Tesla Model X does 235 miles of real life towing

19 May 2022

The American RV maker Bowlus has tested the Tesla Model X towing the Terra Firma RV, a 4,000 lbs (1,814 kg) and 8.25 meter (27.1 foot) long camping trailer. The test was carried out in real life conditions, with highway driving at speed limits of 55 mph (88.5 kmh) in California and then up to 60 mph in Nevada (96.5 kmh).

Speed limits were obeyed at all the other roads as well, but to save energy no air-conditioning was used. The entire test was performed over the distance of 930 miles (1,496 km) and took the driver from the sea level all the way to 4,730 foot (1,441.7 meters) elevation.

During the test Tesla X consistently averaged 235 miles (378 km) on full charge which is just over 70% of its 330 miles (531 km) EPA range. Bowlus Terra Firma is the largest RV made by the company and its aerodynamic shape is meant to help EVs retain as much of their range as possible, while towing it. The RV itself is equipped with a 768 kWh battery pack that allows it to stay off the grid for up to 2 weeks as long as air conditioning is switched off, switching it on cuts the two weeks holiday down to just two nights.

What this test proves is that with current larger EVs it is really possible to tow large trailers, it’s no longer an issue if you are a fan of camping, you don’t need to give up your hobby just because you have an EV.

With Rivian RT1 and Ford F-150 Lightning now joining Tesla with decent towing capabilities, off grid adventures will become more environment friendly. Yes, the price of admission to this club is high - with the Terra Firma RV costing $285,000 and Tesla X coming in at $114,990 it’s a lot of money. Funny enough due to US dealership agreements Tesla X looks like a bargain next to F-150, in fact you could have two Teslas for the price of one Ford truck, that’s if you can find it.

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