Electric cars get a bad rap for not measuring up to the speed of a petrol-powered vehicle. That a battery has got nothing on the speed and performance of an engine. But automotive technologies have improved the engineering of these modern, eco-friendly cars. And one of the more prominent manufacturers of electric vehicles is making waves because of it.
Tesla’s cars have been one of the more sought-after EVs, with many wanting a Tesla trade in and multiple models making it to the best-selling battery-powered rides. Why do people love a Tesla? Aside from the perceived brand value — that they indicate an “elite status,” Tesla models are designed well and do move fast on the road.
What’s the fastest Tesla model? The Model S Plaid.
How Fast is a Tesla Top Speed?
The Model S Plaid is deemed to be the fastest Tesla in production. The EV can go from 0 to 60 in 1.9 seconds. The Tesla model’s top speed is 200 mph. MotorTrend tested the vehicle and learned that the vehicle would need a lengthy setup before it can achieve its acceleration.
On Tesla’s main screen, you would need to adjust the settings to Drag Strip Mode to get it to do 0 to 60 in under two seconds. According to MotorTrend, the whole process takes about 15 minutes. The Model S Plaid must heat or cool the batteries to the necessary temperature and then it cools the electric motor. It’s not something that most high-performance cars require.
Tesla’s fastest model also may only accelerate to its top speed on certain surfaces. During MotorTrend’s test, the auto manufacturer required that it be done on the sticky end of a racetrack. It’s also not something everyday drivers have a need for on the road. The driving surface gave the Tesla model extra traction.
When MotorTrend tested the fastest Tesla vehicle again but on asphalt, it didn’t do 0 to 60 in under two seconds.
Is a Tesla Faster Than a Hellcat?
In earlier tests, Tesla ran the Model S Plaid on a super sticky drag surface. The auto manufacturer claimed its EV hit 0 to 60mph in 1.99 seconds. Back then, the fastest Tesla topped under 200 for its top speed. When CarandDriver tested the EV on a non-prepped surface, the 2021 Model S Plaid hit 0 to 60 mph in 2.1 seconds with a top speed at 151 mph.
The 2021 speed for Tesla ties with the Porsche’s 918 Spyder and the 911 Turbo S. The speedy Tesla also matches the quarter-mile time of the Bugatti Chiron Sport, which has a maximum speed of 300 mph.
But how does the Model S Plaid measure up against the combustion-powered Dodger Hellcat Redeye?
According to a separate MotorTrend test, the Tesla model is faster than the Hellcat. The EV’s horsepower and torque gave the Tesla its advantage over the Dodge Charger model. Much like many of your favorite old cars (from Cadillac to Mercedes Benz), the Dodge Charger is getting “electrified.” The 6.2 liter V8 supercharger is going out of production in 2023.
The good news is that Dodge is set to launch an electric muscle car in 2024. So if you dig the look and vibe of a muscle car but don’t want the environmental effects of driving one, keep an eye out for Dodge’s new EV.
The fastest electric car, however, is the super pricey Rimac Nevera (it costs $2.5 million). The all-electric, hyper luxurious car can hit 0 to 60 in 1.85 seconds with a top speed of 258 mph. Rimac is headed by 33-year-old Mate Rimac, who now watches over Bugatti’s shift to EV.
What Tesla Does Elon Musk Drive?
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has an eclectic range of cars. One of his more infamous collections is the McLaren F1, which crashed into an embankment and launched into the air, spinning like a discus.
Musk also owns Porsche 911, a Hamann BMW and a 1967 Jaguar E-Type.
But what does Musk drive?
Since the McLaren’s damaged beyond repair, Musk reportedly drives the Model S more frequently than his other Teslas, the Model X and the oddly designed Tesla Cybertruck.
Can Any Car Go 300 mph?
As mentioned earlier, a certain car does go 300 mph: the Chiron Super Sport from Bugatti. But it’s not an EV. Motortrend calls the combustion-powered titan on the road a “tour de force.” With its 1,578 horsepower and 16 cylinders, the fast car reportedly drives delicately. No matter how fast the driver gets, tussling or wrestling with the machinery isn’t necessary.
Sadly, because Bugatti has given controlling shares to Rimac and merged with the EV maker, you may never get your hands on the Chiron Super Sport.
Fortunately, driving at top speeds isn’t limited to combustion-powered cars. With new technologies and engineering propelling faster, better electric vehicles, you don’t need to compromise your carbon footprint to enjoy a super fast ride.
