EVs allowing trailer load / roof load

happy1 · 19-10-2021, 06:58 AM

The first generation EVs typically couldn't carry any trailer or external loads.
That seems to be changing, and here is a list I found on an European site:

Model-name Trailer-load Roof-load:
EV's currently for sale:
Hyundai Kona 300 kg roof 80 kg
Kia e-Soul 300 kg 80 kg
Nissan e-NV200 van 450 kg 100 kg
Jaguar I-Pace 750 kg 75 kg
Tesla Model 3 *) 910 kg 75 kg
Polestar 2 1.500 kg 75 kg
Audi e-tron 1.800 kg 75 kg
Audi e-tron Sportback 1.800 kg 75 kg
Mercedes-Benz EQC 1.800 kg 75 kg
Tesla Model X 2.250 kg 0 kg
– Models about to be launched:
Ford Mustang Mach-e 750 kg 0 kg
Skoda Enyaq 1.000 kg (2x4)/1.200 kg (4x4) roof yes.
VW ID.4 1.000 kg (2x4)/1.200 kg (4x4) roof yes.
BYD Tang 1.410 kg roof yes.
Nissan Ariya 1.500 kg roof yes
Volvo XC40 Recharge 1.500 kg 75 kg
Tesla Model Y (Incl. Performance) 1.600 kg roof yes.
BMW iX3 750 kg roof 75 kg

Cheers

**kypez** · 19-10-2021, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by happy1

The first generation EVs typically couldn't carry any trailer or external loads.

That seems to be changing, and here is a list I found on an European site:

Model-name Trailer-loadRoof-load:

EV's currently for sale:

Hyundai Kona 300 kg roof 80 kg

Kia e-Soul 300 kg 80 kg

Nissan e-NV200 van 450 kg 100 kg

Jaguar I-Pace 750 kg 75 kg

Tesla Model 3 *) 910 kg75 kg

Polestar 2 1.500 kg75 kg

Audi e-tron 1.800 kg75 kg

Audi e-tron Sportback1.800 kg75 kg

Mercedes-Benz EQC 1.800 kg75 kg

Tesla Model X 2.250 kg0 kg

– Models about to be launched:

Ford Mustang Mach-e 750 kg 0 kg

Skoda Enyaq 1.000 kg (2x4)/1.200 kg (4x4) roof yes.

VW ID.4 1.000 kg (2x4)/1.200 kg (4x4) roof yes.

BYD Tang 1.410 kgroof yes.

Nissan Ariya 1.500 kgroof yes

Volvo XC40 Recharge1.500 kg75 kg

Tesla Model Y (Incl. Performance)1.600 kgroof yes.

BMW iX3750 kgroof 75 kg

Cheers

Model 3 is 1000 kgs locally (non performance model). And Hyundai didn't have the Kona complianced locally to tow.

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Vesper Martini · 19-10-2021, 08:42 AM

Wretched · 19-10-2021, 10:17 AM

New EV Transit will tow around 1700kg, not sure on the roof load.

happy1 · 20-10-2021, 12:38 AM

Hi, yes you are right, the article mentioned Kona didn't have towing first, but the importer had to retrospectively offer the 300kg due to lost sales and customer pressure. The article suggested 300 kg isn't much, just enough to carry home new washer machine or similar, so better than nothing. And the article mentioned after market engineering for other EVs.

Ben73 · 20-10-2021, 08:33 PM

If EV's are meant to become mainstream they should be able to tow at least 750kgs and carry a light load on the roof.

Even my Jimny with it's **** weak engine and bad driving characteristics can tow. Why shouldn't a modern electric?

Franco Cozzo · 20-10-2021, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben73

If EV's are meant to become mainstream they should be able to tow at least 750kgs and carry a light load on the roof.

Even my Jimny with it's **** weak engine and bad driving characteristics can tow. Why shouldn't a modern electric?

I reckon it's due to poor energy density of batteries, otherwise why couldn't something with so much power and torque pull something?

Range anxiety I reckon.

Wretched · 20-10-2021, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ben73

If EV's are meant to become mainstream they should be able to tow at least 750kgs and carry a light load on the roof.

Even my Jimny with it's **** weak engine and bad driving characteristics can tow. Why shouldn't a modern electric?

They can but there are risks. Couple of good links below describe why.
Most obvious reason is the drain on batteries but then there is also the possibility of the trailer overpowering the regenerative braking system.
There are some cars that can tow but are not certified in AU to do so.

In fairness, your Jimny can only tow 350kg (unbraked).

https://www.carsales.com.au/editoria...ic-car-131199/

https://www.whichcar.com.au/car-advi...ood-for-towing

simon varley · 20-10-2021, 10:07 PM

why would you tow with a Mustang? any mustang?

**kypez** · 20-10-2021, 11:05 PM

So most of them is because they're just not designed to have a tow bar. With batteries running the length of the floor and the positions of the rear motors, it makes it interesting putting in tow bars. Add the extra weight of EVs, and it becomes harder to manage axle weights.

Regen won't have issues when towing. Its just that manufacturers aren't priortising development of tow bars. As is the case with many manufacturers of ICE as well these days. It seems that towing is more positioned to the SUV/4x4/Dual Cab brigade and sedans have forfeit towing.

Wait till Rivian, F150, Cybertruck, etc hit the market. They are purpose built for towing and will tow great loads. Towing with a Model X made the 2000 kgs behind it almost feel non-existent. Was a joy to tow with that car. But the standard for that class is 3000-3500kgs so the 2250 is under par.

**kypez** · 20-10-2021, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon varley

why would you tow with a Mustang? any mustang?

Would be nice in theory. V8, big brakes... It should make towing easy. Its like all those GT Falcons used for towing.

Vesper Martini · 21-10-2021, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kypez

So most of them is because they're just not designed to have a tow bar. With batteries running the length of the floor and the positions of the rear motors, it makes it interesting putting in tow bars. Add the extra weight of EVs, and it becomes harder to manage axle weights.

Regen won't have issues when towing. Its just that manufacturers aren't priortising development of tow bars. As is the case with many manufacturers of ICE as well these days. It seems that towing is more positioned to the SUV/4x4/Dual Cab brigade and sedans have forfeit towing.

Wait till Rivian, F150, Cybertruck, etc hit the market. They are purpose built for towing and will tow great loads. Towing with a Model X made the 2000 kgs behind it almost feel non-existent. Was a joy to tow with that car. But the standard for that class is 3000-3500kgs so the 2250 is under par.

Electrics aside, anything without the proper rear suspension setup shouldn't be towing IRS without adjustable airbags etc. the towing capacities on a lot of vehicles is far to high IMO.
you are right wait for the purpose built tow vehicles to be produced before we "weigh in" on the towing debate

**kypez** · 21-10-2021, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vesper Martini

Electrics aside, anything without the proper rear suspension setup shouldn't be towing IRS without adjustable airbags etc. the towing capacities on a lot of vehicles is far to high IMO.

you are right wait for the purpose built tow vehicles to be produced before we "weigh in" on the towing debate

Agreed there. Even my falcon with a so called 2300kg capacity was terrible even with a WDH. Once I had airbags, it was much better. People got too casual with tow ratings (IMO) as safety was not the focus.

That seems to be changing now.

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whynot · 22-10-2021, 08:54 AM

I cannot see Ford's F150 Lightning on the list. There are numerous internet sites reporting that it can tow 10,000 pounds (about 4,500 kg), albeit with vastly reduced range.

**kypez** · 22-10-2021, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whynot

I cannot see Ford's F150 Lightning on the list. There are numerous internet sites reporting that it can tow 10,000 pounds (about 4,500 kg), albeit with vastly reduced range.

European list. F150 isn't on sale there just yet.

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GCRXR6 · 22-10-2021, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon varley

why would you tow with a Mustang? any mustang?

Why would you tow with a Falcon or Commie? Any Falcon or Commie.

deesun · 22-10-2021, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon varley

why would you tow with a Mustang? any mustang?

Jetski, small pop top, anything that allows you to get away and enjoy the country for a short time. My question is why wouldn't you want to tow with your Mustang.

deesun · 22-10-2021, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by happy1

The first generation EVs typically couldn't carry any trailer or external loads.
That seems to be changing, and here is a list I found on an European site:

Model-name Trailer-load Roof-load:
EV's currently for sale:
Hyundai Kona 300 kg roof 80 kg
Kia e-Soul 300 kg 80 kg
Nissan e-NV200 van 450 kg 100 kg
Jaguar I-Pace 750 kg 75 kg
Tesla Model 3 *) 910 kg 75 kg
Polestar 2 1.500 kg 75 kg
Audi e-tron 1.800 kg 75 kg
Audi e-tron Sportback 1.800 kg 75 kg
Mercedes-Benz EQC 1.800 kg 75 kg
Tesla Model X 2.250 kg 0 kg
– Models about to be launched:
Ford Mustang Mach-e 750 kg 0 kg
Skoda Enyaq 1.000 kg (2x4)/1.200 kg (4x4) roof yes.
VW ID.4 1.000 kg (2x4)/1.200 kg (4x4) roof yes.
BYD Tang 1.410 kg roof yes.
Nissan Ariya 1.500 kg roof yes
Volvo XC40 Recharge 1.500 kg 75 kg
Tesla Model Y (Incl. Performance) 1.600 kg roof yes.
BMW iX3 750 kg roof 75 kg

Cheers

The issue I have with some of the cars on the list is I have found in some instances in ICE cars that although the manufacturer says 2000kg towing you then find out the Towball Download is rubbish at 90kg. You could NEVER tow 2000kg because the TBD would be waaayyy higher than 90kg.

Vesper Martini · 22-10-2021, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deesun

The issue I have with some of the cars on the list is I have found in some instances in ICE cars that although the manufacturer says 2000kg towing you then find out the Towball Download is rubbish at 90kg. You could NEVER tow 2000kg because the TBD would be waaayyy higher than 90kg.

You do have to question what sort of trailer can weigh 2000kg and only have 90kg on the drawbar?

**kypez** · 22-10-2021, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vesper Martini

You do have to question what sort of trailer can weigh 2000kg and only have 90kg on the drawbar?

Tesla have this issue in Australia. The Euro hitch can only do 90kg down (4%). The US spec one does 227kg

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