Tesla's Model Y SUV 'not equipped' for towing

Monday, 16 March 2020

Information found inside the North American Tesla Model Y owner's manual has revealed the electric crossover is 'not equipped' to tow.

Back in March 2019, Tesla's chief designer, Franz von Holzhausen confirmed the crossover will be able to tow. Prototype Model Y's have been spotted in the wild with a towhook which means the suspension system may have been revised late in the Y's development cycle to reduce costs and also removed towing capability.

This makes a bit of sense, given dual-motor all-wheel drive models have been confirmed. We know how powerful Tesla's powertrains can be so it's not a lack of grunt or grip resulting in the lack of towing.

Despite having all-wheel drive and plenty of torque, the Tesla Model Y won't be equipped for towing.

The Model 3, which lends its bones to the Model Y, isn't rated to tow either. However, the manual states the Y is 'not equipped for towing' versus the 3's manual wording of 'towing is not permissible,' so the crossover could get towing at a later date.

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Strange, because the European-spec Model 3 can tow. Given the 3 and Y are largely the same under the skin, you would think the Y would offer some capacity for hauling...

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It also pays to mention that the towing information was seen in the North American Model Y manual, which means there's a possibility other markets like Europe and Australia/New Zealand will be able to tow. On that, the European Model 3 can tow up to 900kg, further confusing the matter. Perhaps only the Euro-spec Model Y will tow?

However, according to forums online, there has been no concrete information divulged about the European Model Y's towing capabilities. Some markets offer a third-party solution for the Model 3 that may fit the Y but this allegedly voids the vehicle's warranty.

We've reached out to Tesla NZ to see if there is any local information that could help clear the waters. Out of the current local line-up, only the Model X SUV can tow. The Cybertruck will also be able to haul towed loads.

Tesla isn't the only one skimping on towing on its electric SUVs. Ford's upcoming Mustang Mach E reportedly won't be able to tow and Hyundai's Kona Electric has zero capacity for towing as well, although it is quite a bit smaller. Meanwhile, Audi's e-tron SUV can pull a claimed 1.8 tonnes behind it with the optional towhook.