With this real-world towing test for the Rivian R1S, we get to see the efficiency of the Rivian when not towing along the same route compared to towing with a 5,000 lb trailer. When EV towing, the ‘general rule’ is to expect a 50% range reduction. The Rivian R1S in this example only saw a 42% range reduction. However, there are reasons for that better efficiency, as I discuss below.
Table of Contents
Key EV Towing Example Results
- Vehicle: Rivian R1S
- EPA Range: 340 miles
- Max Towing Capacity: 7,700 lbs
- Towing Rig: 5,000 lb Cargo Trailer
- Total Usable Battery Capacity: 135 kWh
- Efficiency Towing: 1.3 miles per kWh
- Max Towing Range: 175 miles
Electric Tow Car/Truck Database
- Search/compare all new BEV & PHEV electric tow cars/trucks
- Review real-world towing test results
Rivian R1S Towing Notes
The first part of this test was to take the Rivian R1S along the towing route unladen to see how efficient the Rivian R1S is when its not towing.
Over the route, which covers 24.8 miles with a slight increase in elevation, the Rivian R1S returned an efficiency result of 2.23 miles per kWh (301 miles of range).
At the start of the route, while towing, the R1S was returning an efficiency figure of 1.36 miles per kWh. The speed during the towing trip appears to be under 60 mph.
At the end of the route, while towing, the Rivian R1S achieved an efficiency of 1.30 miles per kWh, providing a max towing range with this trailer in these conditions of 175 miles.
The ‘general rule’ when towing with an EV is to expect around 50% range reduction. With this towing test, the range loss was only around 42%.
However, you need to keep in mind that this trailer/load did not have a particularly large profile like a camper/RV, which would be fighting against the air/wind.
Trailer Towing Notes
At a total weight of 5,000 lbs, the trailer for this test is well within the maximum towing capacity of the Rivian R1S at 7,700 lbs.
In terms of aerodynamics and the air resistance of this trailer, its not as significant as that of a large camper/RV, as the ATV on the trailer is not that big of a sail fighting the air.
Weather/Terrain Notes
In terms of the weather/temperature, it appears to be a dry day, which can aid efficiency. However, it doesn’t appear to be that warm. Therefore, some energy is likely going to heat the cabin.
Electric Tow Car/Truck Database
- Search/compare all new BEV & PHEV electric tow cars/trucks
- Review real-world towing test results