Skoda's New Electric 7-Seater SUV Is Capable of Towing, But Don't Anticipate Long Distances | Carscoops

      The towing range for electric vehicles (EVs), particularly when pulling a trailer, could be reduced by more than half, based on tests conducted on other MEB platform-based EVs that are currently available.

      About 14 hours ago, it was reported by Chris Chilton that Skoda's new seven-seat electric SUV has been spotted undergoing testing.

      This electric vehicle is an alternative to the internal combustion engine (ICE) Kodiaq and is based on the Vision 7S concept.

      Tests indicate that the range of other MEB EVs decreases to below 140 miles when towing.

      Last month, Skoda began teasing its upcoming three-row electric SUV, suggesting that a launch is likely soon. While the marketing team generates excitement, engineers at the Czech company are ensuring that future owners won't experience unpleasant surprises when towing a large trailer.

      Related: Skoda Teases Electric Seven-Seat SUV Competing with Kia EV9

      SUVs are favored for their elevated driving position and spacious interiors, with many buyers opting for traditional ICE-powered models due to their towing capabilities, even when not designed with body-on-frame construction. For automakers to successfully position EVs as viable alternatives to combustion vehicles, they must also be able to tow trailers, boats, and caravans.

      The Towing Capability of EVs

      In some respects, EVs excel as towing vehicles due to their high low-end torque, smooth power delivery, and regenerative braking, which can alleviate pressure on conventional brakes. However, their heavier weight often results in lower towing capacities compared to equivalent ICE vehicles.

      The new Skoda SUV, expected to be a production version of the 2022 Vision 7S concept, might be named the Space and serves as an electric alternative to the seven-seat ICE-powered Kodiaq. The Kodiaq, built on VW's MQB Evo platform, has a maximum towing capacity of 2,500 kg (5,510 lbs) in its all-wheel-drive vRS variant. In contrast, the electric version is based on the MEB platform, which is also used by the Skoda Enyaq and VW ID.Buzz, both of which have lower legal towing limits.

      ICE Outperforms EV in Towing

      The dual-motor Enyaq has a maximum towing capacity of 1,200 kg (2,650 lbs) for a braked trailer, while Europe’s dual-motor ID.Buzz can tow up to 1,800 kg (3,970 lbs) with the smaller 79 kWh battery, or 1,600 kg (3,530 lbs) with the 86 kWh pack. One of Skoda's key competitors is Kia's EV9, which boasts an impressive towing capacity of 2,500 kg (5,512 lbs).

      In practice, if Skoda's large EV can manage to tow 1,800 kg, that might satisfy many buyers who do not plan to tow large boats or caravans. However, they will likely experience a significant reduction in driving range while towing.

      Owners of MEB-platform EVs, including the VW ID.4 and Buzz, have shared their towing experiences in online forums, reporting a typical range reduction of 50-60 percent when pulling even an 820 kg (1,800 lb) trailer.

      A 150-Mile Range?

      Skoda claims that the AWD Enyaq offers a maximum range of 334 WLTP miles (537 km) under optimal conditions without towing, while the larger seven-seater seen in these spy photos could achieve up to 370 miles (596 km) if it lives up to the Vision 7S concept’s specifications, which featured an 89 kWh battery. However, when towing, the range may drop to less than 150 miles (240 km) unless driving at significantly reduced speeds.

      Certainly, ICE-powered SUVs also experience diminished mpg and range when towing (though usually by less than 50 percent), but they do not face the challenges of finding charging stations. Unlike petrol stations, charging facilities are generally not designed for vehicles towing trailers. So, would you choose to buy an EV if you planned to do towing?

      Images: Baldauf, Skoda