Electric Pickup Paradox: Great For Hauling But For How Long?

The electric pickup truck market is rapidly expanding, but a key challenge for manufacturers is balancing range with payload capacity and hauling power. Let’s take a closer look at how these factors impact range.

Hauling Power

• Weight: Towing adds additional weight to the vehicle, increasing energy consumption and reducing range.  
• Aerodynamics: Towing can increase air resistance, further reducing range.
• Hill Climbing: Towing on hills requires more power, leading to increased battery drain.

Factors Affecting Range, Payload, and Hauling

• Battery Technology: Advancements in battery technology are improving energy density, allowing for longer range with smaller battery packs.
• Vehicle Design: Aerodynamics, weight distribution, and other design factors can influence range and payload.
• Driving Conditions: Terrain, weather, and driving habits can impact battery consumption.
• Towing can reduce an EV’s range by 30% or more.  
• Trailer Weight: Heavier trailers will significantly impact range more than lighter trailers.  
• Aerodynamics of Trailer: Trailer design can affect aerodynamic drag and energy consumption.  
• Driving Style: Driving habits, such as maintaining a steady speed and avoiding aggressive acceleration, can help minimize battery drain while towing.

A Balancing Act

Manufacturers are working to find the optimal balance between range and payload for electric pickup trucks. This involves:

• Lightweight Materials: Using materials like aluminum and carbon fiber to reduce vehicle weight and improve range.
• Efficient Powertrains: Optimizing electric motors and battery systems for efficiency.
• Regenerative Braking: Maximizing energy recovery to extend range.
• Targeted Applications: Focusing on specific use cases, such as urban delivery or light-duty hauling, to tailor vehicle specifications accordingly.
• Larger Battery: A larger battery can increase range but also adds weight, reducing payload capacity.
• Smaller Battery: A smaller battery can improve payload capacity but limits range.
  

As battery technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see further advancements in electric pickup trucks, addressing the range-payload paradox and making them more versatile for various applications.

How do the Trucks Stack up?

Several electric pickup truck models are making strides in balancing range and payload capacity. Here’s a brief overview:

Tesla Cybertruck

• Range: Up to 318 miles
• Payload: Up to 2,500 pounds
• Hauling Weight: Up to 11,000 pounds
• Focus: Offers impressive range but sacrifices some payload capacity for its design and technology.

Ford F-150 Lightning

• Range: Up to 320 miles
• Payload: Up to 2,000 pounds
• Hauling Weight: Up to 10,000 pounds
• Focus: Offers a balance of range and payload, suitable for various applications.

Rivian R1T

• Range: Up to 420 miles
• Payload: Up to 1,760 pounds
• Hauling Weight: Up to 10,000 pounds
• Focus: Adventure-oriented design with a focus on off-road capability.

GMC Hummer EV

• Range: Up to 314 miles
• Payload: Up to 1,150 pounds
• Hauling Weight: Up to 12,000 pounds
• Focus: High-performance off-road capabilities with a focus on power and torque.

As you can see, each model offers a unique combination of range and payload, catering to different needs and preferences.

Tips for Towing with an EV

• Plan Your Route: Carefully plan your route to ensure there are charging stations along the way.
• Charge Frequently: Charge your EV whenever possible to extend your range.
• Drive Efficiently: Maintain a moderate speed and avoid unnecessary acceleration to conserve energy.
• Use Eco Mode: If your EV has an eco mode, use it to maximize range while towing.

THE TAKEAWAY

The electric pickup truck market is rapidly evolving, and manufacturers are constantly working to improve range and payload capabilities. As battery technology advances and charging infrastructure expands, we can expect to see even more impressive options in the future. Remember: towing can put significant stress on an EV’s battery. It’s essential to drive efficiently and plan your routes carefully to avoid running out of power.  

Sources: EV Car Answers Editors, Gemini, GMC