Tesla Makes Towing Chic

Polestar 2 (Image: Polestar)

The Polestar 2, which is not yet available in the U.S., is an electric vehicle (EV) that has electric motors at both axles for a combined output of 300 kW/408 hp. The 78-kWh battery pack contributes to a 500-km range on the WLTP schedule or 275 miles EPA (although given what happened with the Porsche Taycan going from WLTP to EPA, add a grain of salt or two. . .hundred).

What It Is

The company describes the vehicle as an “avant-garde 5-door fastback.” Given its overall presence and stance, some might simply call it a crossover. Think of something along the lines of a Ford Edge.

What It Can Do (Huh?)

Here’s the thing: Polestar has announced that the Polestar 2 “has class leading towing capacity.”

That’s right: It tows.

It has a braked towing capacity of 1,500 kg (3,300 lb).

Yes, it actually tows.

Trains and Automobiles (Planes Surely to Come)

Back in July, Ford released a video showing an electric F-150 towing a freight train. (Don’t ask why a light-duty pickup would tow a train; just go with it.)

Prototype electric F-150 tows more than a million pounds. Ford cautions, however, “The F-150 prototype is towing far beyond a production truck’s capacity in a one-time short event demonstration. Never tow beyond a vehicle’s towing capacities. Always consult the Owner’s Manual.” Especially in rail yards. (Image: Ford)

But that stunt didn’t get near the attention of the Tesla Cybertruck’s tug-of-war with an F-150.

Who knew that a key feature of an EV is a tow hitch?