Re: drag having such a large impact-- the aero wheels alone account for a 3% range improvement [1]. Everything about a tesla optimizes range, so it's probably extra-impacted by anything that doesn't (like a big trailer).
I also wonder if the regenerative braking is less efficient / engages less often when dealing with larger weight.
> I also wonder if the regenerative braking is less efficient / engages less often when dealing with larger weight
I'd def be interested to hear more if this is true, my gut tells me you should actually be able to get more energy from regenerative breaking, but could def see it not being set up for towing at all and sensing the extra weight falling back on traditional brakes earlier.
The problem with greater regenerative braking is that it leads to more abrupt deceleration. The car has to strike a balance.
I drive a Model S Plaid. My car’s maximum regenerative braking capability is 150kw. It is easily reached, immediately, when you let off the accelerator at highway speed, but more would not necessarily be better.
large trailers have their own braking system that bypasses most of the forces going through the hitch, so you use energy from the car to pull the trailer uphill but don't get much of it back when going downhill
I also wonder if the regenerative braking is less efficient / engages less often when dealing with larger weight.
[1] https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a30169467/tesla-model-3s-a...