Yesterday We Towed A 30ft Travel Trailer 120 Miles With Our GMC Sierra EV And The Truck Handled It Like A Boss

We’ve all heard how towing a trailer with an EV can reduce driving range because the added weight and increased aerodynamic drag put higher energy demands on the powertrain. Unlike internal combustion engine vehicles, which can compensate somewhat with fuel stops, EVs are more sensitive to changes in load and airflow, resulting in faster battery drain. Depending on the trailer size, weight, and terrain, EV range can drop by 30% to 50% or more. This presents a major challenge for long-distance travel and camping with EVs, where towing capabilities are increasingly in demand. However, the news isn’t all bad. Several manufacturers have launched electric trailers which assist the towing vehicle to improve range.  

Even without a power assisted “e-trailer.” some trips will work out just fine. Here’s a recent post on Reddit by thaughtless describes a successful towing trip with their GMC Sierra EV:

“Yesterday we towed a 30ft travel trailer from Irvine, CA to Palm Springs, CA, roughly 120mi one way and the truck handled it like a boss! The power of it made the drive effortless, despite the mountain ranges, sitting on about 60mph. The weight of it made sure it didn't get pushed around in the winds and gusts which often occur as you come into Palm Springs. And the best bit was that I only lost around 38% of range compared to a regular trip here. Got 1.1mi/kWh over the trip.”

Utility E-Trailers for Everyday Use

A couple of companies are launching electric trailers for everyday utility usage. A Hungarian company called Knott Autoflex Group has developed a smart trailer designed for use with both electric and fossil fuel vehicles. It features a built-in electric drive system that reduces energy consumption and enhances towing efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Key components include an all-wheel-drive electric axle, regenerative braking, and a modular battery pack that also powers external devices and supports home energy systems. The trailer offers advanced diagnostics, remote monitoring, and communication tools for real-time safety updates. With functions like autonomous movement assistance and multiple operational modes, it minimizes towing strain and increases vehicle range. Its modular design allows users to customize axles and battery capacity, making it highly adaptable for various use cases. While it may not be listed directly in their online store, interested buyers are encouraged to contact Autoflex-Knott directly for pricing and ordering information. You can reach out through their official website's contact page: autoflex-knott.com.

A startup out of the University of Washington is developing the Elementrailer. It combines a motorized electric drive and a modular design. They are giving the trailer its own power to extend tow vehicle range. It will have one base unit with upper structures that can be swapped out depending on what you need to haul like a cargo box or a camper. They are designing a wireless system to synchronize the trailer motor with the tow vehicle speed so they aren’t fighting each other. Elementrailer is currently in the fund-raising stage. 

Electric Travel Trailers

Electric travel trailers like the Lightship AE.1 and Pebble Flow are revolutionizing RV travel with sustainable, high-tech features. Designed for minimal towing impact and off-grid living, these smart trailers offer solar power, electric propulsion, and advanced connectivity. They are making eco-friendly adventures more efficient, convenient, and luxurious than ever before. The following first-to-market electric travel trailers are priced at a significant premium, as the average price of a standard new 25-foot travel trailer typically ranges from $25,000 to $50,000. That said, they are a glimpse of the future, and a very real solution to EV range degradation. Also, we can expect prices to drop as production volumes and competition increase.

Out of Broomfield, Colorado the Lightship company is offering the AE.1 Cosmos Edition. It’s an innovative, all-electric travel trailer designed for sustainable, off-grid adventures. It features a 77-kWh battery, 1.8 kW rooftop solar panels, and the TrekDrive™ system, enabling up to 300 miles of extended range with near-zero towing loss for electric vehicles. Its aerodynamic design includes a telescoping roof and panoramic windows, offering spacious interiors with natural light. Inside, it has a full kitchen with induction cooktop, convection oven, dishwasher, and a spa-inspired bathroom. The Atlas System provides intuitive control over climate, energy, and water systems. Priced at $250,000, the AE.1 Cosmos Edition is one of the first eco-friendly, luxury RV travel trailers. Production is set to begin in summer 2025, and reservations are currently open.

Out of Fremont, California the Pebble company is offering the Pebble Flow. It’s a cutting-edge, all-electric travel trailer designed for sustainable adventures. Equipped with a 45-kWh LFP battery and 1.1 kW rooftop solar panels, it offers up to seven days of off-grid power. Innovative features like the dual-motor Active Tow Assist System, Magic Hitch for automated hitching, and remote control via the Pebble app simplify towing and setup. Inside, the Pebble Flow has a convertible queen-size Murphy bed that transforms into a workspace, a full kitchen with a removable induction cooktop, and a spa-inspired bathroom. Its aerodynamic design enhances efficiency, reducing drag by up to 300% compared to traditional trailers. Priced from $109,500, the Pebble Flow is available for preorder, with deliveries expected in 2025.

Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Have you towed a trailer with your EV? What was your experience with changes in range?

What questions do you have about electric travel trailers?

Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.

Image sources: Reddit post by permission, Elementrailer by permission, Lightship media kit, Pebble media kit.