Per the e-mail survey that was sent around, the Max towing package is just additional cooling for the battery (edit: and motors) to support the higher sustained loads.
It doesn't really work that way - Lion batteries work best (most efficient) in an pretty narrow temperature band (~70F to ~90F from memory). As long as the cooling system can keep them in that range you are getting maximum performance. The additional cooling would be needed while towing due to the higher sustained draw (most likely up steep grades in high ambient temps).
For most consumers that concern is misplaced, once you get past 200 mile range or so.
Ford did a similar thing with the Mach-e. The longest range version is the extended range battery / RWD option. The eAWD option is more expensive, but also a shorter range. the GT is the top trim model but has a lower range than the premium.
Based on most reviews I've seen Tesla range numbers are somewhat aspirational (IOW overstated). With Ford Mustang Mach-E, the range numbers are proving to be very conservative. But as I said, once you get to 200 miles of real world range, it really doesn't matter for most drivers. Probably even less than 200, but I'm feeling generous.
I think the reason the Platinum gets the asterisk is because it is the only trim with the Extended Range battery.
It is unlikely any sort of enhanced cooling will impact range. What it could definitely impact is the charging curve. I suspect the enhanced cooling may improve the ability to cool the battery so that you can maintain a higher output while towing or a higher input while charging. My guess is the exclusion of the Platinum is because those big 22" wheels will lose efficiency.
My point is that an EV with 200 mile range will cover nearly all daily driving situations. An average person drives less than 30 miles per day. So range anxiety is not based on facts. There are exceptions of course, but additional range is not free. If you never drive more than 100 miles, do you really need a car that can go 500 miles on a charge?
The problem with superlatives is that they are never 100% right (see what I did there?) Most people's daily commuting is indeed well-served by vehicles with well under 300 miles of range, but you're rarely able to reach that rated range in most cases. Add in inclement weather, highway speeds over 70 mph, heavier loads, or elevation increases and your range drops significantly. The extra capacity is needed to maintain a reasonable range between charging stops even when conditions aren't ideal enough to make the rated range.
Tesla's highest-tier performance vehicles have (I think) always had worse range than the trim just below them. The performance motors are not quite as efficient, and there is a range penalty on those cars as well for running the larger wheel option, just like we're likely to see on the Platinum F150 trim. It's too bad Ford doesn't offer 20" wheels on the Platinum model. If the 20" wheels reach an EPA estimate of 300 miles, I'd wager the 22's will net you 285.
Over at Mustang Mac-E forum, there are plenty of people commenting that they don't bother plugging their car every night, since they barely scratch their range, and that includes those with AWD and standard battery (nominal range 210 miles). I have a coworker with an elderly Model S, who plugs in 2 times a week. There exceptions of course, but most people don't need 300, 400, 500 miles of range. That extra range comes at a cost. I happen to think that 200 miles of real world range is a good compromise. It may be a bit more, but in either case, range anxiety is misplaced.
