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Towing with EVs or Hybrid EVs

eugenelambert
Fri, 27 Dec 2013 16:53:45 GMT

Hello, Currently, to my knowledge, the Volvo V60 PHEV is the only hybrid or EV cleared for towing trailers/caravans etc. I keep getting different answers to why this is and wondered if anyone on this forum could get to the bottom of why this is. Why is this important? Just look at the amount of cars on the roads with towbars. Lots of people tow stuff. I'm a glider pilot who would like to combine my Nissan Leaf and Skoda Octavia into one PHEV that does it all. Answers on a postcard please ... Eugene

jonmusk
Mon, 30 Dec 2013 15:31:02 GMT

Hi Eugene, Thanks for the interesting post and question. It seems to be a bone of contention talked about in various places about the towing capabilities of hybrid and electric cars. Though I do not know the official reason, I believe it comes down to the design of drivetrain. With most PHEV's using relatively small electric motors for aiding the larger internal combustion engine, they are quite often placed where the flywheel would be and replace a clutch. As a result, I believe the extra torque and pressure on the components when towing can be too much for the electric motor to cope with, and presumably there's a safety issue in there somewhere too! It would be interesting to see the true towing capabilities of pure electric vehicles such as the powerful Tesla Model S though, as of course many industrial vehicles are electric drive and offer huge torque perfectly capable of towing large weights - think fork lift trucks for instance.

eugenelambert
Fri, 17 Jan 2014 14:44:11 GMT

Any idea of the Outlander PHEV can tow? Sorry to be a one-question-pony, but this is key for me and a potential game changer more widely. Eugene

jonmusk
Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:14:11 GMT

Hi Eugene, I've spoken with Mitsubishi's press office and they've informed me the towing capacity of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 1500 kilos (500 kilos less than the standard Outlander). As you're probably already aware, towing capabilities are often quoted for braked trailer weights, though I'm unsure as to whether or not the 1500 is or not. The Outlander is looking likely to launch sometime in April too, which may be of interest.

eugenelambert
Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:31:32 GMT

Thanks! Yes, that's seriously interesting. Although it may be a battle to convince my wife that we should trade the Leaf and the Skoda for the Outlander. Looks like it will retail at £35k, including the govt EV car grant. A tempter ...

jonmusk
Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:57:26 GMT

That's a battle I wouldn't choose to fight! Although the EU version is slightly different, the Japanese spec Outlander PHEV costs between (approximate equivalent) £20,000 and £25,500. This is a bit more expensive than the top spec non-hybrid version which retails in Japan at (approx. equiv.) £18,000. So, you're likely at the right money with £35,000 for the UK market.

jonmusk
Fri, 17 Jan 2014 15:58:27 GMT

PS. the 1500 Kilo towing capacity is for braked trailers.