Is Tesla Model 3/Y Acceleration Boost Worth It?

By Zac Ludicrous •  Updated: 09/07/22 •  6 min read

Just another speed ticket, some spilled coffee, yells of excitement from the passengers…

This and much more might occur if you shave off half a second (or more) from your Tesla’s 0 to 60 mph time.

Enter Tesla’s Acceleration Boost upgrade.

Is it worth it, though? Why not invest in the Performance model instead? What course is viable from the cost point of view?

Hang tight as I’m going to address these and other related questions to our subject matter in this problem-solving guide! 

With that said, let’s jump into it.

Tesla Acceleration Boost Upgrade: What Is It?

Tesla’s acceleration boost upgrade is more than merely a slick little performance enhancement worth a few thousand dollars. 

According to Tesla, the acceleration boost package for the Long Range Model 3 cuts 0–60 mph time from 4.4s to 3.9s for a 0.5s gain in overall 0–60 time. Or 4.8 to 4.2s on the Model Y Long Range.

Despite the seemingly small difference in numbers, most owners who have purchased the upgrade say the difference behind the wheel is noticeable.

Gali from HyperChange compared two 2020 Model Ys with and without the upgrade. 

Here’s a video worth checking out to see the process — and the before and after — of this upgrade: 

At the end of the video (12:17), they even challenged a Lamborghini with the upgraded Model Y! (Say what?!)

Similarly, Brooks from DragTimes, a well-known YouTube channel, examined the acceleration increase of a Model 3 LR — and compared it with a Performance model. Check out the video of his testing:

The evaluation time after numerous runs was as low as 3.6s for 0–60 mph speed.

Quarter-mile time results were eye-popping too! The Long Range Model 3 without acceleration boost took roughly 13.1s for a quarter mile, but with the acceleration boost update, the time dropped significantly to 11.9s.

But what is the price? Is the pricing prohibitively expensive? Let’s see how much money this minor update drains from your credit card! 

How Much Does It Cost?

If you want to get this exquisite update in your Tesla that shaves half a second off the time it takes to accelerate this EV demon from 0 to 60 mph, you must give Tesla $2,000 for it. This purchase is available on both the Tesla website and the Tesla app.

Model 3/Y Long Range With Acceleration Boost Upgrade or the Performance Model: What to Choose?

Without a doubt, the notion that would cross your mind is that “the acceleration boost brings Long Range closer to the acceleration capabilities of the Performance model without requiring you to spend the extra $7K.”

According to the EPA Combined Range, the Model 3 Long Range trim has a full charge range of 353 miles (568 km), although the Model 3 Performance trim stands at a slightly lower range of 315 miles (507 km). 

In addition, the Model Performance trim includes:

✅ Wheels with slightly larger diameters
✅ Wider lower-profile tires
✅ Large-size brake discs and calipers
✅ Stronger and lowered suspension
✅ Slightly larger battery capacity per Tesla

Having said that, the variances between the trim levels stated above have no influence on the vehicle’s acceleration performance. The only thing that really makes a difference is its software.

The highest speed of the Performance trim is 162 mph, while the top speed of the Long Range trim is 144.8 mph. But wait! Don’t be fooled. The acceleration boost for the Long Range has nothing to do with an increase in top velocity.

It merely improves your vehicle’s ability to accelerate in half a second shorter; it has nothing to do with your vehicle’s peak speed!

Comparison of the Tesla Model 3 LR vs Performance after acceleration boost.

Credit to MotorMatchup.

How to Install Tesla Model 3/Y Acceleration Boost Upgrade

Here are the concise installation tips that you can follow:

  1. Connect your Tesla to Wi-Fi (since it’s an OTA upgrade).
  2. Make sure that your vehicle is in Park mode. 
  3. Open the Tesla app.
  4. Tap on the “Upgrades” option.
  5. Tap on the“Software Upgrades.”
  6. Charges for the Acceleration Boost will be displayed.
  7. Click on the “Add” button.
  8. Follow the payment procedures.
  9. Check if the software has loaded.
  10. Tap on the car icon at the bottom left of your Tesla screen display.
  11. Tap on the “Driving” button. 
  12. Look under “Acceleration,” and you’d see that the Chill and Standard Mode has been modified to Chill and Sport Mode.

Note: 

Since acceleration boost is a pricey upgrade, I recommend paying with a credit card. A credit card that gives you points or miles would be the icing on the cake. If your Tesla is linked to Wi-Fi, the touchscreen will go dark instantly, and the installation procedure will begin automatically. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Tesla Model 3 or Model Y acceleration boost affect range?

A one-liner for your query is “no, acceleration boost has nothing to do with any depreciation in your Tesla’s range.” Even though this enhancement has no effect on your vehicle’s range, the way you drive your vehicle surely has!

If you’re a driver who constantly pushes the accelerator, you’ll definitely consume more power. Quick takeoff also prompts tire deterioration over time, which reduces the vehicle’s range.

How much faster is the Tesla acceleration boost?

The Model 3 LR cuts 0–60 time from 4.4s to 3.9s for a 0.5s gain in overall 0–60 time. While the Model Y goes from 4.8 to 4.2s.

Although this little period of time may not appear to be important, the impact it delivers as you press the accelerator gives a thrilling experience and would surely make you feel like Vin Diesel of FNF.

Does the Tesla acceleration boost add horsepower?

With the Tesla acceleration boost upgrade, you will not only enjoy the extra capability of your vehicle to go from 0 to 60 mph, but it also provides your Tesla with an extra 50 horsepower.

The Verdict: Is Tesla Model 3/Y Acceleration Boost Worth It?

It’s an upgrade worth having in your Tesla if:

If you ask me, I’d just ask: “How often do you press your accelerator?” If the answer is “nearly never,” then purchasing the acceleration boost is probably not for you.

However, the bottom line is, if you have a few thousand dollars more to invest in the Tesla acceleration boost upgrade, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

But keep in mind that I’m not liable for speeding fines, spilled coffee, or joyous cries and shrieks! And if you don’t like it, you still have your hands full of money! Within a trial period of 48 hours, you can uninstall this upgrade and be reimbursed.

Zac Ludicrous

Mechanical engineer by profession. TSLA shareholder before the hype. EV enthusiast all day long. Zac enjoys learning about the future of battery technology, autonomy, and EVs. He considers Tesla Model 3 the most important vehicle of the 21st century -- and is in a quest to improve the ownership experience of every Model 3 owner he possibly can.

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