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Tesla vehicles have been in the market for quite some time now. As such, there’s plenty of information out there about their features, specs, and performance.
However, one of the subjects that are less talked about is the weight of these EVs. This is surprising if you consider the fact that the weight of a car has a bearing on its overall performance.
So, if you are looking to get a Tesla, it is vital to know the weight profiles of different models and how they compare to each other.
Which Features Contribute To Tesla’s Weight?
There are several factors that go into making Tesla EVs heavier than other electric and petrol-diesel vehicles. These include:
Battery and Armor
Like other EVs, Teslas come with battery packs that not only provide the electricity required to run them but also power the electrical components.
Tesla battery packs typically contain a large number of cells which makes them heavy and contributes to the overall weight of these cars.
Likewise, the battery packs are fortified with heavy metal armor to protect them from damage and minimize the risk of explosions.
Electronics
All the vehicles in the Tesla fleet come with a range of electronic components including onboard computers, sensors, and cameras. These devices inevitably increase the overall weight of the cars.
Luxury and Comfort Features
As a brand that is associated with luxury and comfort, Tesla usually goes for high-end materials when designing its cars’ interior features such as seats, steering wheels, and heating elements.
The heavy-duty materials add some extra poundage to the curb weight of the vehicles.
Suspensions
Teslas are designed with more robust suspensions to handle the heavy weight of the cars without compromising drive quality. These beefier suspensions naturally increase the overall weight of these cars.
Weight For Each Tesla Model
Each model in the Tesla fleet features a unique design and comes with specific features that contribute to the overall weight of the car.
Here is a breakdown of the weight profiles for different Tesla models:
Tesla Model 3 Weight
The Model 3 is the smallest and lightest Tesla model regardless of the powertrain option it’s fitted with.
The standard Tesla Model 3 with a single motor rear-wheel-drive weighs about 3,880 lbs whereas the dual-motor Long Range and Performance trims each have an average curb weight of 4,065 lbs.
The lighter weight of the Tesla Model 3 can be attributed to its smaller dimensions and build quality. The exterior body of the Model 3 is fabricated from aluminum alloy and steel which are sturdy yet lightweight.
The Model 3 Tesla also comes with a nickel-based battery which is lighter compared to the lithium-ion batteries used in other models.
Tesla Model S Weight
The Tesla Model S offers more cabin and cargo space compared to the Model 3, as well as a significantly higher range and better overall performance.
It’s therefore not surprising that this model has a higher weight profile compared to the Model 3.
The average weight of the standard rear-wheel-drive Model S Performance and Long Range trims is about 4,561 lbs while the Plaid version weighs approximately 5,390 lbs.
Like its Model 3 counterpart, the Model S Tesla is made from aluminum alloy and steel which makes it sturdy without increasing its curb weight.
The Model Y also comes in different battery sizes ranging between 60 kWh to 90 kWh. The larger the battery pack, the greater its curb weight.
Tesla Model Y Weight
The Tesla Model Y comes with a much larger interior and cargo space compared to the sedan-styled Models 3 and S.
As such, it is not surprising that this car weighs significantly more compared to the aforementioned models.
The standard rear-wheel-drive version of the Model Y weighs around 4,065 lbs whereas the Long Range and Performance Models weigh about 4,555 lbs.
The greater overall weight of the Model Y is largely due to its massive 200 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
This battery delivers the power required to pull the weight of this SUV without sacrificing range and performance.
Tesla Model X Weight
The Model X Tesla is the cream of the Tesla lineup, boasting a more spacious interior compared to the Model Y and a plethora of electronics and luxury features.
Naturally, these features make the Model heavier compared to other vehicles in the Tesla lineup.
The model X’s dual-motor Performance and Long Range trims have an average curb weight of about 5,185 lbs whereas the tri-motor Plaid version weighs about 5,390 lbs.
While this SUV is made from the same aluminum alloy and steel material that’s used for other models, it has a much higher steel composition. This delivers more structural strength but also adds to the curb weight of the vehicle.
The Model X also comes with a large battery pack to help pull its weight while maintaining performance and range. However, this comes with the trade-off of extra pounds added to the overall weight of the car.
A Final Word – Does The Weight Of A Tesla Affect Its Performance?
The weight of a car typically has a considerable impact when it comes to performance and this is no different with Teslas.
As a general rule, the lighter the car is, the faster it’s able to accelerate. Likewise, the heavier the car is, the more battery power it requires to pull its weight.
One of the things you can do to make your Tesla lightweight is to swap some of its components with more lightweight parts.
Removing excess weight will also help boost its acceleration without having to perform any significant modifications.
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