Tesla Cybertruck Towing Range Updates — Range Issues? Misleading Concerns?

Tesla Cybertrucks are currently making their way to the market at a fast pace, with reports from the Tesla gigafactory in Texas and local delivery in Southwest Florida providing evidence of the truck’s emergence. As the Cybertruck becomes more accessible, we’re gaining a better understanding of its operations and what it’s like to live with this “video game truck.”

One aspect of particular interest to some people is how the Cybertruck performs when towing. We have a couple of recent Tesla Cybertruck towing range tests to report on, but first, there are some fundamental considerations to grasp when it comes to driving any vehicle, and more specifically driving electric vehicles.

Key Factors Affecting Driving Range

Driving speed significantly affects energy consumption, whether for gasoline or electricity. The faster you drive, the more energy you burn, and the relationship is not linear. This is due to the increased wind resistance faced at higher speeds, reducing efficiency. Consequently, when driving on the highway, the expected range from a full charge is lower than for regular city driving.

In addition to driving speed, temperature also impacts range, as more energy is required to warm the battery and the interior of the car in colder temperatures.

Tesla Cybertruck Range on the Highway

With customer deliveries of the Cybertruck just starting in the middle of winter, it’s important to address the truck’s actual range. The estimated range for the AWD Cybertruck is 340 miles, according to Tesla, but real-world tests indicate a lower range. For example, at 70 mph highway driving with temperatures around 45°F (7°C), the AWD Cybertruck achieved around 254 miles on a full charge to a dead battery, which equates to about 203 miles of range. In city driving, the range might be between 250–300 miles, but could be lower if driving faster on the highway.

Tesla Cybertruck Towing Range

Towing tests on the Cybertruck have produced varying results. A recent test reported range estimates between 68 miles to 150 miles when using 75% of the battery to tow a load. Another test, conducted at an average speed of 55 mph on city and low-speed highway driving, found a range of 80–85 miles when using around 80% of the battery pack to tow a 5,600 lb travel trailer.

These parameters, such as towing load, temperature, speed, and energy capacity, significantly influence the final towing range. It’s essential for potential owners planning to tow with the Cybertruck to consider these factors when making their driving plans.

Planning for Life with the Cybertruck

While most Cybertruck owners may not tow frequently, understanding the towing range is helpful. These tests and discussions provide valuable insights for potential owners who intend to use the Cybertruck for towing. It serves as a starting point for planning purposes to ensure the truck meets their specific needs.