Another Rivian Towing Test

[vandy1981]

Another Rivian tow test, this one from Out of Spec. The test really highlights the effect of aero vs weight.

It's hard to get the details of the trailer (I think it's a GR Trailers 77x12 Utility Trailer) and payload, but this is what I could glean from the video:

No trailer @ 70mph: 2.2 miles/kWh
12 foot, single axle utility trailer (1100 pounds*) with 1500 pounds of payload @ 70mph: ~1.09 miles/kWh
12 foot, single axle utility trailer (1100 pounds*) with an 8x6 flat vertical panel @70 mph: ~.77 miles/kWh

They say that the total weight with 1500 pounds of payload is 3200, but the trailer I think they're using weighs around 1100 pounds.

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[beatle]

So range gets cut in half, and then only has about 1/3 of its range while towing a brick. That's no joke! I expected it to be just a touch better, perhaps 1/2 range with a brick and 70% range when flat.

 

[vandy1981]

So range gets cut in half, and then only has about 1/3 of its range while towing a brick. That's no joke! I expected it to be just a touch better, perhaps 1/2 range with a brick and 70% range when flat.

The upright panel was placed at the rear of the trailer in this test--it was probably positioned to create the most drag and turbulence.

They said they'd be posting another video with a 24 foot enclosed cargo trailer which should be more aerodynamic.

 

[VTbuckeye]

Would the lightning, which is reported to be less slippery than the Rivian, be affect less by poor aerodynamics of a trailer?

 

[beatle]

Would the lightning, which is reported to be less slippery than the Rivian, be affect less by poor aerodynamics of a trailer?

That's my guess, though I'd expect it to be a somewhat minimal improvement.

 

[p52Ranch]

The utility trailer has one of those expanded metal tailgates that also serves as a ramp. Those stick up when pulling the trailer and kill fuel economy. Even though it is expanded metal, they are aerodynamically inefficient. Would be interesting to see the trailer load test without the tailgate.

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