About the environmental impact of mining for battery materials, note that all the materials are recyclable, so once they've been mined, they can be used over and over (unlike petroleum fuel which must be continually mined, burned, and put into the atmosphere). Check out Tesla's newer battery technology.
you are very welcome! I am still towing with this same vehicle today, currently towing my 1100lb teardrop camper! will try to post an update video soon :)
I love it Kia ditched their unreliable engines and picked up an all electric engine lol awesome video. I would totally consider this same rig! I subbed to the channel because Miata, and tow rig 🤘
Thanks JM! Yes, if you told 16 year old me that my first new car would be a Kia, pretty sure I would have punched myself in the face! But 26 year old me is extremely happy with the quality and efficiency of this car. It is great to drive, cheap to operate, and great for the environment too!
ECOBRAP Is there a video that shows your trailer set up because I was always told to get a duel axle but you’re a single axle around town looks like it’s holding up just fine
@@realweston Hey Jocko, I will do a full rig tour at some point. My single axle tows great! You are at a slightly greater risk if you lose a tire or wheel bearing, but I take good care of mine and don't expect to have any issues! The trailer is extremely light, I can even pick up the tongue and put it on my hitch every time. Makes life easy!
Really appreciate the video! I referenced this video on a video that I made about transporting a motorcycle with my niro. I'm new to this, my video's are pretty rough at the moment.
Super good video Matt! It’s so awesome that you did this all by yourself and friends. Was also really interesting to watch your installation experience ups and downs on your Instagram stories. Thanks for the explanations at the end of your video too because half the time, my dumb ass doesn’t know what the hell a 86.6 jigga watt even means. Keep up the great work budd!
Good videos. I started towing a small boat and utility trailers with the 21 Niro EV and have had similar results (2.2-3.0 m/kWh) with much lighter trailers than what you're doing. I guess air resistance is everything. My smaller boat and trailer combined weigh less than 1000 lbs. Did you ever try towing a boat? I'm interested in getting a larger 20-25' boat but am worried, as you say, about front wheel drive on the boat ramp. I have tried driving in snow with the Niro EV and it did terribly even with chains. I think the designers didn't put enough of the battery weight over the front wheels.
unfortunately have not tried a boat yet. I have been towing a teardrop trailer with my gas scooter (Yamaha C3) mounted on the tongue of the trailer. still love the car, 41k miles on it now, just wish it was RWD!
Great series. I Have the Kia e Niro so very interested not that I would tow with ours. It would be interesting to see pulling a caravan how that affects the range . The Tesla modal x pulling 3000pound caravan had a range of about 100 to 120 miles.
Hi Stephen, the plus side of the Model X is that it is rated to tow, so not as many concerns about liability or warranty, unlike the Niro. The negative of the Model X is the cost!!! That being said, we will do some light caravan testing at some point, and my guess is if we take it easy with a small 14ft aerodynamic trailer, we will be able to get 140 miles. It is on our to-do list!
If I understand your video right, the brake controller does not actuate the trailer brakes when the brake lights come one. The trailer brakes are only proportional to the brake pedal, correct?
If only we could film better! lol. Took a quick look at your videos, we might have to enlist your expertise at some point if we want to build a clamshell enclosure for our race car trailer! very cool stuff and thanks for stopping by
please update with parts for towing, wireless brake etc. What would your 'perfect' EV be for towing at this price range that's available in 2020? Something with rear wheel drive like Mach-E? Thanks for this, gives me hope for RV+EV.
I'm pretty sure the 33KWh/gallon number has to do with the amount of energy stored in a gallon of gas, and shouldn't have anything to do with where you are or your energy mix. Never the less, very impressive! This makes me want to get a Kia EV even more now that I know it can pull its weight
That is exactly how they get the number, but when talking in terms of emissions, it doesn't really make sense, hence why we have done our own calculations based on the energy production mix. As for the Niro, we still absolutely love ours. Definitely recommend sticking to the 75% rule of vehicle weight to towing weight, not towing 100% of the Niro weight (4,000lbs). Next week we have a lot of towing to do, so expect a video in the next week or two!
Hi...this is awesome video!! I have a 16' travel trailer, weight about 2800lbs and about little over 300 lbs on its tongue. How much weight is your trailer? Would my niro ev be able to tow my trailer well based on your experience? Thanks for the video cuz not many information about towing trailer by niro ev in south korea. Actually, not only niro ev but also even any diesel or gas. No information here. Thanks!
I saw your Niro on Kyle’s Holley High Voltage walk-through, saw your comment that it was your tow vehicle, and I wondered what you were towing with it. We currently have a Niro Hybrid and I’m thinking of getting the Niro EV.
You would not regret it! I have just clocked 33k miles on my 2019, just had its first service where I got the 12V battery replaced under warranty. Only reason I would sell this car is if/when they come out with the EV version of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, just because a small pickup/bed fits my work and lifestyle very well!
Hi Ramon, That is amazing! Oregon also has extremely clean energy sources (hydroelectric), which is another benefit of power in that state. As for the cost, we are going to try and switch to the off-peak rates soon and lower our costs even more!
Legally, that depends on the weight of the trailer, and what the brake requirement laws are in your state. That being said, I think this could easily be done under 1,000lbs total (trailer + water), and in my personal opinion the Niro's brakes and regen system would be just fine to handle that.
Super video, I went up and downhill in Germany and arrived on top of the hill with a 34kWh/100km and, with the ACC on, that keeps the speed stable by regen, I arrived downhill with 9kWh/100km (from start to stop). The EV pessimist always says the battery production is bad, it isn't so good, but can you, on one way or another, also calculate the costs of oil pumping and production in your Excel sheet? Greetings of an happy e-Niro in Belgium
That is excellent efficiency, the regen system in the Niro seems to be extremely efficient, because like you said the cruise control uses regen a lot, and doesn't lose much efficiency. As for the battery production calculations, I will release a video on it this winter. It will factor everything in from a CO2 perspective (battery production, transport, emissions to charge, versus CO2 from burning gasoline, CO2 to extract, refine, and transport gasoline, etc), and I will make the spreadsheet publicly available to download so you can punch in your own numbers as well!
Wow what kind of efficiency were you getting? We have yet to test our Niro in super cold conditions yet, but might do a few Tahoe trips this winter to try it out
@@magic1010d I misread that as 26F, wow negative 26F! Surprised the car even operated to be honest! As for the heat pump, I've been trying to figure this out, not sure if it only came on the premium Niro EV's, mine is a base EX model
It's called an Airlift 1000 kit, you have to measure the inner diameter and length of your springs, check out the link: www.airliftcompany.com/workshop/air-lift-1000-universal-air-spring-kit/
@@crazykkid2000 We only did this one test so far, but will be doing a lot more so make sure to subscribe! We did a small test without the bags and it was ok, but the bags definitely add stability and were only $100. As for the Bolt, we were very close to getting one, but there are no hitches available rated for over 2,000lbs, so you are limited by that unless you get a custom Class 2 or 3 hitch made for it! Either way, it is slightly smaller/lighter than the Kia so I would keep the towing weights down too. You will have to see if you can get a side by side and trailer combo under 2,000lbs! It is possible with superlight trailers (Aluma 8112 weighs less than 600lbs for example)
Super video! You're going to have a mass following soon, lol. We just brought home a Niro EV and I'd wondered if maybe it couldn't tow a very small utility trailer. Now I know! If by any chance you would consult for an install of the towing gear you used, let me know. We're in the SF Bay Area also.
Hi Derede, thank you for the positive feedback! As for the hitch, I had my friends at Performance Fabrication in San Carlos do the install. Feel free to give them a call, it will probably result in you having to buy the hitch, and then it will be 2-3hrs of labor on their end. Just my guess but give them a call!
@@IbnAir23 Hi, apologies I did not get a notification for this comment! Make sure to check out our new video that explains all the modifications we did, wiring included! Thanks for watching
About the environmental impact of mining for battery materials, note that all the materials are recyclable, so once they've been mined, they can be used over and over (unlike petroleum fuel which must be continually mined, burned, and put into the atmosphere). Check out Tesla's newer battery technology.
The calculations we used were entirely for beginning the life cycle (production) of the battery. Great that the end of life recyclability is high!
Wow. This was super interesting! Great video
Thanks!!!
Awesome video! Thanks for the info and insight into EV towing!
you are very welcome! I am still towing with this same vehicle today, currently towing my 1100lb teardrop camper! will try to post an update video soon :)
I watched your videos very interesting thank you for all the info , do you still tow with the niro and no problem towing with the cars.
Great information, thanks for sharing
Awesome man. Glad the brake lights work with regen.
Skay!!!!
Great video. Enjoyed.
I love it Kia ditched their unreliable engines and picked up an all electric engine lol awesome video. I would totally consider this same rig! I subbed to the channel because Miata, and tow rig 🤘
Thanks JM! Yes, if you told 16 year old me that my first new car would be a Kia, pretty sure I would have punched myself in the face! But 26 year old me is extremely happy with the quality and efficiency of this car. It is great to drive, cheap to operate, and great for the environment too!
ECOBRAP Is there a video that shows your trailer set up because I was always told to get a duel axle but you’re a single axle around town looks like it’s holding up just fine
@@realweston Hey Jocko, I will do a full rig tour at some point. My single axle tows great! You are at a slightly greater risk if you lose a tire or wheel bearing, but I take good care of mine and don't expect to have any issues! The trailer is extremely light, I can even pick up the tongue and put it on my hitch every time. Makes life easy!
ECOBRAP 🥰uhhh I love the sound of that! Here’s a question. In your option would you think the EV rav4 is comparable to your Kia?
@@realweston do you mean the old Rav4 that was fully electric? or the new hybrid?
Now you need a small tear drop trailer like a mypod and do some camping along the north coast
That is on our agenda!!!!
Really appreciate the video! I referenced this video on a video that I made about transporting a motorcycle with my niro. I'm new to this, my video's are pretty rough at the moment.
Super good video Matt! It’s so awesome that you did this all by yourself and friends. Was also really interesting to watch your installation experience ups and downs on your Instagram stories. Thanks for the explanations at the end of your video too because half the time, my dumb ass doesn’t know what the hell a 86.6 jigga watt even means. Keep up the great work budd!
Thanks big dog!!
going to have to start using the term "jigga watts" in future videos...
Good videos. I started towing a small boat and utility trailers with the 21 Niro EV and have had similar results (2.2-3.0 m/kWh) with much lighter trailers than what you're doing. I guess air resistance is everything. My smaller boat and trailer combined weigh less than 1000 lbs. Did you ever try towing a boat? I'm interested in getting a larger 20-25' boat but am worried, as you say, about front wheel drive on the boat ramp. I have tried driving in snow with the Niro EV and it did terribly even with chains. I think the designers didn't put enough of the battery weight over the front wheels.
unfortunately have not tried a boat yet. I have been towing a teardrop trailer with my gas scooter (Yamaha C3) mounted on the tongue of the trailer. still love the car, 41k miles on it now, just wish it was RWD!
Great series. I Have the Kia e Niro so very interested not that I would tow with ours. It would be interesting to see pulling a caravan how that affects the range . The Tesla modal x pulling 3000pound caravan had a range of about 100 to 120 miles.
Hi Stephen, the plus side of the Model X is that it is rated to tow, so not as many concerns about liability or warranty, unlike the Niro. The negative of the Model X is the cost!!! That being said, we will do some light caravan testing at some point, and my guess is if we take it easy with a small 14ft aerodynamic trailer, we will be able to get 140 miles. It is on our to-do list!
If I understand your video right, the brake controller does not actuate the trailer brakes when the brake lights come one. The trailer brakes are only proportional to the brake pedal, correct?
It would be even cooler if your Miata was an EV conversion. 😉
Don't worry, we have some far better EV motorsport plans for next year. Clean, and very very very fast
Your editing is way better than mine.
If only we could film better! lol. Took a quick look at your videos, we might have to enlist your expertise at some point if we want to build a clamshell enclosure for our race car trailer! very cool stuff and thanks for stopping by
please update with parts for towing, wireless brake etc. What would your 'perfect' EV be for towing at this price range that's available in 2020? Something with rear wheel drive like Mach-E? Thanks for this, gives me hope for RV+EV.
Hi Chris, check out our most recent video on a full walkthrough of our towing setup!
I'm pretty sure the 33KWh/gallon number has to do with the amount of energy stored in a gallon of gas, and shouldn't have anything to do with where you are or your energy mix. Never the less, very impressive! This makes me want to get a Kia EV even more now that I know it can pull its weight
That is exactly how they get the number, but when talking in terms of emissions, it doesn't really make sense, hence why we have done our own calculations based on the energy production mix. As for the Niro, we still absolutely love ours. Definitely recommend sticking to the 75% rule of vehicle weight to towing weight, not towing 100% of the Niro weight (4,000lbs).
Next week we have a lot of towing to do, so expect a video in the next week or two!
Hi...this is awesome video!! I have a 16' travel trailer, weight about 2800lbs and about little over 300 lbs on its tongue. How much weight is your trailer? Would my niro ev be able to tow my trailer well based on your experience? Thanks for the video cuz not many information about towing trailer by niro ev in south korea. Actually, not only niro ev but also even any diesel or gas. No information here. Thanks!
I saw your Niro on Kyle’s Holley High Voltage walk-through, saw your comment that it was your tow vehicle, and I wondered what you were towing with it. We currently have a Niro Hybrid and I’m thinking of getting the Niro EV.
You would not regret it! I have just clocked 33k miles on my 2019, just had its first service where I got the 12V battery replaced under warranty. Only reason I would sell this car is if/when they come out with the EV version of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, just because a small pickup/bed fits my work and lifestyle very well!
Now you need some covers for the Miata windows, should buy you another little bit ;p
We got them that same weekend, just haven't installed yet!
I live in Oregon I have PGE as my electric company after 10 they charged me $0.07 a kilowatt😉
Hi Ramon,
That is amazing! Oregon also has extremely clean energy sources (hydroelectric), which is another benefit of power in that state.
As for the cost, we are going to try and switch to the off-peak rates soon and lower our costs even more!
Do you still have the Kia Niro?
Would you need a brake system to tow a 4x6 cargo trailer with 350 pounds of water?
Legally, that depends on the weight of the trailer, and what the brake requirement laws are in your state. That being said, I think this could easily be done under 1,000lbs total (trailer + water), and in my personal opinion the Niro's brakes and regen system would be just fine to handle that.
Super video, I went up and downhill in Germany and arrived on top of the hill with a 34kWh/100km and, with the ACC on, that keeps the speed stable by regen, I arrived downhill with 9kWh/100km (from start to stop). The EV pessimist always says the battery production is bad, it isn't so good, but can you, on one way or another, also calculate the costs of oil pumping and production in your Excel sheet? Greetings of an happy e-Niro in Belgium
That is excellent efficiency, the regen system in the Niro seems to be extremely efficient, because like you said the cruise control uses regen a lot, and doesn't lose much efficiency. As for the battery production calculations, I will release a video on it this winter. It will factor everything in from a CO2 perspective (battery production, transport, emissions to charge, versus CO2 from burning gasoline, CO2 to extract, refine, and transport gasoline, etc), and I will make the spreadsheet publicly available to download so you can punch in your own numbers as well!
Funny that is better than when I drove my bolt in -26 degrees F
Wow what kind of efficiency were you getting? We have yet to test our Niro in super cold conditions yet, but might do a few Tahoe trips this winter to try it out
I drove 100 miles at 2.0 miles / kWh or 500 wh / mile. Side note I think the Niro has a heat pump but that would not do much at -26.
@@magic1010d I misread that as 26F, wow negative 26F! Surprised the car even operated to be honest! As for the heat pump, I've been trying to figure this out, not sure if it only came on the premium Niro EV's, mine is a base EX model
I want to do this with my bolt where did you get ur air bag kit?
It's called an Airlift 1000 kit, you have to measure the inner diameter and length of your springs, check out the link: www.airliftcompany.com/workshop/air-lift-1000-universal-air-spring-kit/
Thank you man! This is awesome i really want to tow my side by side with my bolt! Are you still towing with the kia?
Have your tried towing that much weight with out bags b4?
@@crazykkid2000 We only did this one test so far, but will be doing a lot more so make sure to subscribe! We did a small test without the bags and it was ok, but the bags definitely add stability and were only $100. As for the Bolt, we were very close to getting one, but there are no hitches available rated for over 2,000lbs, so you are limited by that unless you get a custom Class 2 or 3 hitch made for it!
Either way, it is slightly smaller/lighter than the Kia so I would keep the towing weights down too. You will have to see if you can get a side by side and trailer combo under 2,000lbs! It is possible with superlight trailers (Aluma 8112 weighs less than 600lbs for example)
How many kW to climb the steep hill?
Was not tracking live kW, will take a look on our next tow!
Super video! You're going to have a mass following soon, lol. We just brought home a Niro EV and I'd wondered if maybe it couldn't tow a very small utility trailer. Now I know! If by any chance you would consult for an install of the towing gear you used, let me know. We're in the SF Bay Area also.
Hi Derede, thank you for the positive feedback! As for the hitch, I had my friends at Performance Fabrication in San Carlos do the install. Feel free to give them a call, it will probably result in you having to buy the hitch, and then it will be 2-3hrs of labor on their end. Just my guess but give them a call!
ECOBRAP how did they do the wiring for the hitch? Please help?
@@IbnAir23 Hi, apologies I did not get a notification for this comment! Make sure to check out our new video that explains all the modifications we did, wiring included! Thanks for watching
In Sweden the Kia e niro can Only tow 1200kg
that is a reasonable weight, at least they gave it a tow rating over there!
@@ECOBRAP oops, i mixed the kia e niro with the hybrid, the hybrid can tow that. Why doesent the e niro have tow weight?
@@ECOBRAPHey was looking at doing a tear drop with my Niro. Did you run into insurance issues with the lack of rating?