The Tesla Model X is the first all-electric vehicle with a significant towing capacity. When configured with 22″ wheels, the Model X can tow 3,500 pounds and when configured with 20″ wheels, the towing capacity of the SUV increases to 5,000 pounds, according to Tesla.
A 5,000 pounds capacity can enable the use of a variety of different trailers, including the Bowlus Road Chief trailer.
Bowlus shared a video of a Model X tow range test with its 2,300 pounds Road Chief trailer.
The company achieved about 70% of the Model X P90D 250-mile EPA-rated range while towing the trailer at a moderate highway cruising speed of 50 to 55 mph.
Bowlus also claims that it was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds while towing the trailer, which isn’t too hard believe after we watched a Model X beat a Alfa Romeo 4C in a drag race, while it was also towing another Alfa Romeo 4C.
Here’s the Bowlus Road Chief video:
Description:
Tesla Model X towing and range test with the Bowlus Road Chief, the world’s most advanced, aerodynamic travel trailer.
Special thanks to Mr. Jack Bowers for bring his Model X to test.
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The trailer was only 2300 pounds but caused a 30% reduction. Would a 5000 pound trailer cause a 65% reduction? That would bring the range of the P90D down to just 80 miles. That’s assuming ideal conditions – brand new battery, perfectly flat terrain, perfect weather. There’s no way a range of 80 miles would be found acceptable – there’s no way Tesla really thinks pulling 5000 pounds is something that you could do with the vehicle if that’s the case.
Or is my 65% reduction estimate way off? Has anyone actually tested what the range is when it pulls that much weight?
Yup. You’re way off. Air resistance makes up most of the energy usage. This will not increase with a heavier trailer. Expect a shorter range, but not that much shorter. Maybe another 5-10% reduction. The effect here is much more up to the driver. Keeping an even speed over time will reduce energy waste due to acceleration and regeneration. Rolling resistance will also play a larger role unless countered with more pressure in the tyres.
You really need to correct the title. The range of a Model S P85D at 50mph is about 340 miles. The range of a Model S P85D is about 315 miles. I will assume the range for the Model X will be similar.
That puts the towing range at closer to 50% of what the range would be without the trailer.