Electric vehicles often dominate in drag racing. Full power from the word “go” and the precision of electric motors result in neck – spraining straight – line sprints and heart rate elevating 0 – 60 mph dashes. When we discuss EV performance, the Tesla Model S Plaid is one of the most notable models in the sporty EV segment. And the new Model 3 Performance isn’t far behind, with an affordable price and a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.9 seconds.
Several upgrades can be made to electric vehicles to improve performance.
EVs are now a part of daily life, which means tuners naturally want in on that action. That’s why we’re exploring this new avenue of car tuning. This article will only focus on technology specifically designed for electric vehicles and that is available to the public.
Several upgrades can be made to electric vehicles to improve performance.
EVs are now a part of daily life, which means tuners naturally want in on that action. That’s why we’re exploring this new avenue of car tuning. This article will only focus on technology specifically designed for electric vehicles and that is available to the public.
- Basic Bolt – ons
- It should come as no surprise that the aftermarket support for electric vehicles is incomparable to the aftermarket as a whole. While small, enough suppliers and parts manufacturers produce appealing products to improve electric vehicle performance. The easiest modifications that can be made to an electric vehicle to increase performance would be better and larger brakes, upgraded suspension, aerodynamic elements, and better tires. These components would allow for better braking, better body control, better road – holding, and, as a bonus, improved visual appeal.
- Brakes
- Let’s start with brakes. Typically, the solution for better brakes is bigger ones, and carbon ceramic brakes would be best when bigger ones are not feasible. High – performance electric vehicles like the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT rely on large, lightweight carbon ceramic brakes. Still, an aftermarket set of carbon ceramic brakes would come at a hefty cost. Beyond the rotors, brake lines, brake cooling ducts, and high – performance brake pads would be essential components to improve braking performance further.
- Suspension
- Suspension systems for electric vehicles are easy to acquire, with certain brands and manufacturers catering exclusively to electric vehicles. A notable example is Unplugged Performance, which had previously worked on Joe Rogan’s Tesla Model S Plaid. This company offers an array of bolt – on components specifically for Teslas. As far as suspension goes, there is no limit, with the main deciding factor being how much of the vehicle’s original suspension an owner would want to be replaced, which can include the control arms, trailing arms, camber arms, coilovers, and bushings.
- Aerodynamic Parts
- Parts designed for aerodynamic performance would not be limited to suppliers catering exclusively to electric vehicles. As such, the selection available for an EV is less restrictive than other components we’ve discussed and will discuss. Important aspects of a vehicle that would benefit from aftermarket aero – enhancing parts would include front splitters, diffusers, canards, and rear spoilers.
- Tires
- Performance tires can significantly improve an electric vehicle’s grip on the road. Wider tires with better tread patterns can provide more traction, which is especially important for high – performance EVs. This improved traction can lead to better acceleration, cornering, and braking. However, it’s important to note that wider tires may also increase rolling resistance slightly, which could have a minor impact on range.
