FYI: A recent high-altitude towing comparison between the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Tremor highlights significant benefits of electrification in tough terrains.
The Fast Lane Truck Tests the Limits
The YouTube channel The Fast Lane Truck is renowned for putting trucks through rigorous tests. Based in Denver, Colorado, this team often tackles challenging terrains and hefty loads to gauge the capabilities of various vehicles. Their latest comparison between the Tesla Cybertruck and Ford F-150 Tremor reveals the advantages of electric vehicles (EVs) when towing hefty loads under demanding conditions.
High-Stakes Towing Challenge
This comparison involved both trucks towing a bulky 10,500-lb load. This weight maxes out the towing capacity of the Ford F-150 Tremor and nearly reaches the Tesla Cybertruck’s towing limit.
Ford F-150 Tremor: Built Tough, But Not Enough
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Powerhouse Specs: The 2024 Ford F-150 Tremor, priced at $80,600, boasts a 3.5L Ecoboost engine with 400 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and turbo-charged engine are designed for towing at high altitudes.
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Initial Win Turns to Struggle: Despite its initial performance, trouble began early in the 8-mile ascent. Rising engine temperatures were the first sign of distress. Andre from The Fast Lane Truck mentioned that Ford’s towing specifications suggest reducing overall weight at higher elevations.
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Overheating Issues: On a 90°F day, the F-150 quickly overheated while climbing a 7% grade, with engine coolant hitting 239°F and engine oil spiking to 251°F. The truck consequently de-rated itself, locking into 2nd gear even with full throttle, causing the speed to plummet from 20 mph to under 15 mph.
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Cooling Challenges: The climb cooled down as the grade leveled off, but the struggle wasn’t over. Achieving effective cooling for the transmission and oil proved challenging. The team even turned off the A/C to lessen the load on the engine but faced traction issues when the all-terrain tires began slipping on dirt roads.
- Repeated De-rating: Switching to all-wheel drive helped initially, but as the elevation increased and the speed limit dropped, airflow diminished. The F-150 de-rated itself once more, with engine coolant reaching 250°F again.
Tesla Cybertruck: Effortless Electrification
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Tech-Savvy Features: The Cybertruck’s air suspension and 4-wheel steering enhanced comfort and maneuverability. When a 7-pin connector is plugged in, the truck auto-adjusts for towing, though the inability to save predefined trailer settings can be frustrating for frequent towers.
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Camera and Monitoring: Unlike traditional rearview mirrors, the Cybertruck’s rearview camera views are displayed on the center infotainment system, providing a plethora of viewpoints but potentially inconvenient placement.
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Temperature Management: While the Cybertruck doesn’t offer easy temperature monitoring during towing, it performed exceptionally well in the high-altitude test. The electric powertrain’s stability meant that cooling requirements were minimal, unlike the air-dependent combustion engine of the Tremor.
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Smooth Performance: Even during difficult sections, where a slight whine was noted from under the hood, the Cybertruck faced no overheating issues. By the end of the test, neither battery nor motor temperatures touched their limits.
- Energy Consumption: The Cybertruck averaged 3,351 Wh/mi during the climb, consuming 24 kWh of battery power over less than 8 miles. Thanks to regenerative braking, it recovered 11 kWh on the descent, using 15 kWh for the entire round trip.
Conclusion: The Right Tool for the Job
When towing locally or regionally in mountainous areas, the Tesla Cybertruck emerges as an ideal candidate. “At times when towing with the Cybertruck, I forgot there was a trailer behind me. It never detuned itself, it never overheated in any visible way. So pretty impressed,” stated Andre.
For those requiring more range, the Chevrolet Silverado EV currently outperforms in towing range, thanks to its massive battery. It managed over 200 miles at highway speeds with a similar load, significantly surpassing both the Cybertruck and the F-150 Lightning. While a range-extending pack for the Cybertruck is in the pipeline, no release date has been announced yet.
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Authored by William Kouch, Editor of EV News for Automotive.fyi
