Electric vehicle giant Tesla seems to be planning to release a new Performance mode for its popular offerings, the Model 3 electric sedan and Model Y electric SUV.
“Soft performance limit” option
Famous Tesla hacker @greentheonly took to social media platform X about discovering a “soft performance limit” option for the Model 3 and Y in the automaker’s recent firmware.
According to Tesla code sleuth’s X post on Sunday, the 110kW option for the electric sedan is listed, while the 160kW option is for the electric SUV.
Move follows Elon Musk’s hints about paid Performance boosts
The soft performance limit option is indeed an interesting discovery, implying the Musk-led company’s plans to offer a paid boost for the software-locked mode.
The new Performance mode can apparently enable current and prospective Tesla owners to upgrade their Model 3/Y’s power to tap into the full battery range.
In hindsight, Tesla has previously teased plans to sell paid performance upgrades for its electric vehicles. Earlier this May, the Tesla boss hinted at the potential to launch software-locked performance upgrades for the Model Y after releasing a new entry-level Long Range RWD configuration.
“The “260 mile” range Model Y’s built over the past several months actually have more range that can be unlocked for $1500 to $2000 (gains 40 to 60 miles of range), depending on which battery cells you have.
Working through regulatory approvals to enable this.”
Tesla CEO Elon Musk
Other potential reasons
Subsequent reports have claimed that Tesla’s alleged move to launch a new Performance mode for Model 3 and Y could be due to strict regulations in other markets, including Singapore.
Tesla recently rolled out a Model 3 RWD 110 configuration in the Singaporean market to ostensibly support max power output exemptions given to EV models under 110kW.
Tesla Owners Türkiye also shared on X that the 159 kW limit is for the new Model Y RWD. Motor power below 160 kW is apparently excluded from the country’s higher tax rate, prompting Tesla to limit the power through software.
It remains to be seen when Tesla will launch the “soft performance limit” option for its Model 3 and Y offerings. However, @greentheonly has a reputation for spotting codes before they are officially announced.
It remains to be seen when Tesla will launch the “soft performance limit” option for its Model 3 and Y offerings. However, @greentheonly has a reputation for spotting codes before they are officially announced.
