Why Electric Cars Aren't Yet Great for Towing
Quote: “...hypothetical trailering scenarios for a Model X in this video. In one, he simulates a family taking their Model X on a camping trip, driving 100 miles up a 1-percent grade at 75 mph. Factoring the 5500-pound weight of the Model X itself, plus 500 lb of payload and 5000 lb of trailer, increased drag coefficient from the trailer, rolling resistance, and gravity, Fenske calculates that 100.4 kWh is needed to make that trip. In other words, you'd need to recharge to make it.”
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As those of us who tow with a Model X know, this is not a realistic scenario. 5,000 lbs is the limit of the Model X tow weight. 100 miles of a steady 1% grade? At 75mph? That is a crazy fast towing speed. In California the legal limit when towing is 55. I never go over 60 no matter where I am, and I’ve towed about 10,000 miles in 5 states in the Western US. 75mph while towing a trailer is simply unsafe no matter what the tow vehicle is.
Yes, towing with an X takes more careful planning than when driving without towing. But there is nothing difficult about the planning process.
Another quote: “So while you can tow with an EV, they won't be practical tow vehicles until their energy capacity increases significantly.”
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That is demonstrably untrue. Written by someone who has never actually towed with a Model X, I’m sure. Published in a magazine stuck in the 20th century.
Quote: “...hypothetical trailering scenarios for a Model X in this video. In one, he simulates a family taking their Model X on a camping trip, driving 100 miles up a 1-percent grade at 75 mph. Factoring the 5500-pound weight of the Model X itself, plus 500 lb of payload and 5000 lb of trailer, increased drag coefficient from the trailer, rolling resistance, and gravity, Fenske calculates that 100.4 kWh is needed to make that trip. In other words, you'd need to recharge to make it.”
————————————————————————
As those of us who tow with a Model X know, this is not a realistic scenario. 5,000 lbs is the limit of the Model X tow weight. 100 miles of a steady 1% grade? At 75mph? That is a crazy fast towing speed. In California the legal limit when towing is 55. I never go over 60 no matter where I am, and I’ve towed about 10,000 miles in 5 states in the Western US. 75mph while towing a trailer is simply unsafe no matter what the tow vehicle is.
Yes, towing with an X takes more careful planning than when driving without towing. But there is nothing difficult about the planning process.
Another quote: “So while you can tow with an EV, they won't be practical tow vehicles until their energy capacity increases significantly.”
————————————————————————
That is demonstrably untrue. Written by someone who has never actually towed with a Model X, I’m sure. Published in a magazine stuck in the 20th century.
