Performance Benefits of Electric Cars
There are many reasons to buy an electric car. They offer zero-emissions driving for those of us that want to reduce our carbon footprint. They offer cost advantages in the form of reduced fueling and maintenance costs. They offer the convenience of charging at home and driving off every day with a full “tank” of electrons. But what we don’t talk about enough is the performance offered by EVs – with instantaneous torque and incredible precision, electric cars are incredible performance machines as well.
Tesla Model 3 Performance
This past October, we had the pleasure of participating in a Track Night of America event organized by SCCA at Thunderhill Raceway just outside of San Francisco. The anticipation and excitement were something else, as this would be the first time I would drive my new 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance on-track, eager to see how it would handle the demands of a rigorous track environment.
The atmosphere as I rolled into the paddock was “electric”, with fellow enthusiasts and a variety of impressive vehicles creating a vibrant and dynamic setting. I was very surprised to see a Tesla supercharger with 12 stalls mere feet from the entrance of the west track. The presence of a Supercharger means you can arrive at the track a bit early and top up before the event starts – or top up between sessions. You’ll need the quick charge, as a 20-minute track session will use between 20 and 30 percent of a Model 3’s battery.
Drive Modes in the Model 3 Performance
From the moment I began my first lap, the Model 3 Performance – in 2024 it was upgraded to the “Highland” spec – impressed me with its remarkable capabilities. I placed the car in track mode and applied a custom torque distribution profile with a 50-50 percent split between the front and rear motors. I also set the driver assistance systems to minimal, one step above fully off. This would allow the car to get a bit sideways, and allow me to find the limits of the car before the traction control system would engage. It was the perfect amount of assistance for the first time at the track.
The car's acceleration was nothing short of exhilarating, and it effortlessly launched itself forward. It smoked just about all the other higher performance cars at the event in acceleration, and was very comparable to a BMW M3 or Audi RS3.
Model 3 Performance Handling
The Model 3 Performance’s handling was equally commendable. The stock Pirelli P Zeros that come with the car gave the Model 3 plenty of grip, and I achieved a maximum G-force load of 1.4 g. The car’s chassis setup allowed for confident cornering and agile maneuvers. It was clear that Tesla had engineered a vehicle that could easily transition from a daily driver to a track car. Track mode firms up the adaptive dampers to their stiffest setting and transforms the car into a go-kart-feeling monster.
Throughout the session, the car maintained an impressive level of composure. The regenerative braking system provided consistent and reliable stopping power, while the advanced adaptive suspension system absorbed the track's imperfections with ease.
This balance of performance and handling made for a driving experience that I would describe as an 8.5 out of 10. The car has excellent versatility and dynamic range on-track even though it is by no means a race car. Out of the box, it responded very well to the challenges of the track.
Conclusion: Model 3 at Thunderhill
My time at Thunderhill Raceway with the 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance was eye-opening. The car's balance of performance and handling on-track, as well as its comfort on the way home with Tesla’s automated driver assists, make it one of the best daily drivers available in its price range.
Whether navigating the demands of the track or the daily commute, the Model 3 Performance stands out as a remarkable piece of engineering that delivers on all fronts. It gives you BMW M3 performance for significantly less money, and there is hardly any maintenance to speak of.
The Model 3 Performance offers the comfort of a quiet and reliable daily driver. And after adjusting a few settings on the screen, it can transform into a formidable track performer out of the box. A few modifications could turn this car into a serious track weapon.
