otrfun wrote:
Interesting, 8 bolt axles/wheels and 2700 lbs. of payload. 14k tow capacity.
Also, the airbag suspension, I assume, probably has a "low-rider" mode which reduces drag to extend range on the freeway.
Pretty impressive. It'll be very interesting to see how far it can tow 14k though.
People seem to be obsessed with the impact of trailer weight on range. My experience has been that a flatbed heavily loaded with firewood or dirt has less impact on fuel economy than an empty box trailer. Hence, it is air drag that kills range. Yes, weight does hurt range some with ICE vehicles but that is mostly due to increased use of mechanical brakes turning momentum into waste heat. An EV designed for towing will turn most of that momentum into electricity and put it back into the battery for re-use.
Range studies need to focus more on air drag and towing speeds, not weight. The auto makers know this and their towing tests are conducting with trailers having large air dams on the trailer giving consistent air drag results. The major testers like TFL need to get trailers of this sort. Auto makers rate their vehicles for max frontal area in addition to weight. Most people on this site seem to be unaware of that rating.