The Driven
  • EV News
    • Electric Cars
    • Electric Bikes
    • Electric Boats
    • EV Conversions
    • Electric Flight
    • Electric Transport
    • Hydrogen Fuel Cell
    • Batteries
    • Charging
    • Policy
  • EV Models
  • EV Sales
  • Road Trips
  • Reviews
  • Multimedia
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
  • EV Explainers
    • EV Terms
    • FAQs
    • Readers’ Questions





The Driven
The Driven
  • EV News
    • Electric Cars
    • Electric Bikes
    • Electric Boats
    • EV Conversions
    • Electric Flight
    • Electric Transport
    • Hydrogen Fuel Cell
    • Batteries
    • Charging
    • Policy
  • EV Models
  • EV Sales
  • Road Trips
  • Reviews
  • Multimedia
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
  • EV Explainers
    • EV Terms
    • FAQs
    • Readers’ Questions
Comments
  • Electric Cars
  • EV News

Tesla Model Y owner manual reveals it is not rated for towing

  • March 16, 2020
  • 2 minute read
  • Bryce Gaton
model y tow hitch
At least one Model Y mule had a tow hitch. Source: Model Y Forum
Share 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0

Within the recently released Model Y owner manual is one potentially disappointing detail: it is not rated for towing!

Given some Model 3 buyers have been awaiting the Model Y in the hope it would make a better get-away EV hatchback/SUV option over the Model 3 booted sedan (which is tow rated)*, there will be some consternation over this detail.

Especially since Tesla’s chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen, has previously been quoted by the Norwegian Tesla Owners Club (when they spoke to him at the Model Y launch) that – like the Model 3 – the Model Y would be rated for towing. On top of this, several Model Y test mules being snapped with tow hitches fitted.

As can be seen below in the Model Y specification page of the owner manual, under ‘Towing Capacity’ it says: ‘Model Y is not equipped with towing’.

Image: Page 189 of North America Model Y Owner Manual.
Image: Page 189 of North America Model Y Owner Manual.

 

So will it be rated for towing at a later date, as was done for the Model 3 when it reached Europe, or has it been quietly ditched?

It is certainly a question that could impact on Model Y sales here in Australia: after all, we love our long-weekends and the ability to tow is an integral part of that. Seems like we may have to wait until the Model Y is released in Europe as well as here to find out.

Note: * Even though the Model 3 is rated for up to 920kg towing in Australia – see Tesla Model 3 now has a tow bar. Has Elon Musk saved the weekend? – Tesla have yet to open the option in the Australian Model 3 Configurator for ordering one.

bryce gaton
Bryce Gaton

Bryce Gaton is an expert on electric vehicles and contributor for The Driven and Renew Economy. He has been working in the EV sector since 2008 and is currently working as EV electrical safety trainer/supervisor for the University of Melbourne. He also provides support for the EV Transition to business, government and the public through his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.

Sign in or create your account to join the discussion.
Share 0
Tweet 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Share 0
Related Topics
  • Model Y
  • Tesla
Get the free daily newsletter

I agree to the Terms of Use

  • EV News
    • Electric Cars
    • Electric Bikes
    • Electric Boats
    • EV Conversions
    • Electric Flight
    • Electric Transport
    • Hydrogen Fuel Cell
    • Batteries
    • Charging
    • Policy
  • EV Models
  • EV Sales
  • Road Trips
  • Reviews
  • Multimedia
    • Podcasts
    • Videos
  • EV Explainers
    • EV Terms
    • FAQs
    • Readers’ Questions
  • Press Releases

the driven electric vehicle podcast

Get the free daily newsletter

I agree to the Terms of Use

Stay Connected
The Driven
  • About The Driven
  • Get in Touch
  • Advertise
  • Contributors
  • Terms of Use
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Privacy Policy

Input your search keywords and press Enter.