Tesla Model X Towing Capacity – The introduction of the Tesla Model X to the market in 2015, was a pioneering vehicle in the electric car industry as it was the first totally electric battery vehicle to come with an official tow rating from the manufacturer.
Since its initial launch, the Model X has undergone many updates, and the current generation of the vehicle boasts amazing towing capabilities. Along With a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 lbs when fitted with 20-inch wheels, the Model X is capable of pulling a big amount of weight.
However, it’s worth noting that if the Model X is fitted with bigger 22-inch wheels, the tow rating is decreased to 3,500 lbs. Despite this decrease in towing capacity, the Model X still comes equipped with a Tow Package and Tow Mode. The Tow Package contains a hitch receiver, wiring harness, and brake controller, which are all essential for towing.
The Tow Mode, on the other hand, actively monitors trailer sway and adjusts wheel braking and speed accordingly, providing added safety and stability while towing.
This feature guarantees that the Model X can safely and efficiently tow even the heaviest of loads. In General, the Tesla Model X is a great choice for those in need of a vehicle with powerful towing capabilities and advanced technology to support it.
Tesla Model X Towing Capacity
Tesla Model X Towing Capacity is 5,000 lbs. Source
Key Tesla Model X Specs and Tesla Model X HP & Torque
It is a high-performance electric SUV that is nowadays accessible for purchase. It has an authorized towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and is priced beginning at $74,690 for the Long Range variant and $94,690 for the Performance variant.
The Model X can be charged at the highest rate of 225 kW at V3 Tesla Superchargers. The Long Range variant has an AWD with 534 HP and 557 lb-ft of torque, while the Performance variant has an AWD with 778 HP and 841 lb-ft of torque.
Tesla Model X Towing Capabilities
The first introduction of the Tesla Model X in 2015, was a revolutionary vehicle in the electric car industry as it was the first totally electric car to come along with an authorized tow rating from the manufacturer.
The Model X stays the most qualified Tesla vehicle when it comes to towing, with the highest capacity of 5,000 lbs. The Model 3 does not have an official tow rating in the US, though it does have a rating of just over 2,000 lbs in Europe.
Many Model 3 owners have modified their vehicles for towing, but it is not an officially supported feature. On the other hand, the Model Y has an official tow rating of up to 3,500 lbs.
Nevertheless, the upcoming Cybertruck is expected to have an extremely higher towing capacity of 7,500 to 14,000 lbs. It is worth saying that the latest renditions of the Tesla Model X are experiencing significant delivery delays. Yet, once these versions are launched, the towing capacity will likely remain identical, but the range and performance will be enhanced.
When towing at 50% capacity, the estimated range is 186 miles for the Long Range variant and 171 miles for the Performance variant. It has an EPA range of 371 miles for the Long Range variant and 341 miles for the Performance variant.
2016 Tesla Model X 1,500 lb Trailer Towing Test
The capabilities of towing early versions of the Tesla Model X, such as the 2016 model, must be assumed when looking at buying a utilized EV. While the latest versions of the Model X have a maximum charge rate of 225 kW, in 2016 the quickest charge rate was only 120 kW on V2 Tesla Superchargers.
Edmunds executed a towing test with a 2016 Model X in 2017, and while the small 1,500 lb camper used in the test does not totally test the capabilities of the vehicle, it does offer a useful comparison for those looking to tow small trailers.
Other content is accessible that covers the towing of larger and weightier campers, and it is important to review these resources in order to fully comprehend the towing capabilities of the Model X.
In General, while the latest versions of the Model X can handle more towing power, the 2016 version still has impressive capabilities.
Towing Range/Consumption Results
The EPA estimates that the Model X will generally consume around 350 watts per mile without towing, and based on a 50% range reduction estimate, consumption would be predicted to be around 700 watts per mile when towing.
Nevertheless, the video shows that for a significant portion of the journey, the Model X was consuming an average of 480 watts per mile. This low consumption figure is likely because of the low weight and aerodynamic design of the trailer, as well as the fact that most of the journey was on a level road with no increase in elevation.
The average consumption figure was 555 watts per mile, which is nicely below the predicted 700 watts per mile, despite the fact that the car was towing uphill. This is a testament to the efficiency of the Model X even while towing.
2020 Tesla Model X Towing An Airstream Camper
The aerodynamics and wind resistance of the trailer being towed can significantly affect the range and battery consumption of an electric tow car.
This is something that is becoming more predominant as electric tow cars become more famous. The Airstream has a GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of 4,500 lbs, which is near the Model X’s highest tow rating of 5,000 lbs.
The results were very unique, even though it may not be the best fit for their requirements in terms of interior space. The test, nevertheless, must be taken in context as it’s not a precise scientific test and it was done with a tailwind which would have decreased consumption to some degree.
Consumption Stats Breakdown
The results of the towing test with the 22-foot Airstream camper behind a Tesla Model X demonstrated the impact of aerodynamic drag on the range and battery consumption of an electric tow car.
The Model X achieved a consumption of 498 watts per mile while towing the Airstream, giving it a range of 177 miles. In comparison, when towing their heavier Apex Nano trailer, the consumption was 800 watts per mile, resulting in a range of just over 100 miles.
While there are other factors at play, such as the tailwind mentioned above, it’s clear that aerodynamics plays a significant role in determining how far an electric tow car can go. This highlights the importance of considering the aerodynamics of the trailer when choosing an electric tow car.
Early vs Later Tesla Model X Range Differences
Ben found that while towing with his 2016 Tesla Model X, he was achieving an average efficiency rating of 74%. This means that while the Model X had a rated range of 240 miles without towing, the real-world range at 74% efficiency was just 177 miles.
When towing, using the 50% range reduction estimate, the range would likely be around 88 miles. This is not a significant amount of range for a vehicle that can be expensive to purchase on the second-hand market.
It’s important to note that the latest versions of the Tesla Model X have a much higher rated range of 341 to 371 miles and an estimated towing range between 171 to 186 miles.
However, as shown in the video, the size, weight, and aerodynamics of the trailer can greatly impact these figures. Therefore, when considering purchasing an EV for towing, it’s important to take into account not only the range of the vehicle but also the size, weight, and aerodynamics of the trailer.
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