Thule has designed an aftermarket car storage solution that appears to defy the laws of physics. The cargo box, called the Thule Arcos, loads onto the towbar rather than the roof and appears to improve range when attached to an electric vehicle. No, we’re not kidding. Read on.
In some circles – like the Arctic one, apparently – there's fervent discussion on the aerodynamics of cargo boxes mounted on cars. You see, given the uptake of EVs and the need for slipperiness to eke out range, the traditional roof box might be out. So, a group of Swedish journalists from Vi Bilagare went out to test a variety of cargo boxes across more than 5700 kilometers in various weather conditions.
Using a bunch of Volkswagen I.D4s, they found that the hard-shelled Thule Arcos box proved that it could eke out more range than cars fitted with a roof-mounted box, or nothing at all. Impressive.
In fact, both petrol and electric vehicles were more energy efficient when fitted with the Arcos. Longtails for the win! Plus, we're told that the ID.4 fitted with the Arcos could travel over 10 more miles than one without any box at all. Does this mean all EVs should look like the McLaren F1 GTR Longtail? We think it does.
Anyway, apparently inspired by the older Onto, the Arcos will set you back over a grand for either a medium or a large box, plus the platform bar to fit it to your motor. Ouch. But still, if it's going to pay back in fuel/charging costs, it could be a worthy investment.
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