Forum Discussion
theoldwizard1 wrote:
This may not be correct but, it seemed like they could drive for 1-1.5 hours at an average speed of 65-70 and the battery was down to 10%-15% SOC. Recharging took 30-60 minutes.
Or 3 hours at avg 40 mph. They literally were holding up traffic just to get across the Midwest!
I’m sure Sam and the other Tesla chest pounders will be by to say how cool it was....
Yeah pay 100% more for a suv and make it 33% as far and take 1000% longer to “fuel” up.
Where can I sign up for this deal?? Take
My money now!Sjm9911 wrote:
The main problem is lack of superchargers. And around holiday times you have lines to charge up. So , for now i dont see it as a good tow vehical. And if you cant find a supercharger, it takes a bit to charge it.
Yah. Trudat. It will get better though. Both Superchargers and their non Tesla fast charger cousins are increasing in numbers pretty quick. I think it will be a couple or three years before long day cross country trailer touring is a reality with EV’s as tow vehicles. Until then it will be local camping destinations. Or travel without a trailer, which is what we do now in our Tesla.- The main problem is lack of superchargers. And around holiday times you have lines to charge up. So , for now i dont see it as a good tow vehical. And if you cant find a supercharger, it takes a bit to charge it.
qtla9111 wrote:
I wonder how it would tow with something like an Aliner Expedition that weighs 3500 GVWR and a height of 68 inches and the Tesla with a height of 56 inches?
The Model Y or the the model X.
The new model X has a longer range than the ones from a couple years ago. The model Y not so much but it is half the price...ish.
Looking at the specs for the expedition looks like it comes in around 1850 pounds, so maybe 2500 loaded. That and it is much more streamlined than the trailer these folks used. I don't know. Maybe 300 km real world towing range with some reserve for the model X. With the model Y maybe around 250 KM towing range with some reserve.
Having said that until very recently the model Y and model 3 both charge faster than the model x. The other thing that is improving right now is all the new Superchargers going in are V3 so instead of 150 kw max charging it is 250 kw max charging. This doesn't make too much of a difference when the battery is over 60 percent charged but does when it is lower.
Anyway. Things will change a lot in the next year or two. The cybertruck will be built for towing. Not so much the Tesla cars.
The most we could tow with our model 3 would be something like this at 900 pounds. Hey its got a bathroom and a sink and a bed. What else do you need. LOL. :)
- I wonder how it would tow with something like an Aliner Expedition that weighs 3500 GVWR and a height of 68 inches and the Tesla with a height of 56 inches?
time2roll wrote:
At least they seem to be good sports about the challenges. About 12 minutes in they discuss enjoying the journey a bit more instead of just zooming to the destination asap. They might gain as much as some would say they lose for this change in travel. Otherwise I agree the battery needs to be 2x or more to continue with what people are used to. Might do better with a pop-up or Trail Manor low profile trailer.
Yah I agree Chris. A pop up or maybe something like an A-liner would probably make a huge difference. The model X is rated for 5000 pounds but the model Y is only rated for 3500 pounds so almost a necessity to go to something like an Aliner. The model 3 is only rated for 2000 pounds (990 KG) and only in Europe.
This is what I mean. This would be easier for charging with a trailer but it would have to be small. In other words a Cybertruck pulling a 22 foot trailer would stick out.
Lots of obstacles to overcome yet. It'll happen.
Most seem to be set up like this which would require unhooking. Ugh
rjstractor wrote:
I really liked how they were candid about the power consumption and how it was an accurate portrayal on the viability of current EVs for RV use. 900 WH/mile at freeway speeds in calm winds and level terrain seems to be typical for the Model X pulling a small travel trailer. I would expect consumption for the Tesla pickup pulling a larger, higher profile trailer to be 1.2-1.5 KWH/mile. Pulling an Airstream, maybe a little less. Unless one wants to plan an RV road trip exclusively around Supercharger locations, the pickup will need around a 400 KWH battery to make a truly competitive, viable tow vehicle. I'm looking forward to reading more real-world reviews of EVs in a towing application.
Yah they did a nice job. The one thing that was noticeable to me was the layout of the Superchargers. Although they are starting to build them for easier access for vehicles towing many are built for back in charging. The bigger locations have pull thru services but it would take up two charging spots. On long weekends (when campers travel) that would be annoying for those waiting for a “pump”. This happens at normal gas stations too but there are more of them This is getting better but when the Cybertruck hits the road it will be in the forefront.
Non Tesla fast chargers are probably worse although we have noticed a few lately that seem to be designed with towing smaller trailers in mind. For the non Tesla truck brands this is going to be an obstacle.- At least they seem to be good sports about the challenges. About 12 minutes in they discuss enjoying the journey a bit more instead of just zooming to the destination asap. They might gain as much as some would say they lose for this change in travel. Otherwise I agree the battery needs to be 2x or more to continue with what people are used to. Might do better with a pop-up or Trail Manor low profile trailer.
- I really liked how they were candid about the power consumption and how it was an accurate portrayal on the viability of current EVs for RV use. 900 WH/mile at freeway speeds in calm winds and level terrain seems to be typical for the Model X pulling a small travel trailer. I would expect consumption for the Tesla pickup pulling a larger, higher profile trailer to be 1.2-1.5 KWH/mile. Pulling an Airstream, maybe a little less. Unless one wants to plan an RV road trip exclusively around Supercharger locations, the pickup will need around a 400 KWH battery to make a truly competitive, viable tow vehicle. I'm looking forward to reading more real-world reviews of EVs in a towing application.
- “Is this doable? Would you deal with all the charging stops?”
Not every hour. Every two hours for 30 minutes possibly.
