Video Summary
The reviewer tests the 0-60 mph time of his 2018 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Tesla Model 3. He performs multiple runs, timing the acceleration using both a dedicated GPS device and manually reviewing video footage with a stopwatch.Using the GPS device initially, he recorded a 0-60 time of 4.71 seconds with slip start on.
For the video-timed tests, he used a camera focused on the speedometer and a timer on an iPad. He calibrated the start of the timer to the moment the car visibly began to move.
Run 1 (video-timed): 4.52 seconds at 95% battery state of charge
Run 2 (video-timed): 4.53 seconds at 95% battery state of charge
Run 3 (video-timed): 4.97 seconds at 78% battery state of charge
Run 4 (video-timed): 4.93 seconds at 78% battery state of charge.
Tesla officially states the 0-60 mph time for this model is 5.2 seconds.
Based on the results, the reviewer concludes that Tesla has not slowed down the RWD Model 3; in fact, it appears to have gotten slightly faster since he first got the car. He notes that the state of charge significantly impacts the acceleration time, with lower charges resulting in slower times, which aligns with external testing data showing power limitations at lower battery percentages. He suggests the initial torque remains consistent regardless of battery charge, but power tapers off earlier at lower charge levels. The reviewer speculates that the car may be software limited and could be faster, possibly achieving a 0-60 time closer to 4.0 seconds if "uncorked" or with traction control off. He attributes any perceived slowness to drivers getting used to the car's power over time.
