Towing comparison: Tesla Cybertruck vs Silverado EV pickup trucks

Despite questionable press around the Tesla Cybertruck Cyberbeast, it has the indisputable power to tow. Many compare it to the Chevy Silverado EV 4WT, and car enthusiasts recently put each vehicle’s power to the test. Multiple outlets attempt to disprove the notion that electric trucks can’t match conventional haulers in towing power.

Each car’s numbers contextualize its towing potential in the field:

SpecSilverado EVCybertruckLength233.1 inches223.7 inchesWidth83.8 inches without mirrors86.6 inches without mirrorsHeight78.7 inches70.5 inchesBed size5 feet 11 inches6 feetWeight8,800 pounds6,843 poundsHorsepower510 hp600-834 hp depending on motorBattery205 kWh123 kWhRange393-450 miles250-340 milesTowing capacity10,000 pounds11,000 pounds

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This first case study was comprehensive. These two vehicles — alongside a Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T — hauled a 6,500-pound Tesla Model 3 and gear across 230 miles of terrain and highway in the Rockies. The path included downhill areas to put brakes and control to their limits. With all batteries at 100% charge, how did the Tesla compare to the Chevy?

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The test revealed that size matters regarding the battery pack, and the Silverado’s is notably larger. It reached its range, hitting the 300-mile mark even with the Model 3 in tow. Many truck-towing trials see the range slash significantly when carrying heavy cargo. However, the Cybertruck has faster charging speeds, circumventing the smaller battery with reduced capacity.

The cars’ designs also greatly influence the various tests experts put them through. The vehicle’s aerodynamic drag, weight, tire size and other specs influence the battery’s size-range ratio. The Silverado and Cybertruck succeed because they pose less resistance than less efficient EV towing trucks. However, aerodynamics change when putting another vehicle behind it.

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The Cybertruck’s angular design cuts through natural resistance when it’s on the road solo, but air and pressure build up between its bumper and cargo when towing. This will reduce efficiency, but a sizable battery may circumvent a blueprint’s shortcomings.

Even if it depletes, it can cover lost ground enough to surpass most other cars. There were points where the Silverado fell behind. The trek relied significantly on the driver’s judgment. How often and where would they stop to charge? What would they sacrifice to improve mileage, such as leaving the air conditioning off or going slightly below the speed limit? Some drivers gained little boosts with regenerative braking.

These critical notes determine the race’s results. The Silverado snatched first place, having only one charge on the route and pushing through severe weather. It averaged 1.2 miles per kWh, and at its maximum charging rate, it hit 345 kW. The Cybertruck didn’t maintain pace at the end, but test analyzers propose rankings would’ve shifted with a better driving plan.

Related: Here’s how far the Tesla Cybertruck goes while towing 11,000 lbs in cold weather conditions on a single charge | Cybertruck software update 2024.14.3 pushes tons of off-roading features to the truck

The Silverado has a slight advantage over the Cybertruck because of its battery size. However, if Tesla and other companies release peripherals like range extenders to boost their numbers, they could become a comparable — if not superior — competitor. Though the Cybertruck’s battery is smaller, which impacts its range, it maximizes the technology under the hood.

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Driving tests with the electric Silverado and Cybertruck verify how many elements go into the towing journey’s success. Battery size is notable, but numerous facets could change the game. For example, hooking up the trailer inefficiently could ruin the metrics of a several-hundred-mile drive. If the trailer’s tongue weight isn’t 10% to 15% of the trailer’s weight, everything from balance to safety is compromised. This harms EV performance, regardless if it’s the Cybertruck or Silverado.

Another test tacked a 7,300-pound load with an Airstream trailer and gear behind a Cybertruck. The cargo’s design isn’t as aerodynamic, dipping the Tesla’s range to 137 miles. However, fast charging saved it again. The Cybertruck pulled the heavy Airstream with no problem, despite stopping early in the journey to fuel.

The two trucks’ price tags aren’t vastly different, though as of now Silverado EV pickup truck has a slight edge. When it comes down to it though, driving behaviors and a higher towing capacity could make the Tesla Cybertruck more worth it overall as a towing vehicle.