Tesla Cybertruck AWD real life towing range tested

15 January 2024

Tesla's Cybertruck, hailed as the electric revolution in the world of pickup trucks, has been put to the test once again, this time focusing on its towing capabilities. With a medium weight and relatively aerodynamic load, the AWD Cybertruck went 115 miles, using up 100% of its battery pack. Of course, this figure dwindles to approximately 87 miles when using 75% of the battery capacity, which is a more typical scenario.

These findings are consistent with the reports suggesting that the Cybertruck boasts around 200 miles of real-world range when not towing. In a world where electric cars are increasingly popular, the skepticism surrounding the practicality of towing with an EV truck remains as strong as ever.

The results of a recent towing test, considered one of the most comprehensive so far, were posted on the forum Cybertruck Owners Club. The AWD Cybertruck was equipped with factory tires and operated at a temperature of 61°F, with no rain and in sunny weather. The round trip covered 111 miles, eliminating wind and elevation impacts. The HVAC system was set to fan only, and the Cybertruck towed a trailer with a Tesla Model Y on it weighing approximately 6,000 lb in total.

The test began with the vehicle at a Tesla V3 supercharger, fully charged to 100%, and ended at the same supercharger with just 3% SOC remaining. The recharge to full capacity took about two hours, and there was an additional payload weight of under 200 lb. The test encompassed a mix of city and low-speed highway driving, with precise statistics yet to be compiled based on GPS data.

While it's probably possible to squeeze a few extra miles, as trailer tire pressure wasn't checked, and some braking was needed, these are almost as good as the Cybertruck's towing capabilities can be. The trailer offered good aerodynamic load characteristics and weighted equivalent to about half of the Cybertruck's towing capacity. Additionally, warm weather and a pre-warmed battery contributed to optimal conditions.

The trip statistics revealed that the Cybertruck used 121 kWh for the 113 miles round trip, resulting in an energy consumption rate of 1078 Wh/mile or 670 Wh/km.

The Cybertruck performed relatively well compared to similar tests conducted on the Rivian R1T. However, the results may not be entirely satisfactory for those who were hoping the electric truck will outright replace their ICE workhorses.

As the world inches closer to embracing electric vehicles, questions remain about the practicality of EV trucks for tasks like towing. Tesla's Cybertruck has made bold claims, but real-world testing continues to shed light on the limitations. It's essential to remember that not everyone requires towing capabilities from their EV, but for those who do, these findings highlight there's lots of room for improvement.

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