The Future of Towing with Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicles (EVs) have revolutionised the automotive industry with their eco-friendly technology and impressive performance. As the EV market expands in Australia, one question increasingly comes to the forefront: how well can electric vehicles handle towing? Understanding the nuances of an EV’s towing capacity involves a deep dive into factors like battery performance, motor strength, and especially aerodynamics.
The Basics of Towing with Electric Vehicles
Not all EVs have been rated or certified to tow by the car manufacturer in Australia, so it’s important to check this prior to attempting to tow. The towing capacity refers to the maximum weight a vehicle can safely tow. For traditional internal combustion engines (ICE), towing capacity is determined by the engine’s horsepower and torque. In electric vehicles, the principles are similar but come with unique considerations surrounding battery range and motor strength.
Aerodynamics: The Silent Influencer
While battery and motor capabilities are critical, aerodynamics plays a pivotal role in an EV's towing efficiency. Here’s how:
Wind Resistance: Towing introduces additional surfaces that can create drag. Trailers, boats, or caravans increase the frontal area and disrupt the streamlined flow of air around the vehicle. This additional wind resistance forces the motor to work harder, consuming more energy and reducing the vehicle’s range.
Vehicle Design: Modern EVs are designed with sleek, aerodynamic shapes to minimise drag. When towing, it is essential to consider how the trailer interacts with this design. Poorly designed trailers can negate the aerodynamic benefits of the EV, while aerodynamic trailers can help maintain efficiency.
Speed Impact: Aerodynamic drag increases with speed. While an EV towing at lower speeds might experience moderate efficiency loss, higher speeds exacerbate drag, leading to significant reductions in range.
Maximising Towing Efficiency in EVs
To optimise an EV's towing performance, consider the following tips:
Choose or Customise an Aerodynamic Trailer: Invest or customise trailers designed with aerodynamics in mind. Rounded edges, tapered bodies, and low profiles can significantly reduce drag.
Maintain Moderate Speeds: Keeping speeds lower can help manage the increased aerodynamic drag when towing, thereby preserving battery life and range.
Regular Maintenance: Ensuring that both the EV and the trailer are well-maintained can improve overall efficiency. Properly inflated tires, aligned wheels, and well-lubricated moving parts reduce friction and drag.
Smart Route Planning: Plan routes with fewer inclines and smoother roads to minimise the additional strain on the motor and battery.
Pictured below is a great example of how an EV Stealth Kia EV9 owner has customised his campervan to create the greatest efficiency possible. They are also aiming to be the first EV to tow a family-sized caravan around Australia. Currently, the farthest driving range of EV’s is around 500km. They have assumed they will lose “half” their range towing a caravan, and will look to document their travels over the next 9 months. Follow their journey here at Electrek.
The Future of EV Towing
Advancements in EV technology are promising. Future developments in battery technology, motor efficiency, and vehicle design will continue to improve towing capacities. Additionally, innovations in trailer design and the use of lightweight, durable materials will further enhance aerodynamic performance.
In Australia, trailers over 750KGS are legally required to have a braking system. There are multiple different braking systems available for different weight ranges and uses, however, trailers up to 4,500KGs ATM can be fitted with an Electric or Electric Over Hydraulic Braking System.
These systems require an electric brake controller, as it is the brake controller that regulates the voltage to the brakes and therefore the braking force applied. This is why we have partnered with Elecbrakes for all our Electric Braking requirements.
At EV Stealth Solutions, we believe in the potential of electric vehicles to meet diverse needs, including towing. By understanding the interplay of factors like aerodynamics, we can better appreciate the capabilities and future possibilities of EVs in this domain.
Conclusion
Towing with an electric vehicle is no longer a futuristic concept but a present reality. With careful consideration of aerodynamics, alongside battery and motor efficiency, EVs can tow effectively while maintaining impressive performance. As technology continues to evolve, so too will the capabilities of EVs, making them an increasingly viable option for towing heavy loads.
At EV Stealth Solutions and ElecBrakes, we're committed to exploring and enhancing these capabilities, paving the way for a more sustainable and versatile automotive future.
Wishing you many EV adventures ahead !