The Truth About EVs & Roof Top Tents

If you drive an electric vehicle, you know the "Range Equation" all too well. Every modification you make to your vehicle—from knobby tires to light bars—costs you miles.

But no accessory strikes fear into the heart of an EV owner quite like the Rooftop Tent (RTT).

For years, the rule of thumb was simple: strapping a brick to your roof ruins your aerodynamics. And for older, boxy soft-shell tents, that is true—expect a 15% to 25% drop in highway range. For a Rivian R1S or Kia EV9, that could mean losing 60+ miles of range between chargers.

However, 2026 is the year of the "Aero-Tent." Manufacturers are finally building ultra-low-profile shells specifically designed to cheat the wind.

Here is the truth about EV camping range loss, and the top 3 tents that will keep you away from the charging station.

The Physics: Weight vs. Drag

Before we look at the tents, let’s bust a myth: Weight matters less than you think.

In city driving, weight hurts efficiency (stop-and-go). But at 70 mph on the highway—where range anxiety actually happens—aerodynamic drag is the killer.

A 200lb aerodynamic wedge tent will cost you less range than an 80lb brick-shaped soft shell.

The Goal: You want a "Hard Shell" tent with a tapered front end and a closed height of under 7 inches.

The "Truck Hack": If you drive an F-150 Lightning, Rivian R1T, or Cybertruck, you have a cheat code. If you mount the tent on a mid-height bed rack (staying below the roofline), your range loss is virtually zero (<5%).

For the SUV owners (Model Y, R1S, EV9), you don't have that luxury. You need one of these three tents.

Want help choosing the right EV tent setup? Backcountry Sportsman can help match tents and racks to your vehicle.
👉 Shop EV-Friendly Roof Top Tents or Contact Us for Fit Advice

1. The Range Champion: Mars Adventure Gear Aeroblade

Best For: Maximum Efficiency / Garage Clearance
Closed Height: 3.5 inches
Estimated Range Hit: ~5-8%

This is currently the gold standard for EV owners. At just 3.5 inches tall, the Aeroblade is barely thicker than a standard roof rack. Its aggressive wedge shape acts like a spoiler rather than a wall.

Why it wins for EVs:

• Slices the Wind: It creates almost no turbulent air wake.
• Garage Friendly: Because it adds so little height, many drivers can still fit into standard parking garages—a huge plus for daily drivers.

2. The Weight Weenie: Inspired Overland Carbonlite

Best For: Tesla Model Y / Subaru Solterra
Weight: ~80 lbs
Estimated Range Hit: ~10-12%

While drag is king on the highway, weight is critical for suspension handling and Dynamic Roof Load Ratings. Many crossover EVs (like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5) have lower roof weight limits (often ~165 lbs).

Putting a standard 150lb tent on them is pushing the safety margin. The Inspired Overland Carbonlite weighs a shocking 80 lbs.

Why it wins for EVs:

• Safety Margin: It is one of the few hard shells that is safely underweight for smaller electric crossovers.
• Handling: You won't feel the "top-heavy" body roll in corners that plagues heavier setups.

3. The Premium Pick: Roofnest Falcon 3 EVO

Best For: Rivian R1S / Kia EV9
Closed Height: 8 inches (with accessory channels)
Estimated Range Hit: ~12-15%

If you are willing to sacrifice a few miles for luxury, the Falcon 3 EVO is the answer. It is slightly thicker than the Aeroblade, but it brings robust utility.

Why it wins for EVs:

• Solar Ready: It features integrated accessory channels that make mounting flexible solar panels incredibly easy. You can charge your EcoFlow or Jackery while driving.
• Insulation: The thicker shell offers better thermal regulation, meaning you use less battery power to heat your tent at night.

The EV Camper’s Checklist

If you are rigging up for 2026, follow these rules to maximize your mileage:

• Hard Shell Only: Never put a soft-shell "brick" tent on an EV unless it’s behind a truck cab.
• The "70 vs 65" Rule: Speed kills range exponentially. Slowing down from 75mph to 65mph can recover almost 50% of the range you lost to the tent.
• Remove it: If you aren't camping this weekend, take it off. This is why we recommend Quick Release Mounts (like the Front Runner Quick Release) for all EV owners.

Ready to electrify your camp? Check out our full collection of Low-Profile Roof Top Tents and find the perfect fit for your rig.

FAQ

• Do rooftop tents reduce EV range?
• How much range loss should I expect?
• Are hard shell tents better for EVs?
• Can I leave my tent mounted daily?
• What speed gives best EV range with a tent?