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Tesla Model X tow test achieves 70% of EPA range with trailer [Video]

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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Comments

  1. Taylor Marks - 8 years ago

    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?

    • André - 8 years ago

      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.

  2. john - 8 years ago

    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.

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