The Towing Challenge: Assessing the Tesla Cybertruck's Hauling Capabilities

Discover the Future of Heavy-Duty Hauling with Tesla's Electric Behemoth

The Towing Dilemma for Electric Vehicles

While electric vehicles boast immediate torque for pulling power, their Achilles' heel has been the significant reduction in driving range under the burden of heavy loads. The act of towing, often perceived as a cumbersome task, is exacerbated by the need for frequent stops to replenish the depleted batteries, a scenario that is far from ideal for long-distance haulers.

Complicating matters further, the introduction of steep gradients can strain the electric motors and battery packs, demanding more energy when ascending and diminishing the effectiveness of regenerative braking on descents, particularly when burdened with a substantial load.

Tesla Cybertruck's Towing Trial

The Cybertruck, Tesla's foray into the electric pickup segment, recently underwent a rigorous evaluation. The Out of Spec Reviews channel on YouTube tested the tri-motor variant, known as the Cyberbeast, by towing a load nearing its 11,000-pound limit. The results showcased a significant, yet expected, surge in energy consumption and a notable decrease in range.

During the test, the Cybertruck demonstrated its prowess on an 86-mile circuit, which included a diverse mix of highway stretches, serpentine mountain paths, and even a segment of unpaved road, providing a comprehensive assessment of its towing capabilities.

The Cyberbeast's Power and Towing Capacity

The Cybertruck Cyberbeast model is equipped with a trio of electric motors, delivering a combined output of 845 horsepower. This configuration endows the vehicle with the ability to tow up to 11,000 pounds, positioning it as a formidable player in the electric pickup truck arena.

Despite its impressive specifications, the Cybertruck's performance is not without its flaws. The vehicle's steering system, which remains unchanged when towing, can lead to potential instability due to its sensitivity to driver inputs. This has led to suggestions that Tesla might consider adjusting the steering ratio automatically during towing operations to mitigate this issue.

Steering Sensitivity and Regenerative Braking Concerns

Kyle Conner, the host of Out of Spec Reviews, pointed out that the Cybertruck's steer-by-wire system could benefit from an adjustment to the steering ratio when towing, to reduce the sensitivity to driver inputs. This change could enhance the stability and handling of the vehicle when it is under the additional strain of a heavy trailer.

Another point of contention is the regenerative braking system, which appears to disengage almost entirely during downhill sections, regardless of the battery's charge level. This necessitates greater reliance on the conventional friction brakes, which, under heavy use, began to emit an odor indicative of their exertion. However, the Cybertruck compensates with an innovative trailer brake controller, allowing for real-time adjustments via the vehicle's central touchscreen or steering wheel controls.

The Impact of Towing on the Cybertruck's Range

The most glaring challenge faced by the Cybertruck, and indeed all electric pickups when towing, is the precipitous decline in battery range. In the case of the Cybertruck, after traversing 49 miles with a heavy load, the battery's charge was halved, and by the end of the 86-mile journey, only 38% of the battery life remained.

This stark reduction in range underscores the current limitations of electric vehicles in towing scenarios, presenting a hurdle that manufacturers must overcome to meet the demands of consumers who require robust towing capabilities without frequent recharging stops.

Energy Consumption and Efficiency During Towing

Throughout the towing test, the Cybertruck consumed 70 kilowatt-hours from its 123-kWh battery, averaging an energy usage of 824 Wh/mile. If this rate of consumption were to continue, the vehicle would be rendered powerless after just 149 miles, a stark contrast to the 320-mile range Tesla advertises under normal driving conditions.

While the Cybertruck is not alone in experiencing increased energy demands when towing, this phenomenon is reminiscent of the reduced fuel efficiency observed in traditional gas-powered pickups under similar conditions. The question remains: how will electric pickups, like the Cybertruck, evolve to address these challenges?