Can You Hotshot With an Electric Truck?

Electric trucks are more common than they’ve ever been. It’s a growing industry and the technology is always improving. Recharging the battery while braking and four-wheel steering are recent additions to these interesting vehicles. 

The question remains, are EV trucks to the point of being competitive with traditional trucks and how well can they tow?

In this article we’ll cover the following:

• Can EV trucks tow like traditional trucks?
• The best EV truck for towing
• Advantages & disadvantages of towing with an electric truck
• Electric trucks for hotshots

Do EVs Match The Towing Ability of Gas Trucks?

Looking at the towing capacities of the most common electric trucks, they can tow at half the weight of larger traditional trucks. On paper, EV trucks can tow similar weights as a gas truck, but there’s a lot more to consider than towing capacity.

For occasional towing jobs, EVs can get the job done, but it may be a tough go for someone wanting a successful hotshot business.

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Best EV Pickup for Towing

EV trucks have traditionally not been used for towing. However, they are beginning to catch up to traditional trucks.

A good EV truck will be able to haul a decent amount of weight while also having competitive pricing. The the best EV trucks for hauling are the Hummer 2X, Tesla Cybertruck, Rivian R1T, and the Ford Lightning.

Ford Lighting

The Ford Lightning was released in 2022 and since then has been established as a great budget all-electric truck. The extended range model has a 580 horsepower battery that delivers 775 pounds of torque.

The extended range model is the best option for towing because its towing capacity is increased to 10,000 pounds. However, the payload on this model is lower than the standard model.

This truck isn’t the best option for large-scale hotshot trucking. However, if you want to do small projects around your town and help people move, this truck would be useful for that.

Rivian

In 2021 Rivian released the first fully electric pickup to consumers. Because they were the first they’ve taken major strides before the competition.

The 2025 R1T is the most powerful Rivian to date. Depending on what build you choose, this truck can have up to 835 horsepower and 908 Lbs of torque. The Rivian towing capacity is 11,000-pounds, but towing that much weight will decrease the truck’s range by 50%.

Hummer

The 2025 GMC Hummer EV pickup truck is a beast as far as electric trucks are concerned. The 3X model has three motors and offers 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 pounds of torque. That’s the most out of any EV truck we’ve looked at. However, due to the extra motor, the towing capacity decreases to 8,500 pounds.

If you’re looking for high towing capacity, the 2x model actually has the higher rating at 12,000 pounds; the best towing capacity truck.

This truck does enter competition with traditional gas trucks, but its steep starting price of $98,000 makes it a hard choice for hotshot trucking.

Tesla Cybertruck

The Tesla Cybertruck turns heads by simply existing. Its unconventional design is ugly to some and futuristic to others. However, one thing that’s hard to deny is this truck’s ability to tow. 

While originally promised a towing capacity of 14,000 pounds, the Cybertruck released with a claimed towing capacity of 11,000 pounds. This is comparable to the Rivian.

If you’re looking for an EV hotshot truck, the Cybertruck probably isn’t for you. When compared to the Rivian, the additional cost and the potential issues, keep this truck in a luxury category.

Advantages of Towing With an EV Truck

Electric trucks have some cool features that make them technological marvels. While towing, they have some advantages over traditional trucks.

Great Braking

Electric vehicles don’t have to use their brakes as often, and many use brakes to create more energy for the motor. While towing with an electric truck, you don’t need to worry about changing brakes or wearing them down.

No Gas Cost

It’s an obvious advantage, but it needs to be said that charging electric trucks will cost some money, but it will cost significantly less than the pump. Depending on where you’re located, a full charge could cost anywhere from 10$-20$, and that’s from near zero to full charge.

Disadvantages of Towing With an EV Truck

Electric trucks are getting closer to gas trucks, but they are far from them. While being used to tow, there are numerous issues that will discourage most from towing often.

Reduced Range

You’ll experience significant range drops when towing in any electric truck. Most models decrease in range by 50% when towing 7,000 pounds. 

Charge Station Routing

Hauling routes won’t be optimal with an EV truck. When towing for a long distance, electric trucks will need to stop multiple times to charge. 

Routing according to charging stations and taking the time to charge will increase your time on the road. You’ll get paid less per hour of driving.

Potential Battery Damage

Incorrect towing practices damage batteries significantly. EVs have complex systems and frequent strain will cause massive damage to that system.

Electric Trucks for Hotshot Trucking: Not Quite Ready

Electric vehicles have taken major strides to reach the functionality of traditional vehicles, but they aren’t ready yet.

Hotshots need a truck that can take a beating and tow heavy weights. Out of all the trucks we looked at, there isn’t a good option for someone who wants to tow frequently.

Electric trucks are great for towing a couple of times a year and at a shorter distance, but they aren’t good choices for hotshot drivers.

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