Tesla never fails to amaze us with newer technologies and its ever-so-efficient EVs. Various Tesla models have earned world records, increasing the company’s sales. Tesla Model S, a vehicle with phenomenal performance and power, has again earned a world record. The Tesla Plaid top speed is 200 mph, which is impressive. The car swerved through a quarter-mile pass in just 8.73 seconds, with its top speed reaching 160 mph. However, the company had been bragging about its miraculous speed. It made some bold claims that the Sedan could accelerate from 0 to 60 in 2 seconds. Moreover, the Tesla Model S Plaid world record is proof of the company’s cutting-edge engineering.
Has Tesla Plaid’s top speed earned a record?
Company Claims vs. Facts
Tesla claimed that the Model S can easily sprint at a top speed of 155 mph and cover the quarter-mile distance in just 9.23 seconds. Knowing how Tesla likes to boast about its cars, the company declared that the Sedan can easily accelerate from 0 to 60 under 2 seconds. Later, it was revealed that the quarter-mile record electric car could achieve such a goal under ideal conditions. The track should’ve been smoothed to perfection, and the EV must use its default one-foot rollout.
The World Record
Returning to the Tesla Plaid speed record, the vehicle was secured at Napierville Dragway. The protocol involved gutting the car to a little over 700 pounds to create the Tesla Plaid Racing car. The driver weighed 245 pounds, the only weight in the car. The Model S Plaid quarter-mile time was recorded as 8.73 seconds run at a top speed of 157.8 mph. The driver also recorded an 8.77-second run at 157 mph. Therefore, the Model S became Tesla’s F1 car.
Model S’s efficiency
As the Sedan scored a world record, you may wonder how it achieved such a difficult title. The Model S is basically a power bank thanks to its three electric motors. The motors generate a monstrous 1,020 horsepower that propels the vehicle at lightning speed. The Tesla software updates performance but limits its top speed. Moreover, the car is too heavy ever to have a racing career. It weighs considerably more than its rivals.
Are electric vehicles suitable for racing?
EVs are generally faster than gas cars. It is possible to create electric racing cars in the future. However, that’s still too far-fetched. EVs rely on their batteries, which are way heavier than you think. Electric vehicles are not heavy on their own; their bodies are lighter than gas cars. The large battery packs aim for a longer driving range, which makes them heavy. The Tesla plaid top speed was indeed able to earn it a notable record. This tells us more about EVs than we already know. If the vehicle is stripped of most of its seats to make it lighter, it can run faster. The question is, are there any electric racing cars? Yes, the battery-powered Formula E cars are your answer. They are a suitable rival to the motorsports champions, the F1 cars. We hope future EVs run faster and weigh lighter for a smooth driving experience.
List of other Tesla Models with high top speeds
After reviewing many electric vehicle racing records, I have concluded that Teslas are indeed the speed giants. They offer affordable EVs with larger batteries and boast higher top speeds. Here are some of the fastest Tesla Models.
1- Tesla Model S
Although the Model S is slower than its twin, the Model S Plaid, it is still a road runner. It accelerates at a top speed of 155 mph. The vehicle’s motors cannot outmatch the fastest Tesla Model S performance but generate a torque of 778 hp, which is quite decent.
2- Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 may not be as fast as its siblings, but it is still faster than most EVs. It boasts a top speed of 162 mph, a little below the quarter-mile record electric car. The motors generate 450 hp horsepower and 302 pound-feet torque. The car sprints from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds.
3- Tesla Model X
The Tesla Model X has the same top speed as the Model S. The car is conveniently fast, if not the quickest. Moreover, if Tesla adds another motor, the vehicle can achieve the Tesla Plaid speed record. Its motors generate 670 hp, which is greater than Model 3’s horsepower.
4- Tesla Model Y
Although ranked the lowest among the fastest Tesla cars, the Model Y is still a decent vehicle with efficient motors. Starting at $42,990, the vehicle boasts a 135 mph top speed and 384 hp horsepower. It may not compete with the Tesla Model S Plaid world record, but it is still one of the fastest Tesla’s.
Conclusion
Tesla has become the world’s leading EV company. Every EV trend includes at least one Tesla car, which indicates its quality. With its breaking records, earning awards, and strong fan base, Tesla is winning the EV game. One of its models, the Tesla Model S Plaid, scored another world record in 2023. The Tesla plaid top speed is 200 mph, earning it the quarter-mile record. Before the lap, the car was gutted to weigh around 700 pounds. The only weight belonged to the driver, who was confirmed to weigh around 245 pounds. The car completed the quarter mile in 8.73 seconds at a top speed of 157.8 mph.
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I am Umama Farhan and I envision a future with sustainable transportation. My expertise lies in EV market trends, new company launches, and charging stations. I have been doing this for 4 years with determination to promote a greener future. I have dedicated myself to finding novice and existing solutions that can improve the automaking industry with sustainable alternatives.
