September 18, 2024 — San Francisco, CA :- The Tesla Model S Plaid has long held the title of one of the fastest mass-produced electric vehicles (EVs) on the market. Tesla now claims that it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in under two seconds. However, a Chinese company, Zeekr, has stepped up to challenge this with their own creation, the Zeekr 001 FR. With its four motors, Zeekr claims it can go even faster, setting up a thrilling showdown between the two EVs.
In a recent test, the Tesla Model S Plaid was pitted against the Zeekr 001 FR. To provide a sense of comparison, the Model S was also lined up against the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range, a non-performance vehicle. While the Model 3 can reach 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds according to Tesla, it was no match for the blistering speed of the Model S. As expected, the Tesla Model S Plaid made the Model 3 look slow by comparison.
But would the Model S Plaid be able to take down the Zeekr 001 FR? Before the race, the specs were analyzed. The Model S Plaid is equipped with three motors, producing a combined 1,020 horsepower. Meanwhile, the Zeekr 001 FR, featuring four motors, boasts an incredible 1,265 horsepower. Despite its carbon fiber components, the Zeekr weighs 250 kg more than the Tesla, which itself weighs 2,265 kg. Both cars also have impressive tire setups, with the Tesla on 21-inch tires and the Zeekr on 22-inch.
As the race began, there was a hiccup. The Zeekr failed to launch due to an issue with activating the car’s boost mode, which was complicated by the fact that all the instructions were in Chinese. After resolving the issue, the race was restarted. To everyone’s surprise, the Zeekr took the lead, leaving the Tesla Model S Plaid behind. However, the Tesla team was quick to point out that the battery temperature in the Model S wasn’t optimal, which could explain the performance lag.
After warming the battery to 43°C, the race was back on. This time, the Tesla Model S Plaid lived up to its reputation, overtaking the Zeekr and winning the race. The Model S Plaid clocked 0 to 100 km/h in 2.39 seconds, while the Zeekr managed 2.45 seconds. Over the quarter-mile distance, the Tesla finished in 9.5 seconds, slightly ahead of the Zeekr’s 9.71 seconds.
In the end, Tesla retained its title, proving once again that the Model S Plaid is the fastest mass-produced EV in the world. Both cars showcased incredible performance, and while the Zeekr put up an admirable fight, the Tesla ultimately prevailed.
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