The Tesla Model X, which is the first electric car with a significant towing capacity, reportedly can tow at impressively high-speeds. Trip Chowdrhy, a financial analyst who covers Tesla for Global Equities, says he witnessed Tesla testing a Model X towing at “very high speeds” at the Fremont factory.
In a note sent to customers, Chowdhry highlights 3 points:
- Tesla Model X is testing the Towing, at speeds of 70 to 75 miles…we have never seen any SUV vehicle towing at such high speeds
- The Tow had the length of ~1.15 times the length of Model X, and had 4 set of wheels
- Model X looked extremely stable and in control with Tow at such high speeds, in-spite of rain
He shared these pictures via StreetInsider
When configured with 22″ wheels, the Model X has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds and when configured with 20″ wheels, the towing capacity of Model X increases to 5,000 pounds, according to Tesla.
A 5,000 pounds capacity can enable the use of a variety of different trailers and it’s interesting to hear that it can work at high-speeds, though some jurisdictions have speed limits for vehicles with trailers – for example in California where there’s a 55 mph limit.
Note via StreetInsider
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Hi-speed towing is dangerous especially on wet, slick or icy roads. Tesla’s otherwise impressive AWD may not be able to cope with a heavy trailer that’s lost grip and shifted its weight.
Back in July, a Tesla exec said the towing capacity was close to 10,000 lbs so for it to be released with a 5000 lb max was something of a disappointment.
Never seen an SUV tow at 75 miles per hour? Really?
One of the problems with towing is the coupling and stability of the joined tow package. With the wrong front to back load it might start to oscillate at high speed and the oscillations can get worse with each stroke.
Often they couple loads like this with a damping mechanism.https://www.google.ca/search?q=trailer+load+damper&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjJufWtqfjJAhXIpx4KHb91BlwQ_AUIBygB&biw=1920&bih=995#tbm=isch&q=trailer+sway+control