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Elon Musk gives tips to optimize Tesla Model 3 Performance, teases 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds

[Credit: MKBHD/Twitter]

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Elon Musk recently gave some tips for would-be owners of the Model 3 Performance — in order to fully optimize the electric car’s capabilities and speed, equipping it with stickier and wider tires at the rear is recommended. According to Musk, the Model 3 Performance would likely be capable of sprinting from 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds with optimized rims and tires.

Musk’s advice came as a response to Tesla enthusiast Ryan McCaffrey, who mentioned an observation from the Wall Street Journal‘s Dan Neil, who recently reviewed the Model 3 Performance. According to Neil, the Model 3 Performance is already an excellent car, but it would be even better if it had a better set of tires. Musk responded, stating that Tesla had to give up some of the car’s grip to optimize its range. For drivers aiming for top performance, Musk stated that upgrading the tires and wheels can give the car an extra boost.

As could be seen in Tesla’s configuration page for the vehicle, the Model 3 Performance is capable of going from a dead stop to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, thanks to its twin electric motors that deliver instant torque. The electric car also has a top speed of 155 mph, as well as a range of 310 miles on a single charge. In true Tesla tradition, Elon Musk teased back in May that the Model 3 Performance’s power output could be a bit higher than expected.

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Tesla already has a reputation for making its vehicles faster over time. Just last year, Tesla opted to “uncork” the 75D variants of the Model S and Model X. The Model S 75D, for example, had a notable boost in acceleration after the vehicle’s 0-60 mph time was reduced from 5.2 seconds to 4.2 seconds through a free software update. The Model X 75D also had a similar performance bump, with the all-electric SUV’s 0-60 time dropping from 6.0 seconds to 4.9 seconds. Thus, with Elon Musk’s announcement last May, expectations were high that Tesla would likely improve the Model 3 Performance’s acceleration and capabilities over time as well. Talks of a Ludicrous Mode upgrade, which Musk reacted positively to before, were also reiterated.

When he announced the vehicle’s specs on Twitter, Elon Musk stated that the Model 3 Performance, with its 0-60 mph time of 3.5 seconds, would be 15% faster on the track than a BMW M3. Considering that a simple improvement in wheels and tires would likely cause the vehicle to accelerate .20 seconds faster, Musk’s estimates for the Model 3 Performance might actually end up being rather conservative.

When Tesla announced the Model S P85D back in 2014, the company unveiled the vehicle’s Insane Mode, which allowed the family sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds, rivaling the McLaren F1, a legendary supercar that Musk admits is one of the best cars to ever be made. The McLaren F1 has a 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds — just .10 seconds faster than the raw acceleration of the Model 3 Performance with wider rear tires.

Simon is an experienced automotive reporter with a passion for electric cars and clean energy. Fascinated by the world envisioned by Elon Musk, he hopes to make it to Mars (at least as a tourist) someday. For stories or tips--or even to just say a simple hello--send a message to his email, simon@teslarati.com or his handle on X, @ResidentSponge.

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EVs getting cleaner more quickly than expected in Europe: study

Battery-electric vehicles are still championing emissions reductions, and a new analysis suggests they’re doing so even more quickly than previously expected.

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Credit: Tesla

As Europe’s electricity mix is getting cleaner, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) are also offering a larger climate advantage than previously expected, according to the results of a new study released this week.

On Wednesday, the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) released a study noting that BEVs sold today produce 73 percent fewer life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, even factoring in production. This figure also represents a 24-percent improvement upon the organization’s 2021 estimates for this year, meaning that BEVs are getting cleaner more quickly than expected as the continent’s renewable programs continue to grow.

The study was comprised of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis of all major powertrain types, and the results suggest that BEVs are the only widely available powertrain that can slash emissions levels enough to meet climate goals. By contrast, the study’s results suggest that other clean energy powertrains, such as hybrids and plugin hybrids, only have a marginal impact, if any, on reducing the overall climate impact of the transportation sector.

“Battery electric cars in Europe are getting cleaner faster than we expected and outperform all other technologies, including hybrids and plug-in hybrids,” says ICCT researcher Dr. Marta Negri. “This progress is largely due to the fast deployment of renewable electricity across the continent and the greater energy efficiency of battery electric cars.”

Credit: International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT)

READ MORE ON ELECTRIC VEHICLES: Study reveals hybrids could have up to 4.9x lifetime emissions vs. BEVs

ICCT Senior Researcher Dr. Georg Bieker says he also hopes the analysis can help fight misinformation regarding BEV powertrains. For example, he notes that, while it’s true that manufacturing emissions for BEVs can be up to 40 percent higher than for ICE vehicles, this is quickly offset by an electric automobile after just around 17,000 km (~10,563 miles) of driving.

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“We hope this study brings clarity to the public conversation, so that policymakers and industry leaders can make informed decisions,” Dr. Bieker says. “We’ve recently seen auto industry leaders misrepresenting the emissions math on hybrids. But life-cycle analysis is not a choose-your-own-adventure exercise.”

Additionally, the ICCT study covers emissions from both vehicle and battery production, recycling, fuel and electricity production, fuel consumption, and maintenance.

“Our study accounts for the most representative use cases and is grounded in real-world data,” Dr. Bieker adds. “Consumers deserve accurate, science-backed information.”

U.S. EV adoption still on pace to reach 50% by 2030: data

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Tesla executive teases plan to further electrify supply chain

One of Tesla’s top executive hints at how Tesla is further electrifying its supply chain.

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Credit: Andrea Conway/X

A high-level Tesla executive has said the company is working to further electrify its supply chain, following a successful road test with the Semi this week.

After Tesla supplier thyssenkrupp completed a successful 5,000-mile winter trial with the Semi this week, Dan Priestley, the company’s Director of Semi Engineering, noted on X that the demonstration is a part of larger efforts to electrify more of the supply chain. The executive said that the company is already working to help suppliers like thyssenkrupp implement the Semi into their operations, particularly due to its cost savings and reliability.

Following the thyssenkrupp demo, the supply chain company has also begun integrating the Semi into its fleet, and Priestley suggests that more are still to come:

Working with our suppliers and logistics partners to electrify Tesla’s supply chain. With lower cost and higher reliability, it just makes sense. thyssenkrupp pushed the truck hard over this demo and now plans to integrate Semi into their fleet.

READ MORE ON TESLA SEMI: Tesla Full Self-Driving displays impressive collision avoidance with Semi

Tesla Semi factory nears official production as trials continue to impress

Tesla’s early Semi trials received positive results from both thyssenkrup and ArcBest’s ABF Freight this week, with the latter company logging 4,494 miles during a pilot period, and averaging 321 miles per day despite a 7,200-foot climb over Donner Pass.

The company has also been constructing a factory for volume Semi production at its Gigafactory in Nevada, and in recent weeks, the plant is looking nearly complete. Semi frames have been spotted in increasing numbers outside the facility recently, suggesting that Tesla is nearing early production on site.

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The company also hired more than 1,000 workers for the Semi factory in April, while the plant is eventually expected to produce as many as 50,000 Semi units annually.

Tesla reveals Semi fleet data, shows off new feature and infrastructure plans

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Tesla Semi completes 5,000-mile winter trial with thyssenkrupp

The test covered nearly 5,000 miles in winter conditions.

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Credit: Tesla Semi/X

thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services has completed a three-week pilot of the Tesla Semi at one of its California logistics hubs, marking a new step in the company’s sustainability push. The test covered nearly 5,000 miles in winter conditions and focused on evaluating the electric Class 8 truck’s efficiency, transparency, and operational performance.

Tesla Semi offers efficiency gains and real-time logistics visibility

During the pilot, the Tesla Semi was used for active freight delivery, including routes over the Altamont Pass. thyssenkrupp evaluated the vehicle’s ability to reduce downtime, enhance delivery speed, and offer greater real-time supply chain visibility, the company noted in a press release.

Live diagnostics and performance monitoring allowed the logistics provider to track metrics such as speed, routes, and overall efficiency—data that supports smarter and more transparent logistics operations.

“The Tesla Semi aligns with our ongoing commitment to sustainability and operational excellence,” said Bob Denehy, Chief Commercial Officer at thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services. “Its efficiency and diagnostic features, and low environmental impact make it a natural fit for our evolving logistics strategy.”

Pilot builds on long-term partnership with Tesla and green energy goals

A logistics partner to Tesla since 2015, thyssenkrupp Supply Chain Services was one of the first companies selected to test the Tesla Semi in a real-world setting. The trial reinforces the company’s push into renewable energy logistics and reflects its long-term goal of integrating alternative-fuel technologies across its operations. 

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Plans are now underway to begin adding electric Semis to its fleet as part of a wider emissions-reduction effort. The pilot is thus the latest example of how logistics providers are embracing next-generation transport technologies to meet environmental goals and enhance supply chain performance.

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