Tesla Acceleration Boost: A Complete Guide

Tesla offers Long Range model owners the ability to increase their vehicle's performance

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If you haven't driven a Tesla, you might not be familiar with the rollercoaster-like feeling of going from 0 to 60 mph. The Long Range Model 3, for example, can accomplish this in 4.2 seconds as-is. All Teslas pull you off the line almost instantly and are already quicker than most internal combustion engine vehicles.

What if, though, you could increase the speed of your Tesla even more? We break down what Tesla's Acceleration Boost is, and whether it's worth the price tag.

What Does Tesla's Acceleration Boost Do?

If you drive a Long Range Model 3 or Model Y, you may be able to purchase the 'Acceleration Boost' upgrade that increases your vehicle's acceleration and lowers your 0-60 time.

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range already has an acceleration from 0 to 60 mph time of about 4.2 seconds. With Acceleration Boost, Tesla claims that time is reduced to 3.7 seconds.

The Tesla Model Y Acceleration Boost shaves off half a second on the vehicle’s 0 to 60 mph time, dropping its run from 4.8 seconds down to 4.3 seconds.

It’s worth highlighting that these are the only two vehicles that are eligible to purchase this upgrade. When Tesla first started delivering the new Model Ys with the 4680 cells, owners of the Standard version were able to upgrade, but the company has since removed this option.

Acceleration Boost vs Performance Times

While Acceleration Boost will give you a very noticeable boost in all performance aspects, it will not turn your vehicle into a Performance model.

Here are the 0 to 60 mph time comparisons between the Long Range model, Long Range with Acceleration Boost and Performance models.

As you can see from the table above, a Long Range model with the Acceleration Boost upgrade falls roughly between a Performance model and the Long Range model in terms of acceleration.

An owner independently tests out Tesla's Acceleration Boost

MagnusMako/Tesla Motors Club

The graph above was created by an independent owner and displays the vehicle's performance from 0 to 10, 0 to 20, 0 to 30 and 0 to 60 mph after purchasing Tesla's Acceleration Boost. From the graph we can see how the vehicle's acceleration rate remains fairly constant from 0 all the way to 60 mph.

Does Acceleration Boost Add Track Mode?

Track Mode is a feature that is exclusive to Performance models. It allows you to adjust how your vehicle handles and performs. For example, it allows you to adjust features that may be useful on a track, such as adjusting the motor bias from front to rear, reducing traction control or adjusting vehicle cooling.

Although vehicles with Acceleration Boost have better performance than their Long Range counterparts, they do not include Tesla's Track Mode feature.

Is Acceleration Boost Worth It?

While the Acceleration Boost update can be a costly one at $2,000, it unquestionably gives drivers acceleration capabilities that are comparable to those of the Performance model.

According to Tesla drivers who have purchased the upgrade, the actual acceleration boost is quite notable and affects all speeds, not just 0-60 mph.

On the other hand, your Model 3 or Model Y's quick acceleration will result in quicker tire wear. Additionally, it can result in decreased efficiency, which results in higher ownership costs. However, this does depend on the individual and how often they take advantage of the speed boost.

Performance models are usually quite a bit more expensive than the Long Range models, so in terms of value, the Acceleration Boost upgrade is a good deal that will increase the vehicle's value. If you own your vehicle, you'll also likely recoup some of the upgrade's cost if/when you decide to sell the car or trade it in at some point in the future.

Cost and How to Purchase

The price for Acceleration Boost hovers around USD 2,000, depending on your region and local tax rate. Owners can conveniently purchase the upgrade directly from their Tesla app, or through Tesla's website.

To purchase or see if the upgrade is available for your vehicle, open the Tesla app and navigate to the Upgrades section.

Then tap on Software Upgrades and if the feature is available for your Tesla you will see Acceleration Boost listed.

If you'd like to purchase the upgrade, make sure your vehicle is in Park and connected to Wi-Fi or has a strong cellular connection so that the vehicle can download an updated configuration.

You can add the Acceleration Boost upgrade to your cart and follow the payment instructions. 

The upgrade is a one-time payment that can be made with a credit card, debit card, or Apple Pay. However, it is not possible to add the cost of the upgrade to your lease or vehicle loan payments.

Once the payment has been processed, the update should only take a few minutes to show up in your vehicle.

How to Check if Your Vehicle Has Acceleration Boost

Once you've made the purchase, you can confirm that you have received the upgrade by tapping on Controls (car icon) and navigating to Software. Below your vehicle's image, you'll see a list of features, including possible features like Full Self-Driving, Premium Connectivity and more.

If your car has received the upgrade, you should now see Acceleration Boost listed.

In addition to the upgrade appearing under the Software tab, you can also navigate to the Pedals & Steering section and your acceleration choices will now be 'Chill' and 'Sport,' instead of the previous options of 'Chill' and 'Standard.'

Your vehicle should now be noticeably faster.

An owner independently tests out Tesla's Acceleration Boost

Smvarg/Medium

Is there an Acceleration Boost Trial?

Although not formally promoted as a trial period, Tesla does provide you the chance to get a refund for your original purchase within 48 hours of purchase, if you change your mind or the upgrade didn't meet your expectations.

It is not possible, however, to receive another refund if you re-purchase the Acceleration Boost upgrade at a later time. Any future purchases for Acceleration Boost will be final.

The Acceleration Boost upgrade might be worthwhile for you if you frequently travel on long, open highways or appreciate experiencing the acceleration surge when you depress the pedal. But if you use your Tesla for routine activities like grocery shopping or being stuck in traffic on the way to and from work, it might not be the best bang for your buck.

However, if you initially had your eye on the Performance model and ultimately decided on the Long Range version, Acceleration Boost is a great way to get closer to the performance of the higher-end trim.

Tesla 2025 Promotions: $2.5K Off Model 3, Lower Leases, Free Wrap

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With the Q4 2024 earnings call completed, it's time to look forward to Q1 2025 - and that also means new discounts and deals from Tesla. If you’re in the market for a Tesla, now may be a great time to order one.

Tariffs

Whether you’re in North America, Europe, or the Asian-Pacific, tariffs are the line item in financial news lately. As such, if you’re planning to get a new vehicle, it may be best to buy it soon, as tariffs could have a heavy impact on Tesla’s prices, even within the United States.

Like most large manufacturers, Tesla sources parts for its vehicles from several countries. This means that its vehicles will be impacted by tariffs targeting Canada, Mexico, and potentially other countries. While the tariffs for Mexico have been paused for a month, it seems like all of this could change at a moment’s notice.

Tesla sources ~15-25% of its vehicle parts from Mexico and likely an equivalent but undisclosed amount from Canada for its entire vehicle line-up, which means it will be impacted by tariffs.

We expect Tesla and other manufacturers to increase vehicle prices, potentially globally.

Discounts

Tesla is offering several new discounts to take advantage of, which you can use before the tariffs begin impacting prices by Tuesday, February 5th.

Lower Lease Prices

Tesla has reduced lease pricing for several vehicles in its lineup. Tesla also recently introduced the ability to buy out the lease in the future, giving you added flexibility. These leasing deals are only available in the United States.

Cybertruck AWD: $749/mo (down from $899/mo)

Model 3 LR RWD: $249/mo (down from $299/mo)

Model 3 LR AWD: $349/mo (down from $399/mo)

Referrals

Tesla is now offering buyers in the United States only a $2,500 USD discount on all versions of the Model 3 when using a referral code. This only applies to the new Model 3, which is one of Tesla’s best vehicles. Other vehicle discounts when using a referral code remain at $1,000 off.

The referrer bonus remains at $500, regardless of which vehicle the buyer orders.

Free Wrap for Cybertrucks

Tesla has opened up a lot of demo unit Cybertrucks - mostly the Foundation Series. All these vehicles are being provided with a $1,000 to $2,000 discount and are also eligible for a free wrap with XPEL Vinyl - of your choice - in both Canada and the United States. The XPEL wrap offer is available until March 31st, 2025.

This is likely one of the last chances to get into a Foundation-Series Cybertruck, so now is your opportunity if you’re interested in getting a fully loaded vehicle. While Lifetime Supercharging is gone, the XPEL wrap may be an even better deal if you don’t plan on traveling much with your Cybertruck.

It looks like Tesla is starting off 2025 the way they ended 2024, with a ton of attractive promos. If you’re interested in the Cybertruck or the new Model 3, these offers may be hard to beat.

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Tesla Introduces FSD Discount for Tesla Insurance

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As we previously reported, Tesla was exploring the option of adding discounts to Tesla Insurance for users who actively use FSD. Tesla Insurance is integrated directly right into the app and offers an easy-to-use and seamless experience for those who have access to it - and if you’re an active user of FSD - it's about to get even better.

Tesla already offered discounts based on safety score, which are Tesla’s internal factors determining how safe a driver you are. A higher score means you pay less for insurance, while a lower score increases your rate. Now, FSD use is also a factor in that equation.

FSD (Supervised) Discount

Tesla added a page to its Tesla Insurance support section outlining the new Full Self-Driving (Supervised) discount, so let’s look at exactly what it’s offering.

This discount is aimed at owners in the U.S. who have either purchased or subscribed to FSD. The more you use FSD, the larger the discount on your insurance.

Tesla will compare the total miles driven (overall) against the total miles driven with FSD enabled - giving you an overall percentage of time spent on FSD rather than manual driving. When you meet or exceed 50% of your miles driven with FSD engaged, you’ll receive up to a 10% discount on your insurance premiums. 

Unfortunately, Tesla’s Safety Score and, thus, miles driven on FSD are only available to Tesla Insurance subscribers, which is limited to a variety of states in the U.S.

You can find your total miles driven with FSD by navigating to Safety Score and tapping the round info icon in the top right corner of the app. This displays the information for the current month, while your current discount is displayed under Safety Score > Premium.

The discount is shown as part of your calculated premium.

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How to Qualify

This discount is currently limited - it is only offered in Arizona and Texas at the moment. While it will take effect for new policyholders immediately, existing policyholders will have to wait until March 8th, 2025, to begin taking advantage of the FSD discount. While you can insure non-Tesla vehicles through Tesla Insurance, letting you keep a single policy for all of your vehicles, the FSD discount only applies to Tesla vehicles on your account.

Tesla also notes that the 10% discount doesn’t apply to all portions of the premium - but only to certain eligible coverages. Some ineligible coverages include comprehensive collision coverage, uninsured motorist, and uninsured pedestrian coverage - so your total discount rate may be lower than a full 10%.

If you recently received an FSD trial, the discount will also apply during the trial period. If your trial or subscription lapses, the discount will apply for the previous 30 days, regardless of your subscription status.

While this isn’t the massively cheaper insurance many were hoping for, it can still help offset the price of FSD, especially if you are already a heavy user. For the average insurance policyholder, this will cut between $20 - $40 from your insurance premium, which can cut the price of subscribing to FSD to $60-$80. It was just last year that subscribing to FSD cost $199/month.

Hopefully, Tesla will quickly roll this discount out to more eligible states and continue the expansion of Tesla Insurance into new territories. It’ll be interesting to see how this discount gets adjusted as newer, safer versions of FSD roll out.

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