Electric Truck Towing Comparison 2026: Cybertruck vs Lightning vs R1T vs Silverado EV | Taha Abbasi

Towing is the ultimate test for electric trucks, and 2026 offers more EV towing options than ever before. Taha Abbasi, who has real-world experience towing with his Cybertruck, compares the four major electric trucks on towing capability, range impact, and real-world usability.

The Contenders

Tesla Cybertruck (Cyberbeast/Tri-Motor): 11,000 lb tow rating, 320 mile EPA range (unloaded)

Ford F-150 Lightning (Extended Range): 10,000 lb tow rating, 320 mile EPA range (unloaded)

Rivian R1T (Max Pack): 11,000 lb tow rating, 410 mile EPA range (unloaded)

Chevrolet Silverado EV (RST): 10,000 lb tow rating, 440 mile EPA range (unloaded)

On paper, these trucks are remarkably similar in towing capacity. But as Taha Abbasi knows from experience, the spec sheet tells only part of the story.

The Range Impact: Where EVs Still Struggle

Every electric truck loses 40-60% of its range when towing a significant load. This is the inconvenient truth of EV towing that no marketing department wants to highlight. A Cybertruck rated at 320 miles delivers roughly 130-190 miles when towing 6,000-8,000 lbs. The Lightning fares similarly. Even the Silverado EV with its massive 200 kWh battery drops to roughly 200-260 miles under load.

Rivian’s Max Pack provides the best absolute towing range thanks to its 180 kWh battery, but even it sees dramatic range reduction. As Taha Abbasi notes, this isn’t a flaw specific to any manufacturer — it’s physics. Aerodynamic drag increases exponentially with the frontal area of a trailer, and every kWh of battery must push both truck and trailer weight.

Charging While Towing

The Cybertruck and Silverado EV have the best towing-while-charging experience thanks to pull-through Supercharger and DC fast charging stations. The Lightning’s charging port location makes it awkward with some trailers. Rivian’s port placement works well but the Adventure Network has fewer stations near common towing routes.

Taha Abbasi recommends planning charging stops every 100-150 miles when towing heavy loads, regardless of which truck you choose. This means trips take longer than ICE trucks, but the fuel cost savings are significant: roughly $0.04-0.06 per mile for electricity versus $0.15-0.25 per mile for gas in a V8 truck.

Payload and Bed Utility

The Cybertruck’s vault (bed cover) provides weather-sealed storage that no other electric truck matches. The Lightning’s frunk is the largest, offering 400 liters of lockable front storage. The R1T’s gear tunnel provides unique cross-bed storage for gear. The Silverado EV’s Multi-Flex Midgate extends the bed into the cabin for long items.

Each truck has a unique utility philosophy. Taha Abbasi‘s preference for the Cybertruck comes from its combination of stainless steel durability, vault security, and Tesla’s Supercharger network — but he acknowledges that Rivian’s adventure focus and Silverado’s range make compelling cases for different use patterns.

The Verdict

For maximum range while towing: Silverado EV (largest battery). For off-road towing adventures: Rivian R1T (best terrain modes). For charging network and long-term durability: Cybertruck. For V2H home backup while towing-capable: Ford Lightning (best established V2H). All four are capable tow vehicles that prove electric trucks can do truck things — just plan your charging stops.

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About the Author: Taha Abbasi is a technology executive, CTO, and applied frontier tech builder. Read more on Grokpedia | YouTube: The Brown Cowboy | tahaabbasi.com