- Audi conducted its own test with the e-tron electric SUV pulling a 4000-pound trailer, which provides some interesting data about how towing affects electric cars.
- The e-tron went on a 504-mile trip from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Austin, Texas, stopping at 150-kilowatt fast chargers along the way.
- It averaged a high 769 watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi), which would make for a low driving range of around 105 miles.
What happens to an electric vehicle’s efficiency when towing? That’s the question that Audi set out to answer with its e-tron EV, which recently took a 504-mile journey from Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Austin, Texas, while towing a 4000-pound trailer that, by the way, was carrying a GM EV1 owned by Tulsa Tech.
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The obvious result is that the e-tron is far less efficient while towing a trailer, as any gasoline-powered vehicle would be. It averaged 769 watt-hours per mile (Wh/mi) at an average speed of 60 mph in 35-degree rainy weather. By our calculations, it would achieve a range of just around 105 miles. That means frequent stops for charging.
For comparison, an unladen e-tron is rated at 204 miles in the EPA’s combined test and 203 miles in the EPA’s highway test. It achieved an estimated range of 190 miles in C/D‘s 75-mph highway test, averaging 502 Wh/mi. Granted, there are many differences between Audi’s test and our own test, so it’s not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison. Our test has a higher average speed, was conducted in 68-degree weather, and takes into account charging inefficiencies.
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Nonetheless, this data is interesting for showing how EVs handle towing, and we hope to see more testing like this in the future. The e-tron is rated to tow 4000 pounds with its optional $650 towing package. Tesla claims that the Model X can tow up to 5000 pounds when properly equipped.
Source: Motor - aranddriver.com
