Electric Towing

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    Posted: 27 Feb 2020 at 4:28pm
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I just followed a Tesla into town (don't see many of those round here) and was surprised to see it was fitted with a tow bar.  You often hear comments about electric cars along the lines of "but it would be no good for me as I need to tow...".  So out of curiosity I looked it up, and the model S is rated for towing up to 900kg, but the model X can tow up to 2250kg (braked).  I found this AA review of towing boats with the model X, seems they are well up to the job.  https://www.aa.co.nz/cars/buying-a-car/towing-reviews/tesla-model-x-2018-towing-review/   Interesting stuff, but I don't think I'll ever own an electric vehicle -not unless I live a very long time.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote pjc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Feb 2020 at 4:36pm
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Kevin,go in to Auckland,Newton Rd tesla agent,take the model 3 for a test drive and you will be impressed. 0 to 100 2.9 seconds,brakes on a dime,And they are keen for you to test drive.  
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Mr Moritz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Feb 2020 at 6:04pm
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Yep electric cars can tow no problem. BUT it drains their battery. Your range may be reduced by 50%.. 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Alan L Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Feb 2020 at 6:17pm
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Yes - that is the inevitable energy equation. You are asking the motor (and batteries) to do a whole lot more work. No different to your fuel equation really. So the question becomes what is a useful range. They have generally struggled to build a useful range in them. Towing will simply knock it back a heap.
The trucking industry is a massive user of fuel (in terms of cutting CO2 emissions). But electrifying them will be a major challenge.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Mr Moritz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Feb 2020 at 6:46pm
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Hmm I was perusing Tesla cars today (sorting out what to buy after winning 50 million on Saturday)
From Trade Me (New Cars)

Tesla Model 3 Standard $75,900 0-100 5.3 sec  
Tesla Model 3 Long Range $95,900 0-100 4.6 sec
Tesla Model 3 Performance $105,00 0-100 3.4 sec. 

3.4 sec is very quick for $105,000 but you will probably be sitting recharging a lot more.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Ecko Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Feb 2020 at 6:54pm
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Friend of mine comfortably tows twin jetski trailer with his model X. Looks badass
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote pjc Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Feb 2020 at 7:38pm
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Originally posted by Mr Moritz Mr Moritz wrote:

Hmm I was perusing Tesla cars today (sorting out what to buy after winning 50 million on Saturday)
From Trade Me (New Cars)

Tesla Model 3 Standard $75,900 0-100 5.3 sec  
Tesla Model 3 Long Range $95,900 0-100 4.6 sec
Tesla Model 3 Performance $105,00 0-100 3.4 sec. 

3.4 sec is very quick for $105,000 but you will probably be sitting recharging a lot more.
https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-3-0-60-mph-in-2-9-sec-after-ota-software-update

And yes they have them here,it is just a software update. long range model,Oh the g forces They these at the last years Big Boys toys,did a circuit drive there,been in to show room since. 
Apparently you can rent them by the day/hour.

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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Big -Dave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Feb 2020 at 8:39pm
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Price , range, battery life are all in the equation.
Unless remote camp grounds install charging stations, it's not working for many.
And consider the difference between towing a jet ski or a 16 ft tinny 10 km on flats roads, or towing 2 1/2 tonne to the top of coromandel...
you can't fix an idiot with duct tape, but it does muffle them for a while...
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote puff Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Feb 2020 at 9:12pm
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Have to say that there’s a major difference between towing JetSkis and a proper heavy glass boat, like any battery the more grunt it’s delivering the quicker the battery loses its juice....
Diesel is best
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Mr Moritz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Feb 2020 at 7:37am
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Originally posted by pjc pjc wrote:

[QUOTE=Mr Moritz]Hmm I was perusing Tesla cars today (sorting out what to buy after winning 50 million on Saturday)
From Trade Me (New Cars)

Tesla Model 3 Standard $75,900 0-100 5.3 sec  
Tesla Model 3 Long Range $95,900 0-100 4.6 sec
Tesla Model 3 Performance $105,00 0-100 3.4 sec. 

3.4 sec is very quick for $105,000 but you will probably be sitting recharging a lot more.
https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-3-0-60-mph-in-2-9-sec-after-ota-software-update

And yes they have them here,it is just a software update. long range model,Oh the g forces They these at the last years Big Boys toys,did a circuit drive there,been in to show room since. 
Apparently you can rent them by the day/hour.

Sorri PJC I didn't include their software update..  
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Steps Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Feb 2020 at 10:56am
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Electric motors have huge torque.. which is why large motors with big loads.. 3 phase huge tank stirrers, pumps have to have a stepped startup.. or snap shafts etc.
 And why trams and electric trains are so efficient.. even the old diesel trains run generators that ran electric motors

 And that is all good for a tow vechcle... if have a long extension cord . or run like trams or electric trains with over head or ground wires.
 The issue comes down being able to store that much energy to travel up that many hills and large distances

(don't see many of those round here) and was surprised to see it was fitted with a tow bar.  You often hear comments about electric cars along the lines of "but it would be no good for me as I need to tow...".

 Keven, think was the last Steels and Wheels in town here, there was a dispay, marketing electric tow vehicles
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote bazza Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Feb 2020 at 11:57am
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Before taking a Tesla for a test drive would suggest asking if you are responsible for any damage incurred or would their insurance cover it.
The sales person told me I would be personally liable which came as a surprise as had never come across this with any other dealership so asked to see the manager who confirmed that I indeed would be responsible for any damage so not wanting to be exposed to the risk of up to $100K liability declined the self drive in favour of being a passenger.
 
I had previously looked into suitability of an EV for boat towing & decided there were too many factors against it even with a hybrid to a lesser extent.
 
Do not know if it is fact but was told the batteries simply do not like being near salt water or even being parked in any such environment such as by a launching ramp, which if so imo is reason enough for them to be unsuited.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (1) Likes(1)   Quote Big -Dave Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Feb 2020 at 7:38pm
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Regarding insurance in a test drive...
Unless you sign a contract agreeing...there is no contract.you are not liable.
you can't fix an idiot with duct tape, but it does muffle them for a while...
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote bazza Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Feb 2020 at 8:30pm
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Originally posted by Big -Dave Big -Dave wrote:

Regarding insurance in a test drive...
Unless you sign a contract agreeing...there is no contract.you are not liable.
 
Yes that was my understanding at the time as well but did not fancy the risk of having to fight a wealthy corporate in court to prove the point ... particularly having just signed all sorts of waivers & conditions with kms' of fine print written in lawyer language.
 
Would you feel 100% happy in such a situation ?
 
Plus have to ask yourself the question of providing you have a current valid drivers licence then other dealership have insurance that covers any such misadventures, so why do Tesla not do likewise ???
When you cry, feel pain or sadness, no one notices your sorrow .... BUT
fart just ONE time !!!!!!!!!!!
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