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Looking for towing EVs

Discussion in 'EV (Electric Vehicle) Discussion' started by bwilson4web, Sep 4, 2022.

  1. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    My wife's 2014 BMW i3-REx handles small trailers easily but struggles with our larger, enclosed trailer. She needs something more substantial. These are my USA available, candidates:
    • Tesla Model Y
    • Ford F150 Lightning
    • Rivian
    • GM Hummer EV
    Any others I should add to this list?

    Mandatory requirements:
    • Manufacturer installed towing hardware with trailer wiring
    • Seat driver and four passengers
    • 350 lbs tongue and 3,500 lbs trailer
    Optional requirements:
    • Use high reliability, fast DC charging network(s)
    • Provide 120/240 VAC, 15-20 A outlets
    • Automated Driver Assistance system
    Bob Wilson
     
    #1 bwilson4web, Sep 4, 2022
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2022
  2. Isaac Zachary

    Isaac Zachary Senior Member

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    Maybe Nikola.
     
    #2 Isaac Zachary, Sep 4, 2022
  3. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    They are not listed by the EPA.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #3 bwilson4web, Sep 5, 2022
  4. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    The Chevy Silverado EV pick up.
    The Blazer EV has a 1500 pound tow rating available.
     
    #4 Trollbait, Sep 5, 2022
    Isaac Zachary and bwilson4web like this.
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Around 2,200 lbs for a Kia EV6 or Hyundai Ioniq5 (not sure why it’s lower than the 3,500lbs capacity in Euro spec or KDM spec).

    Found a thread with pics and road trip details.

    Towing Data at max capacity | Kia EV6 Forum


    And of course fast charging on 800V. I have seen a peak of 240kW and I have multiple sessions of 20-90% in 20 mins and one session of 15-80 in 15 mins and onwards to 90% in 22 mins.
     
    #5 Tideland Prius, Sep 5, 2022
    John321, hill, bwilson4web and 1 other person like this.
  6. hill

    hill High Fiber Member

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    took a while, but that ev6 styling is finally starting to grow on me. Plus towing - and it charges really really fast. Plus low drag CD / efficientt.
     
    #6 hill, Sep 5, 2022
  7. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    Differences in trailer regulations. Theirs allows loading the weight on the trailer to results in less weight being transferred to the car. It makes the trailer unstable at highway speeds, so towing is limited to 60mph. Ours put more weight on the car, but allow going 70mph without issue.
     
    #7 Trollbait, Sep 5, 2022
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  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Thanks. I’ve never towed so I am unfamiliar with the rules.

    So, does that mean if one loads up the weight on the trailer, as long as one keeps within 60mph, they should be fine?
     
    #8 Tideland Prius, Sep 5, 2022
  9. Trollbait

    Trollbait It's a D&D thing

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    I've only read up on the subject, looking into the differences between the markets.

    It comes down to tongue weight of the trailer. That is the weight that is put onto the car. The more weight loaded onto the front of the trailer, the higher the tongue weight. The more weight carried by the car, the stabler the trailer at higher speeds. It also means more weight on the car's rear structure, and reduction in the car's payload.

    In the US, regulations call for the tongue weight to be 10% to 15% of the trailer's total weight. In the UK, it is half that. Load the trailer like it is dictated in the UK, and going to that limit should be fine. The issue is more legal if things go wrong.

    Trailer brakes is the other major thing to consider. Most of Europe seems to require them for trailers over 500kg. For the US, it varies by state. Two or three say 1000 pounds; others go up to 3000. The car manufacturer might have a say. Subaru says 1000 pounds for trailer brakes.
     
    #9 Trollbait, Sep 5, 2022
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  10. bwilson4web

    bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

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    The Model Y Owner's Manual has instructions and tables starting on page 77 on towing. So I copied them for my mandatory specs.

    Bob Wilson
     
    #10 bwilson4web, Sep 5, 2022
  11. El Dobro

    El Dobro A Member

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    Here's a towing adventure with the Ford Lightning.
     
    #11 El Dobro, Sep 13, 2022
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