EVs and towing: The real challenge isn’t range, it’s charging with a trailer

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, more drivers are exploring their capabilities, including towing. However, while much of the conversation around EVs and towing has focused on range, there’s another critical challenge that often gets overlooked: finding suitable charging stations when you have a trailer in tow. This issue is becoming increasingly relevant as more people consider EVs for tasks that traditionally involved internal combustion engine vehicles, such as towing trailers, boats, and campers.

The Range Isn’t the Only Problem

When discussing EVs and towing, the first concern that usually comes up is range. It’s well-known that towing can significantly reduce an EV’s range, sometimes by as much as 50% or more, depending on the weight and aerodynamics of the trailer. While this reduction in range is an important factor to consider, it’s not necessarily a dealbreaker. Many EVs on the market today, especially those equipped with large battery packs, still offer enough range to handle moderate towing needs without frequent recharging.

The real challenge lies in where to charge when you’re on the road with a trailer. Unlike gas stations, which are typically accessible for vehicles of all sizes, EV charging stations often aren’t designed with towing in mind. This can make it difficult, if not impossible, to charge your vehicle without unhitching the trailer—a task that can be both time-consuming and inconvenient, especially on a long journey.

Charging Infrastructure and Accessibility

The design of most public charging stations is geared towards individual vehicles, not vehicles with trailers. Chargers are often positioned in tight parking spaces, making it difficult for a vehicle with a trailer to pull in and charge without blocking multiple spots or causing obstruction. For EV drivers towing a trailer, this means that finding a suitable charging station can be a frustrating experience.

Even if you do manage to find a station with enough space to accommodate your trailer, there’s no guarantee that it will be available or in working order when you arrive. The limited number of charging stations, especially in rural or less-developed areas, adds another layer of complexity to planning a trip with an EV and a trailer. This situation often forces drivers to plan their routes meticulously, which can detract from the spontaneity and convenience that road trips usually offer.

Solutions and the Future of EV Towing

For EV towing to become more practical, several changes need to happen. First, charging infrastructure must evolve to accommodate vehicles with trailers. This could mean designing charging stations with pull-through spots similar to those at gas stations, where drivers can charge without unhitching. Additionally, having dedicated charging spots for vehicles towing trailers would reduce the likelihood of blocking other chargers and ensure that these drivers have a place to recharge.

Another potential solution is the development of mobile charging services that can come to you, offering roadside assistance in situations where finding a suitable charging station isn’t possible. As more EVs with towing capabilities hit the market, these services could become an essential part of the EV ecosystem.

Manufacturers could also explore the possibility of integrating auxiliary battery packs that can be attached to trailers, extending the range without requiring frequent stops for charging. These packs could be designed to recharge separately, giving drivers more flexibility on long trips.

Conclusion

While range is an important factor to consider when towing with an EV, the real challenge lies in finding convenient and accessible charging options. As the popularity of electric vehicles continues to rise, and more drivers look to use them for towing, the infrastructure must adapt to meet these new demands. Until then, EV owners who tow will need to plan carefully, but with the right developments, the future of EV towing looks promising.