early reports praise its quiet, steady performance and a more refined cruise control system designed for trailering. Tow mode adjusts range estimates dynamically.
  • GMC Sierra EV: While similar in performance to the Silverado EV, the Sierra ups the ante with smoother braking and advanced steering tech for turn stability.
  • Tesla Cybertruck: Limited hands-on data indicates the Cybertruck offers adaptive air suspension and instant torque for impressive trailer handling. Tesla’s one-pedal driving system remains a potential game-changer for towing.

Tech and Features

Technology is another arena where these trucks shine. From range prediction to driver aids, here’s what stands out:

  • Range Prediction Accuracy: These trucks try (and sometimes fail) to predict range while towing. For instance, the F-150 Lightning adjusted drastically from 288 predicted miles down to 96 within the first 10 towing miles. Others, like the Rivian and Hummer, were slower to update effectively. Tesla’s sophisticated navigation promises real-time range recalibration, which could be a game-changer.
  • Cruise Control: The Hummer and Lightning both offer adaptive cruise control while towing, though the Rivian does not. The Silverado EV and Sierra EV both offer standard adaptive towing modes. Tesla's Cybertruck edges ahead with potential for enhanced Autopilot tailored to trailer handling.
  • Charging Logistics: EV towing logistics remain a challenge. Most highway charging stations lack pull-through access, which means you might need to unhitch your trailer. This is cumbersome, especially with tightly secured hitches. Tesla promises an improvement here with better-designed Supercharging stations for towing setups.

Quirks and Considerations

Electric towing is still an evolving science, and each truck brings surprises:

  • The Hummer EV feels like a durable tank with every tool you need for towing, but you pay for it with weight and efficiency.
  • The Lightning sometimes struggles with charging quirks, such as stopping at 94% instead of a full charge.
  • The Rivian R1T sacrifices range predictability, slashing its estimates in half as soon as you enable Tow mode.
  • The Silverado EV offers more consistent range performance, while the Sierra brings slightly more refinement and premium materials.
  • The Cybertruck, with its futuristic design, could revolutionize how we think about towing but leaves many potential owners waiting for answers.

Who Wins?

Choosing the best truck depends on what you need:

  • Best Overall Utility: Rivian R1T’s balanced power and thoughtful design make it a solid all-rounder.
  • Longest Towing Range: Tesla Cybertruck’s anticipated 150 miles positions it as a leader for long hauls.
  • Best for Luxury and Comfort: GMC Sierra EV’s premium design and smoother ride make it a standout.
  • Most Rugged Option: GMC Hummer EV is the unstoppable beast when stability matters.
  • Best for Mainstream Use: Ford F-150 Lightning and Chevy Silverado EV are excellent choices for versatile, everyday towing duties.

Electric trucks are rewriting the towing rulebook. While range limitations and charging challenges remain, technology is improving fast. Longer-lasting batteries, better charging station design, and enhanced driver aids will make hauling with EVs even easier.