The Tesla Model S Plaid has firmly established itself as a benchmark in electric vehicle performance, particularly when it comes to acceleration. For car enthusiasts and the automotive industry alike, the 0-60 mph sprint is a key metric, and the Model S Plaid delivers in spectacular fashion. Motortrend, a renowned authority in automotive testing, has declared the Model S Plaid the quickest car they have ever tested from 0-60 mph, highlighting the sheer force of its acceleration.
Electric vehicles have become synonymous with rapid acceleration, and Tesla has consistently led the charge in this domain. The Model S Plaid takes this reputation to a new extreme, achieving acceleration figures that were once the exclusive realm of hypercars. Motortrend’s rigorous testing process involved putting the Model S Plaid and other leading electric vehicles through their paces to definitively determine the fastest off-the-line EV. While other metrics exist to measure speed, the 0-60 mph time remains the most universally understood and appreciated indicator of a car’s initial acceleration prowess. For those seeking the thrill of instant, neck-snapping speed, the 0-60 time is the number that truly matters.
“At 3.0 seconds to 60 mph—or less—a vehicle exerts roughly the same g forces on a human as the earth does when the same person is free falling.”
Motortrend’s comprehensive list of the top 10 fastest electric vehicles from 0-60 mph showcases the Model S Plaid’s dominance. While their initial reporting cited a 2.3-second 0-60 mph time for the Model S Plaid in their overall rankings, further clarification reveals even more impressive figures from their actual testing. On a specially prepared track, the Model S Plaid clocked an astonishing 1.98-second 0-60 mph time. Even on their standard test track, the Model S Plaid achieved a blistering 2.1-second 0-60 mph sprint. As Motortrend themselves stated, “The next day we took the car to our regular testing facility, where it laid down a 2.1-second 0-60 sprint.” Therefore, the most accurate and consistently achieved 0-60 mph acceleration time for the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid stands at an incredible 2.1 seconds, cementing its place at the top of the electric vehicle acceleration hierarchy.
Here’s a look at the top contenders in the 0-60 mph electric vehicle race, as tested by Motortrend:
- 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid: 2.1 Seconds (officially recorded)
- 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S: 2.4 Seconds
- 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance: 2.7 Seconds
- 2022 Audi RS E-Tron GT: 2.9 Seconds
- 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS 4Matic+ Sedan: 3.0 Seconds
- 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1: 3.0 Seconds
- 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition: 3.1 Seconds
- 2023 Kia EV6 GT: 3.2 Seconds
- 2023 BMW iX M60: 3.2 Seconds
- 2022 Rivian R1S Launch Edition: 3.2 Seconds
The remarkable 0-60 mph time of the Tesla Model S Plaid is not just a result of raw power; it’s a product of sophisticated engineering and technology. The Model S Plaid is equipped with three high-performance electric motors, providing all-wheel drive for optimal traction. With two motors positioned at the rear, the power delivery is further amplified, ensuring maximum thrust off the line. Tesla’s advanced traction control system works in perfect harmony with these electric motors, managing the immense power output to deliver consistently rapid acceleration. This powertrain configuration unleashes a staggering 1020 horsepower and 1050 lb-ft of torque, translating to the Model S Plaid’s mind-bending acceleration capabilities.
“When experiencing the acceleration of a Plaid, it’s abundantly clear that virtually the only force you feel is the Tesla’s seatback hurling you forward to a degree that genuinely makes the horizon the floor. Except that floor is rushing up at you far faster than any free fall ever could.”
In conclusion, the Tesla Model S Plaid’s 0-60 mph time of 2.1 seconds is a testament to Tesla’s engineering prowess and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle performance. It’s not just the fastest electric car in Motortrend’s testing; it’s the fastest car overall they’ve ever tested in this crucial acceleration metric. For drivers seeking unparalleled acceleration and cutting-edge EV technology, the Tesla Model S Plaid remains the undisputed leader.
This article is based on information from Motortrend and Tesmanian.
