This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Qantas’ newest star, its 787 Dreamliner, came face to face with one of the leading electric passenger vehicles, the Tesla Model X P100D. When the two vehicles met last week, it marked the first time an electric vehicle towed a passenger airliner. And there’s a video to prove the seamless tow.
On a runway at Melbourne Airport (MEL), the Tesla was attached to the Dreamliner in an attempt to snag the Guinness World Record spot for the heaviest tow by an electric production passenger vehicle — the Tesla Model X P100D has the greatest pulling power of any passenger vehicle.
The Dreamliner weights about 130 metric tonnes and can carry 236 people (this particular Dreamliner only had a small amount of fuel onboard and was not carrying any cargo or passengers). The Tesla’s rated road tow capacity measures in at 2.5 metric tonnes. When the Tesla towed the Dreamliner, it was carrying more than 50 times its towing capacity and produced so much torque that it was able to tow the Dreamliner nearly 300 meters.
Qantas partnered with Tesla to bring attention to their plan to reduce greenhouse emissions. In certain Australian cities, the airline already uses electric aircraft tugs to move airplanes. Qantas has more than 10,000 pieces of equipment in its inventory that run on diesel — “even just a small shift to electric power will have an enormous impact in the move to a sustainable future,” the airline said in a press release.
In their partnership, Tesla and Qantas are offering Tesla owners who are also Qantas Frequent Flyer members can have their “mileage offset both in their vehicles and in the air for the month of June with the Qantas’ Future Planet Program.” Additionally, Qantas Valet facilities throughout Australia are supplying charging stations for Tesla vehicles.
Take a look at the video below to see the Tesla Model X P100D successfully tow the Qantas 787 Dreamliner.
Know before you go.
News and deals straight to your inbox every day.
NEW INCREASED OFFER: 60,000 Points
TPG'S BONUS VALUATION: $1,200
CARD HIGHLIGHTS: 2X points on all travel and dining, points transferrable to over a dozen travel partners
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred named "Best Credit Card for Flexible Travel Redemption" - Kiplinger's Personal Finance, June 2018
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel
- No blackout dates or travel restrictions - as long as there's a seat on the flight, you can book it through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
