DOES TESLA HAVE CRAP BRAKES? MODEL S PLAID

EV Channels Review

This video delves into the intriguing question of whether the Tesla Model S Plaid's brakes are adequate, particularly in comparison to its acceleration capabilities. The reviewer meticulously analyzes braking distances, comparing the Plaid to the Porsche Taycan Turbo S and noting that while road-going braking distances are nearly identical and acceptable (104 feet from 60-0 mph), the Plaid's brakes are significantly smaller than the Taycan's and are considered under-braked for track use. The core of the discussion revolves around why the Plaid accelerates faster than it decelerates. The explanation hinges on the vehicle being traction-limited in both scenarios, with EVs having quicker response times for torque management than ABS systems in traditional cars. Additionally, the reviewer posits that to ensure stability and prevent oversteer, especially with the rearward weight bias during braking, the car's braking system may intentionally dial back performance slightly, sacrificing a few feet in stopping distance for enhanced safety and predictability. The conclusion is that while the brakes are sufficient for road use, they are not optimized for track performance, and the acceleration-braking anomaly is a result of sophisticated traction control and stability management systems.