Tesla Acceleration Boost: A Complete Guide

By Jorge Aguirre
Tesla offers Long Range model owners the ability to increase their vehicle's performance
Tesla offers Long Range model owners the ability to increase their vehicle's performance
The Kilowatts/Twitter

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.

Model Long Range Acceleration Boost Performance
Model 3 4.2 seconds 3.7 seconds 3.1 seconds
Model Y 4.8 seconds 4.3 seconds 3.5 seconds

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
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.

You can navigate to Controls then Software to see if your vehicle is equipped with the Acceleration Boost feature
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.

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Tesla FSD V13.2.2 Arrives With Holiday Update Features; Rolling out to HW4 Models

By Karan Singh
Not a Tesla App

FSD users can now join in the Holiday revelry, as FSDS V13.2.2 has started rolling out to customers, and it includes all the 2024 Telsa Holiday Update features.

Tesla’s VP of AI - Ashok Elluswamy, previously mentioned that the Holiday Update would be making its way to FSD users sometime this week. Ashok’s timelines have been right on point. All models with AI4/HW4 vehicles in North America are starting to receive the updated FSD release alongside all the features of the Holiday update.

This new build is update 2024.45.25.5, which should make its way throughout the fleet over the week.

Holiday Highlights

The Holiday update has a ton of new features in it, including new app features like Apple Watch support, the Dashcam and Sentry Mode Viewer and the ability to start Light Shows.

We also received rear cross-traffic alerts, while navigation received Search Along Route, Arrival Energy at Destination and Weather at Destination, and Precipitation Maps.

On the entertainment side, the Holiday Update brings the SiriusXM streaming app to the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck, as well as an updated TuneIn player. Of course, there are new Cybertruck-specific features such as custom Cybertruck Wraps (don’t worry it’s coming to all models), a new Cyber Santa Mode, and Santa and Rainbow Road ambient lighting support.

Video of FSD V13.2.2

Here is our first look at FSD V13.2.2. While the release notes don’t point out any new features for FSD, it’s expected to include several unknown fixes and improvements.

Already on the Holiday Update?

If you’re already on Tesla’s Holiday update, version 2024.44.25.2, and you have a HW4 vehicle, then this version now qualifies you to receive FSD V13.2. We expect all HW4 vehicles with FSD to migrate to this version in the coming week or two.

Update 2024.45.25.5

FSD Supervised 13.2.2
Installed on 1.2% of fleet
106 Installs today
Last updated: Dec 23, 4:50 am UTC

If you have HW3, then look out for a future update, including FSD v12.6.

FSD V12.6 for HW3 Soon

For Hardware 3 owners, FSD V12.6 is also right around the corner - it should be launching no later than the end of the year, according to Ashok. We’re expecting the new tech stack for highway driving, the updated speed profiles, including Hurry Mode, as well as improvements from V12.5.6 to land for HW3 soon.

If you’re excited about that, go read our in-depth look at V12.5.6 to see a preview of what you’ll be getting in V12.6.

We’re looking forward to seeing the demo drives of V13.2.2 from some of our usual influencers, but the good news is the update has already started rolling out to the general public, so expect larger waves soon.

Tesla Referral Code - Get Up to $2,000 Off a New Tesla

By Not a Tesla App Staff
Not a Tesla App

If you’re planning to buy a new Tesla, consider using our referral code. Not only will you receive up to $2,000 off your vehicle, but you’ll help support our site.

Plus, if you take delivery by December 31st, you’ll also get 3 months of free Supercharging and Full Self-Driving (FSD).

Discount Per Model

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Free Supercharging and FSD

You must take delivery by December 31st, 2024 to qualify for the three months of FSD and free Supercharging. It’s not clear whether Tesla will offer these benefits starting January 1st.

Referral Codes

All referral codes will give you the same benefits. However, each one is limited to 10 uses, so if one hits the limit, try another one.

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