The Tesla Model S Plaid has firmly established itself as a benchmark for electric vehicle performance, particularly in the crucial 0-60 mph acceleration metric. Motortrend’s rigorous testing has confirmed the Model S Plaid as the quickest car they’ve ever evaluated in this discipline, leaving a lasting impression on automotive experts and enthusiasts alike. The sheer force of acceleration in the Plaid is so intense, as Motortrend noted, passengers experience a sensation where “virtually the only force you feel is the Tesla’s seatback.”
Tesla has long been recognized for producing vehicles with breathtaking acceleration, and the Model S Plaid takes this reputation to unprecedented levels. As the fastest mass-production car, its speed is not just impressive on paper, but viscerally felt. Motortrend, in their comprehensive testing of various electric vehicles, sought to pinpoint the leader in this electrifying race. While 0-60 mph is a universally understood measure of quickness, Motortrend suggested that for the pinnacle of EV performance, “sustained gravitic force” might be a more telling indicator of the raw power on display.
“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 published list of the top 10 fastest 0-60 mph electric vehicles, all personally tested by their team, unequivocally places the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid at the summit. While initial reports and the overall ranking indicated a 2.3-second 0-60 mph time, further scrutiny and testing revealed even more astonishing figures. On a specially prepared track, the Model S Plaid achieved an astounding 1.98-second sprint. However, under standard testing conditions at Motortrend’s regular facility, the consistently recorded 0-60 mph acceleration time was 2.1 seconds. As Motortrend detailed, “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 representative 0-60 mph time for the 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid stands at a blistering 2.1 seconds, solidifying its position as the undisputed leader in electric vehicle acceleration.
Here’s the definitive list of the top 10 fastest EVs from 0-60 mph, as tested by Motortrend:
- 2021 Tesla Model S Plaid: 0–60 MPH in 2.1 Seconds (Motortrend standard test)
- 2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo S: 0–60 MPH in 2.4 Seconds
- 2022 Lucid Air Grand Touring Performance: 0–60 MPH in 2.7 Seconds
- 2022 Audi RS E-Tron GT: 0–60 MPH in 2.9 Seconds
- 2022 Mercedes-AMG EQS 4Matic+ Sedan: 0–60 MPH in 3.0 Seconds
- 2022 GMC Hummer EV Edition 1: 0–60 MPH in 3.0 Seconds
- 2022 Rivian R1T Launch Edition: 0–60 MPH in 3.1 Seconds
- 2023 Kia EV6 GT: 0–60 MPH in 3.2 Seconds
- 2023 BMW iX M60: 0–60 MPH in 3.2 Seconds
- 2022 Rivian R1S Launch Edition: 0–60 MPH in 3.2 Seconds
The remarkable 0-60 mph performance of the Tesla Model S Plaid is a product of its advanced engineering and powertrain. Motortrend highlighted the key components that contribute to this staggering acceleration: “Tesla Model S Plaid 2021 is fitted with three extraordinarily efficient and powerful electric motors, all-wheel drive thanks to those motors with two at the rear to further bolster the power shove, and an advanced traction control system that interacts seamlessly with said electric motors.” This potent combination generates a colossal 1020 horsepower and 1050 lb-ft of torque, translating to instant and relentless acceleration.
“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, as validated by Motortrend’s rigorous testing, is not just a number, but a testament to its engineering prowess and a clear indicator of its dominance in the electric vehicle landscape. It redefines what’s possible in EV acceleration and sets a new benchmark for the industry.
© 2023, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.
