Teslas are well-known for their super-powerful batteries. The automaker has designed its batteries to have a lot of power transfer.
That means incredible amounts of electricity can flow in and out of these batteries, allowing them to deliver high amounts of power to the power-hungry motors.
For this reason, Tesla has maintained a firm grip on the market by producing some of the most powerful, top-speed cars, but how fast are Teslas?
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Here’s how fast Teslas can go:
Teslas have different top speeds, performance, and acceleration rates. The speed you get depends on your chosen model and the trim level. For instance, the most affordable Model 3 can move from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph.
How fast are Teslas: A good look at each of the 5 models
If you’re a performance-oriented electric vehicle user, you probably already know that Teslas make the top of the list.
That’s because of their top-of-the-line models designed to give you the speed and performance you’re looking for.
Let’s discuss these models in detail. You can also explore how well Tesla compares to sports cars.
1. Model S
The 2022 Tesla Model S is one of the top luxury electric cars we have on the market today. It’s unbelievably fast, with an incredible range.
It’s enjoyable to drive, with cushioned, agile handling, making it one of the best choices for buyers looking for thrill riding.
The base model comes with two electric motors and a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. One motor powers the front wheels, while the other powers the rear wheels. The Plaid trim has an extra electric motor at the rear axle.
The base model can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph. The Plaid trim can rip from zero to 60 mph in a head-spinning 1.99 seconds and has a top speed of 200 mph.
The maximum range varies by trim, with the standard model going up to 405 miles. The Plaid trim can go up to 396 miles. Meanwhile, you might be interested in knowing whether Rivians are faster than Teslas.
2. Model X
Tesla Model X features heart-thumping acceleration, deft handling, and long drive range, making it one of the best luxury electric SUVs on the market today.
This model provides practicality, fun, and thrill with its two powertrain options, allowing you to handle corners with confidence.
The 2022 Tesla Model X standard powertrain includes:
- a 100 kWh battery,
- all-wheel drive,
- two electric motors,
- and single-speed transmission.
The X Plaid trim, the most powerful and quickest, has three electric motors that pump 1,020 horsepower.
The base model has an EPA estimated range of 348 miles, while the standard two-motor Model X has an official EPA-rated range of 333 miles.
The base model can go from zero to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. The Plaid trim sprints from zero to 60 mph in a thrilling 2.5 seconds and has a top speed of 163 mph.
When properly equipped, Model X can tow up to 5,000 pounds.
That may not be the case for older generations. We have a full overview of all Tesla generations and facelifts here.
3. Model Y
The 2022 Tesla Model Y features a lengthy driving range, smooth handling, and speedy acceleration. It negotiates turns with the agility of a smaller vehicle.
The Long Range is enough for daily commutes and occasional road trips. It is equipped with the brand’s dual ultra-responsive motor all-wheel drive system that digitally controls torque.
The result is:
- better traction,
- handling,
- and stability control.
With a top speed of 155 mph, the dash from zero to 60 mph takes just 3.5 seconds for the Performance model. The Long Range takes 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 135 mph.
Model Y Performance trim has a range of 303 miles, while the Long Range has a driving range of 330 miles on a full charge. It’s also important to know at what speed Teslas are most efficient.
When properly equipped with a Class II tow package, Model Y can tow up to 3,500 pounds.
4. Model 3
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 is Tesla’s most affordable electric vehicle, but don’t let the price fool you.
This vehicle has a new exhilarating performance and a long driving range, despite having a smaller battery. It has a robust performance with quick acceleration, strong motors, and pry handling.
The Rear-Wheel Drive, which is typically the base model, has a single-motor rear-wheel drive system. The other two trims, Performance, and Long Range, upgrade to Tesla’s dual motor all-wheel drive.
The Rear Wheel Drive has 272 miles of range, the Performance trim has 315 miles, and the Long Range gets 358 miles.
When it comes to speed, the Rear Wheel Drive trim accelerates from zero to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds and has a top speed of 140 mph.
The Performance trim level has a top speed of 162 mph and takes 3.1 seconds to move from zero to 60 mph. The Long Range takes 4.2 seconds to move from zero to 60 mph.
Read Also: New Tesla Model 3 Is Wild! (What We Know So Far)
5. Roadster
The 2023 Tesla Roadster was expected to hit the market in 2021, but it’s been delayed. Reservations are still ongoing, and deliveries are expected to start in 2023. This model is likely to be the most radical since Model S.
With prices starting at $200,000 for the base model and $250,000 for the Founder Series, users have high expectations.
The Roadster will be able to move from zero to 60 mph in a dazzling 1.9 seconds and will have a top speed of 250 mph.
Tesla also claims the new machine will come with a massive 620-mile range. The 200 kWh battery is one of the largest Tesla batteries ever produced.
With these figures, you can bet the Roadster will likely take over the electric car market by storm.
Which Tesla is the fastest?
Teslas are designed to perform at high speeds. However, as long as the Roadster is not out yet, Model S Plaid remains the fastest Tesla available. The Tesla Model S Plaid moves from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds with a top speed of 200 miles per hour.
Extremely impressive!
The Roadster has the same acceleration duration but could be more powerful than the Model S Plaid since it has a range of 620 miles and a top speed of 250 miles per hour.
Do Teslas Lose Speed and Torque Over time?
While no significant evidence exists that Teslas lose acceleration over time, these vehicles can slow down as the batteries get depleted.
You can read here how much range Teslas lose over the years.
In short, your Tesla will lose its top speed over time. This is more common, especially if you drive at speeds of more than 50 miles per hour.
Your car will lose speed and torque faster if you supercharge it on a regular basis, as this leads to battery degradation. Similarly, if you intend to take long trips or have an older battery, you will likely lose speed and torque faster than regular vehicles.
It’s also important to know that your Tesla can get slower if it’s not fully charged.
As the battery pack’s voltage declines, it will not reach its full speed.
It’s worth noting that the statistics provided by Tesla on their ability to go from zero to 60 mph are based on a full battery pack.
These numbers become obsolete once the battery is depleted. However, we don’t recommend charging your Tesla to 100% unless you intend to drive several miles after.
What is the impact of driving fast on your Tesla battery?
When it comes to electric cars, it’s either you drive fast or go far—you cannot have both.
This is true for gas-powered vehicles. The speedier you go, the fewer miles you get per gallon.
We all love the quick acceleration of Teslas, but many owners still don’t know that their speedy driving decreases vehicle efficiency and range.
The simple reason for this is that it takes more energy for a vehicle to travel to 90 mph than it does at 40 mph.
The drag from the air increases with speed unless you’re driving a Physics-defying vehicle like the Model S that reduces the effect of speed by coupling its best-class aerodynamics with an extremely efficient powertrain.
It’s also equipped with a Regenerative Braking system to recapture energy when slowing down or heading uphill.
Are Teslas’ speed limited by software?
Tesla now lets owners limit the speed of their cars with a new application update alongside a vehicle software update.
The update applies to Tesla owners with vehicle software versions of 2018 and above. You can set the maximum vehicle speed between 50 and 90 mph. When you choose a specific speed, your vehicle won’t exceed it.
It’s important to note that speed limit mode is not the same as “Valet Mode,” a software that temporarily puts a series of limitations on Tesla vehicles.
One of these limitations is maintaining a top speed of 70 mph.
The software allows drivers to stay in control of their speed.
In 2022, Tesla pushed for another new software update that increased the autopilot’s top speed for Tesla Vision vehicles.
How to turn on Tesla Speed limit Mode
Follow these three simple steps to turn on your speed limit mode in your Tesla.
- Use your vehicle’s touchscreen or the Tesla Mobile app and tap the controls.
- Tap safety & security and use the arrows to choose the maximum driving speed you prefer
- Move the slider to the ON position.
If you’re doing this for the first time, you will need to enter a four-digit pin. You need it whenever you want to enable or disable speed limit mode. If you forget it, log in to your Tesla account and reset it.
Keep in mind that you can’t turn off the speed limit mode while driving. If you want to disable the feature, you must put the car in park, enter your pin and move the slider to the OFF position.
Which Teslas have speed limit mode
The speed limit mode is a standard feature on every new Tesla Model. Older models can also access it through the downloadable software update.
That means you can turn on the speed limit anytime, whether you own:
- a Model 3,
- model Y,
- model X,
- or model S.
How fast can a hacked Tesla go?
Knowing how fast Teslas are, imagine the speed they would hit if they were hacked. For instance, the Tesla Model S Plaid is doing well in terms of speed.
However, if you thought the 175 mph in the Tesla Model S Plaid is terrific, you haven’t seen anything yet.
Tesla has set specific vehicle software restrictions for its vehicles for safety reasons. One of these limitations is top speed. Without this single restriction, high-speed Teslas like the Tesla Model S Plaid can almost fly.
A man named Guillaume André was able to unlock the restrictions as he works with a company that sells car kits, parts, and models that help lock and unlock features in a vehicle.
Guillaume recorded a top speed of 216 miles per hour, which is the fastest publicly reported speed for this model.
It’s important to understand that Tesla didn’t use sophisticated hardware modifications to achieve these speeds other than high-performing tires and bigger brakes.
That means if they’re hacked, Teslas can go faster and achieve higher top speeds than we already know.
What is the ideal highway speed for Tesla?
The ideal, power-friendly, and time-efficient speed is 75 to 80 mph.
If you go faster, you’ll use energy faster than the supercharger can replace it.
You’ll also want to consider other factors when determining the right speed, especially if you intend to hit or maintain the available SPA estimated miles while driving.
Final Thoughts
Tesla has provided strict guidelines when it comes to its vehicle speed.
The automaker has also allowed users to stay safe on the roads by setting a speed limit and updating other speed-related features to ensure drivers get maximum control over their vehicle speed.
It’s also worth noting that speed affects your Tesla’s overall range.
If you drive too fast or too aggressively on a long trip, you may end up arriving late because you may have to charge your car more than you would have if you maintain the ideal driving speed.
Remember, speed won’t get you to your destination faster. It will only increase the chances of you never arriving at all.
Sources
https://motorandwheels.com/teslas-get-slower-over-time/
https://mashable.com/article/tesla-model-s-speed-record
https://www.tesla.com/support/range
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