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A look at the Model X’s towing range at full capacity [Video]

We get our first good look at the Model X’s range while towing at near full capacity courtesy of Signature Model X owner Max Kennedy. Max is one of the 208 Model X owners who had the chance to take delivery of the all-electric SUV before the end of the year, and he decided to start an interesting Youtube channel documenting his experience with the vehicle, especially with its towing capacity.

Kennedy is towing a 4,850 lb boat, which is just a little less than the Model X’s full capacity with 20″ wheels – 5,000 lb.

In his latest video (see below), Max shows that after a full charge, he gets on the road while towing his 4,850 lb boat at 55 mph (89 km/h) and gets 74 miles (119 km) of projected range.

After 5 miles at 60 mph (96 km/h), his consumption graph showed 886 Wh/mile on average. The projected range dropped to 62 miles (100 km) while the rated range showed 180 miles (290 km).

It looks like the Model X’s range drops to about a third of its rated-range if it’s towing at full capacity. Such a big hit shouldn’t come as a surprise considering the added weight and worst aerodynamics while towing.

Max compared his Model X towing performance to his Lincoln Navigator and said that he prefers the Model X. He highlighted the X’s impressive acceleration while towing:

“It’s like it’s not even there… but it is!”

You can watch the video in full here:

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Comments

  1. MorinMoss - 8 years ago

    Had no idea that towing would have such a range penalty. Is most of the impact due to the extra weight or the added drag?

    • František Kubiš Jr. - 8 years ago

      both 🙂

    • BEP - 8 years ago

      Fun fact: when you’re moving at a constant speed on a flat road, weight has no impact, because you’re not fighting gravity, nor are you accelerating the mass.
      But when you are accelerating (increasing the speed) or going uphill, the weight does have an impact.

      • Walt - 8 years ago

        Fun Fact #2: ~5000 Lbs has a SIGNIFICANT effect on a towed trailer because as the tires support the load, they deform. This constant deformation is expressed as internal friction, i.e heat. Therfore, greater load = greater losses (even at constant speed). Remember in physics where you were told to ignore friction?, not so IRL.

      • BEP - 8 years ago

        Yes, when writing my comment I tought about the deformation of the tires, but I chose to omit it. Anyway, are you sure that has a SIGNIFICANT effect (I’m not arguing, I’m just curious)?

  2. Walt - 8 years ago

    WOW! when he stomps on it = 400kW! Crazy!

    • MorinMoss - 8 years ago

      And that’s not even in Ludicrous mode (which probably wouldn’t work when towing)

  3. Trond - 8 years ago

    I know a guy who has mounted tow hitch on its Model S. He says that consumption is 50-60% higher than without the trailer . The weight of the trailer and how much drag the trailer creates also plays in . Model S is not approved with tow hitch . I’m just saying that this test is not necessarily representative of all model x .

  4. tore - 8 years ago

    119 km/h med en usikret båt på slep. Ikke bra selv med en Tesla

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