Everyone knows, Electric Cars have to skimp on their energy, the driver wants to enjoy the already short range as much as possible. Even under good conditions, it is almost impossible to cover more than 150 kilometers - apart from the Tesla models and the new Opel Ampera-e. In winter, a third of the range of the heating can be sacrificed. E-cars only have a good 100 kilometers to go. In any case, the quiet Stromer are more individual mass transit companions than long-distance motorhomes. A weekend trip to the mountains, an overland trip to the sea? Rather not.
It is therefore hardly surprising that the manufacturers are reluctant when it comes to attachments and superstructures such as a bicycle holder on the tow bar or a roof rack system for holding a luggage box. The latter can worsen the aerodynamics by up to 30 percent, which of course affects the range.
Even those who are looking for towbars in the accessories range of electric cars need a thick skin. Disappointment everywhere. The only exception is the California manufacturer Tesla, which offers a hook at the rear for its SUV. "The Model X is the only electric car that can pull a trailer," said a company employee. A weight of 2.000 kilograms is permitted. This is usually enough to transport a boat or horse trailer.
There is space for two bicycles on a special carrier system from Atera, which is mounted on the trailer coupling. It can even be angled slightly to open the Model X tailgate.
When it comes to roof racks, it is usually necessary to have a railing or a special holder in the roof to be able to securely fasten the cross bars. Here, too, owners of electric cars mostly go empty-handed. Because Mercedes did not have to change the body for its electric B-Class, the strips in the roof were also retained. This means that the compact model can be provided with the same carrier system as is available for the petrol or diesel models.
Tesla even offers its own developed system for its Model S to which various carriers or boxes can be attached. When it comes to leisure activities, Opel is a notable exception. For the Opel Ampera-e, derived from the American Chevrolet Bolt - it has roof rails - there will be a roof rack system soon after the market launch (June 2017). Volkswagen also gives the green light for its e-Golf. It is true that it says “No” for the trailer coupling, but a carrier can be mounted on the roof. Nothing should stand in the way of your bike tour at your destination.
With a range of up to 500 kilometers, the five-seater Ampera-e is at the top of the segment. The additional consumption caused by the roof box shouldn't play a major role. It will look similar in the future with Renault, BMW and Volkswagen, which are expanding their electric models to real ranges of 200 to 300 kilometers. And the next generation of quiet electric vehicles is in the starting blocks. At the trade fair in Paris at the end of September, Volkswagen presented the ID study, which is based on a completely new architecture, will come onto the market as a series version in 2020 and should have a range of over 500 kilometers. The same goes for Mercedes. The aim here is to lay the foundation for a new electromobility strategy with the EQ crossover study. Minimum operating range: 600 kilometers. Jaguar has also promised a long-distance electric crossover model for 2018, the I-Pace. "Then there will be no more compromises when it comes to carrier systems and range restrictions, even with battery-electric vehicles," says Robert Lesnik, Head of Exterior Design at Mercedes-Benz Cars. (Michael Specht / SP-X)