![]() ![]() “It is not just Tesla, MG and BYD EVs that can tow. In response to my previous article on towing, a couple of readers shared their stories. From Brisbane, you could expect to make it to the tourist hot spots of either the Gold Coast on the south or the Sunshine Coast on the north. So, at the higher speed, the range is reduced to 120 km, using 90% of your battery. Travelling at over 100 km per hour on the return trip used even more power - 56 kWh. The XC40 Recharge averaged about 76 km per hour, using 45 kWh per hundred km. So, having once established the range, you can be confident of what your EV will do. That’s what got us into EVs.”Īn experienced tower tells me that the number of kilometers sacrificed from the total range of any vehicle is the same with the same trailer. Another farmer adds, “We use our EV every day to tow on the farm. He says that he keeps the pallet over the axle and the bin holds about 200 kg of tomatoes. One correspondent uses his LEAF to tow a trailer around the farm harvesting tomatoes. Many EV drivers have found the towing capacity of their chosen EVs acceptable for their needs. Range will vary with aerodynamics and weight. Can you imagine the outrage from drivers of diesel utes if they had to unhitch to refuel? I expect that as more and more towing-capable EVs hit the highways, charging stations will be built to suit.Īlthough the rule of thumb when towing with an EV is that you can expect to halve your range, the really big boat reduced range by 2.5 times. One of the biggest bug bears they found was that very few charging stations are built to accommodate vehicles towing and the boat trailer had to be unhitched every time they charged up. ![]() The owner believes that this is quite acceptable when you are on holidays and have plenty of time to enjoy a leisurely trip. The XC40 was expected to give a 220 km (137 mile) range when towing. ![]() The Model X and the Audi e-tron were considered. There really isn’t much choice in the Australian market if you want to tow. ![]() The diesel version will tow up to 2.2 tons. This is very close to the towing limit of the XC40. The Volvo XC40 was purchased specifically to tow the owner’s boat. Jon gets into the technicalities and puts EV abilities to the test. The boot of my Model 3 seems to be slowly filling up with hats, umbrellas, and kids’ toys.Īs an EV driver, we also need to be aware of what other accessories are drawing power from the battery - air conditioning, driver assist, heated seats, etc.Ĭoming back to that XC40 and the really big boat, have you watched the video yet? It’s worth following the JD Solar and EV YouTube site. When I was driving out west of Queensland in my Ford Falcon in the ’80s, it was worth having spare fan belts, radiator hoses, water, a toolbox, oil, etc. Francisco is building a monster of an EV towing machine by converting a Mitsubishi Pajero. He is also looking into the option of trailers and caravans being fitted with extra battery packs and drivetrains. Graeme from OZDIY adds that we should empty the “extra crap” that’s in the trunk and frunk. Use premium engine and drivetrain lubricants.This is an obvious method for reducing fuel use, but it’s probably the most ignored as well. “RV, are we there yet” gives us this good advice on Improving Fuel Economy when Towing with a fossil fuelled vehicle. While we wait anxiously for better EVs down under, what can be done to improve our range? Those of you with diesel experience might be able enlighten us as to the effect that towing a load has on the range of your truck.įrom the comments I have read about various vehicles, it appears that EVs lose about half their range when towing. So, yes, petrol engines also lose range when towing, just not as much. According to BoatUS, “In general, expect around a 30-percent drop in average MPG when towing with a gasoline engine, though that may vary significantly depending on terrain, weight and height of load, and the driver.” I know that sounds obvious, but for some people, it will need to be pointed out. Towing reduces the range of all powertrains. This is coming over the next ten years, but until then, turbo diesels are far more convenient.”įor my readers stateside, we do not have access to Rivians or F-150 Lightnings, yet. “Unfortunately, EVs need more development in battery energy density. That led Jon to conclude that, for now at least, we might have to stick with diesel for those really heavy loads over long distances. However, it really reduces the range, from around 400 km to about 150 km. Jon Day recently posted a video that demonstrates that an EV (a Volvo XC40 Recharge, to be exact) can tow a boat. Thinking of buying an EV to tow your really big boat? Check this out. ![]()
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