What CAN I tow with PHEV

[greendwarf]

Although my schoolboy electro-mechanical knowledge is over 50 years old, I don't think the basic physics has changed. All motors need momentum to keep turning between the energy input bursts - even an ICE - so initial movement is difficult.

With a traditional electric motor the central armature has a large mass to keep it turning as it moves from contact to contact but even that can be prevented relatively easily - ever had an electric drill jam? Sure an electric motor can't stall, but the continual inflow of energy is just turned into heat - as we have already discussed.

As your diligence has discovered, I have made this point before, but in relation to actual experiences of PHEV users. I think it might have been Trex who demonstrated the brick/kerb fail but others reported problems on slopes, including slipways. The solution, is to have momentum when meeting the obstacle - I've seen a Mitsu video of the car climbing a 45 degree ramp with no problem but NOT from a standing start. So the usual way of dealing with this is to back up and take a run at it - unfortunately, you may not always have this option, especially on a slip way.

Yes, if you are likely to want to tow a large boat up a slipway, then the PHEV is probably not for you - you need a vehicle with the motor up front well out of the way of the water.

[jaapv]

Allegedly the car has a wade depth of 40cm.

[greendwarf]

16 inches in real money

[Carmageddon]

Although my schoolboy electro-mechanical knowledge is over 50 years old, I don't think the basic physics has changed. All motors need momentum to keep turning between the energy input bursts - even an ICE - so initial movement is difficult.

With a traditional electric motor the central armature has a large mass to keep it turning as it moves from contact to contact but even that can be prevented relatively easily - ever had an electric drill jam? Sure an electric motor can't stall, but the continual inflow of energy is just turned into heat - as we have already discussed.

As your diligence has discovered, I have made this point before, but in relation to actual experiences of PHEV users. I think it might have been Trex who demonstrated the brick/kerb fail but others reported problems on slopes, including slipways. The solution, is to have momentum when meeting the obstacle - I've seen a Mitsu video of the car climbing a 45 degree ramp with no problem but NOT from a standing start. So the usual way of dealing with this is to back up and take a run at it - unfortunately, you may not always have this option, especially on a slip way.

Yes, if you are likely to want to tow a large boat up a slipway, then the PHEV is probably not for you - you need a vehicle with the motor up front well out of the way of the water.

Interesting, are you saying that the rear motor and battery are not water proof? Or if water gets into the drive unit, warranty doesn't cover this?

There's a new one that came in 20 minutes drive from me one se and one gt - will be test driving those!

[greendwarf]

It's not designed as an off-roader (rather a "soft roader") so I wouldn't personally push the water proofing to the limits but I'm quite happy to drive through deep puddles with impunity.

[mikepotts64]

I have done a test tow with my 2021 PHEV staying under the 1500Kg limit for a 300KM caravan relocation. I read that battery depletion is the problem with towing a load so I stopped a few times in generation mode to keep the battery level above 50%. Total fuel consumption for the trip was 11l/100km. My motorway speed was not more than 80km/h, slowing to 70km/h on a few steeper inclines. The trip ended traversing across a rain sodden field which the 4WD Lock mode handled without a problem. I ran the PHEV Watchdog app for the whole trip keeping an eye on all the parameters.

Compared to the VW Tiguan 130kW 4x4 diesel I usually tow this van with the fuel consumption is the same at 10-11lt/100kms but the stability is slightly better on the PHEV with the longer wheelbase and Bilstein suspension. https://photos.app.goo.gl/QaqQ1aztPK9NKn9v9

I also tow a small box trailer often and the PHEV doesn't know its on.

[jaapv]

There is no need to stop and recharge as long as you do not get the "reduced power" warning.

[ThudnBlundr]

Very late to this, but you can test the lack of torque from a standing start quite easily. I reversed up to a standard UK kerb outside a shopping arcade and stopped with both rear wheels resting against it. Someone then parked blocking me from driving straight out, so I tried reversing up the kerb. It failed. But by driving forward a couple of inches, I could then reverse up the kerb easily. However much torque you can put through the motors, the car limits it from a standstill so that you can't burn them out in this sort of position.

[LowOnCash]

Great thread guys - I would think the best bet for the Outlander PHEV is to fully charge prior to a tow and leave it in "Keep or Hold" mode which offers two advantages:

!) The battery is fully charged for hills or hard pulls.

2) In "Hold or Keep" mode the engine helps to provide current below 40 mph and once your over 40 mph, the trans-axle locks the engine to the wheels in parallel mode and you then have a standard stick drive SUV in high gear pulling the trailer. In this respect there is no losses and the electric drive is just there for the ride and to help out if needed.

Best Regards - Mike

[smerlin64]

Here in Canada we cannot get the OEM hitch installed for 2023 PHEV yet, as its not available (in US the same I think?), due to it failing a crash test. I asked Mitsu and they said it would be available starting in June. I am considering getting an after market one instead though, since its quite a bit cheaper. No idea what that will do to the crash safety though....