AiBotA quiet revolution is underway in the motor industry, with major manufacturers focusing on developing cutting-edge technology that aims to seamlessly combine the benefits of electric vehicles with the towing capabilities of their traditional counterparts. Dubbed ‘engine in the back,’ this new trend involves placing electric motors at the rear of vehicles, effectively turning them into multi-motor electric vehicles with the versatility required to tackle demanding towing duties.
German auto giant, Mercedes-Benz, has been at the forefront of innovation, launching its Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4MATIC+ electric vehicle with a powerful rear-mounted motor. This vehicle’s 751 horsepower and 1,049 lb/ft of torque enable it to effortlessly tow an incredible 7,700 pounds, rivaling the capabilities of many gas-guzzling pickup trucks. This development is set to redefine the limits of what is possible with electric vehicles in the towing department.
BMW also recently unveiled its i7 M70 xDrive Electric vehicle with an enhanced rear-motor configuration that not only offers improved performance but also increased towing capacity. BMW’s innovative design allows the i7 M70 xDrive Electric to deliver 740 horsepower and 752 lb/ft of torque, making it an attractive option for families and professionals looking for practical electric vehicles capable of handling demanding towing duties.
Another notable contributor to the ‘engine in the back’ phenomenon is Polestar Automotive, the Swedish electric-vehicle specialist. Polestar has developed an innovative multi-motor setup for its upcoming Polestar 3 electric sport-utility vehicle (SUV). The multi-motor setup enables the SUV to achieve an impressive 487 horsepower and 486 lb/ft of torque, giving it impressive towing capacities of up to 6,800 pounds.
Proponents of the ‘engine in the back’ strategy claim that by distributing power more evenly throughout the vehicle, manufacturers can enhance towing performance, improve overall vehicle balance, and increase driver confidence when handling heavy loads. Additionally, the reduction in weight and energy losses associated with electric vehicles can contribute to improved towing efficiency and decreased energy costs.
The motor industry’s growing emphasis on ‘engine in the back’ is expected to push electric vehicles into new and exciting territory, with several manufacturers announcing ambitious investments in multi-motor technology in recent years. The shift towards electric vehicles presents not only opportunities for environmentally conscious consumers but increasingly viable alternatives to traditional gas-powered vehicles for heavy-duty applications.
In the near future, we expect to see further developments in the ‘engine in the back’ trend, as manufacturers like Hyundai, KIA, and Tesla explore innovative approaches to integrating electric motors into their product lines. These developments have the potential to redefine consumer expectations of electric vehicles, shifting them from luxury items to practical solutions that meet the needs of drivers looking for a balance of performance and versatility.