Slate on the road towing trailer

HOW MUCH CAN A SLATE HAUL?

The Slate truck is rear-wheel drive and projected to have around a 1,400-lb payload and 1,000-lb towing capacity. But with EVs, towing isn’t just about numbers on a spec sheet — it’s about how electric power delivery, battery management, and vehicle architecture change the experience compared to traditional gas trucks.

TOWING: EV VS. GAS ENGINE

Gas trucks rely on combustion engines that hit peak power higher in the RPM range. EVs are different — they deliver max torque instantly. That means pulling a trailer with Slate will feel stronger off the line than a similar-spec gas-powered vehicle, even if the tow rating is modest.

But EV towing has a few unique considerations:



1. BATTERY SIZE AND RANGE

Towing pulls more energy from the battery — just like it burns more fuel in a gas truck. Depending on trailer weight, shape, and speed, range can decrease because the vehicle is pushing more drag and weight.

  • Heavier loads = more energy consumption
  • High speeds increase aerodynamic drag
  • Hills and elevation changes draw more power


The Slate is designed for real-world use cases and daily utility, so its towing capacity is tuned around preserving range and ensuring predictable performance.



2. MOTOR AND DRIVETRAIN

Because the Slate is rear-wheel drive, its tow rating is optimized around traction, stability, and thermal limits. EV motors generate torque instantly, which is great for pulling — but sustained towing creates heat, and EVs need to protect motors, inverters, and battery systems from overload.



3. REGENERATIVE BREAKING

One of the biggest advantages of EV towing is regen braking. With a load behind you:

  • The motor can recapture more energy going downhill
  • Braking distances can feel more controlled
  • You reduce wear on physical brakes


But regen has limits at higher speeds or with very heavy loads, which is why total tow capacity is carefully balanced.


4. WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION AND HITCH DYNAMICS

EVs carry more weight low in the chassis thanks to the battery pack. That helps stability, but tongue weight, trailer sway, and hitch setup still matter just like in any gas truck.

So…What Can Slate Really Handle?


For small trailers, motorcycles, yard equipment, kayaks, camping setups, and weekend utility jobs — the Slate truck's projected 1,000-lb tow rating and 1,400-lb payload should be plenty. And the instant torque makes low-speed hauling (like backing a trailer into a tight spot) easier than with a gas engine. A Slate isn’t meant to replace a full-size tow rig, though. It’s built for everyday practicality, not heavy-duty hauling.