Tesla Model 3 spotted testing towing capacity

One of the biggest missing features on the Tesla Model 3 is arguably the lack of an official towing capacity – even for a small trailer.

That might change now that a Model 3 test mule has been spotted testing towing capacity with a U-Haul trailer.

With Model X, Tesla delivered the first passenger electric vehicle with a significant rated towing capacity: 5,000 lbs.

It’s more important for an SUV than for a mid-size sedan like the Model 3, but a small towing capacity can still be useful.

It has been one of the biggest complaints from Model 3 reservation holders.

Some Model 3 owners decided to go with a third-party hitch, but that’s taking a risk. It’s not only a risk for road incidents, but it is also a potential problem for your warranty if the manufacturer has no official towing rating capacity.

Back in 2016, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said that they will offer an optional tow hitch for the Model 3, but it has yet to happen a year into production.

This may change soon now that a Model 3 has been spotted around California and Nevada traveling with a U-Haul trailer.

The vehicle was spotted by Jeffrey Jessup in Beatty, Nevada yesterday. He sent us some pictures of the sighting:

The vehicle has been spotted at several locations over the past few days and witnesses reported that it has manufacturer plates – leading us to believe that it is a test vehicle from Tesla.

It also has a spoiler and red brake calipers, which would indicate that it is a Performance Model 3.

We contacted Tesla regarding the potential towing capacity of the Model 3. We’ll update this post if we get a response.

What towing capacity you would like the Model 3 to have?

Let us know in the comment section how you would use the towing capacity of the Model 3 if it ends up having one.