The Great Electric Vehicle Showdown: Speed and Stopping Power Tested
The rapid rise of electric vehicles (EVs) has taken the automotive world by storm, boasting advantages like efficiency, comfort, and advanced technology. Yet, enthusiasts crave the thrill of instant torque and high performance. Recently, a meticulous comparison was conducted in China to determine which mass-market EV claims the title of the fastest. This challenge was not just about achieving top speeds but also about ensuring robust braking performance, providing a comprehensive look at how these vehicles measure up against one another.
The competition featured ten notable models lined up for an exhilarating drag race: Zeekr 001 FR, Tesla Model S Plaid, Lotus Eletre R+, Audi RS e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan Turbo, Tesla Model 3 Performance, Neo ET7, XPeng P7, Arcfox Alpha S, and the Zeekr 007. All vehicles were prepped with an 80% charge and tire pressure set to manufacturer specs. With temperatures lingering around 0°C, the conditions were uniform, ensuring a fair assessment.
Overview of the Competitors
Let's delve into the specifics, including the power outputs and manufacturer-claimed 0-100 km/h times for each vehicle.
| Vehicle | Power | Claimed 0-100 km/h time |
|---|---|---|
| Zeekr 001 FR | 930 kW | 2.02 s |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | 760 kW | 2.1 s |
| Zeekr 007 | 468 kW | 2.84 s |
| Lotus Eletre R+ | 675 kW | 2.95 s |
| Porsche Taycan Turbo | 500 kW | 3.2 s |
| Audi RS e-tron GT | 475 kW | 3.3 s |
| Tesla Model 3 Performance | 377 kW | 3.3 s |
| ArcFox Alpha S | 487 kW | 3.5 s |
| Nio ET7 | 480 kW | 3.8 s |
| XPeng P7 | 348 kW | 3.9 s |
During the actual tests, it was clear that the Zeekr 001 FR outperformed the Tesla Model S Plaid more significantly than the manufacturers’ claims indicated, despite both vehicles slightly falling short of their advertised specifications.
Acceleration Test Results
Here are the results from the 0-100 km/h acceleration tests:
| Zeekr 001 FR | 2.63 |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | 3.01 |
| Zeekr 007 | 3.22 |
| Lotus Eletre R+ | 3.30 |
| Audi RS e-tron GT | 3.31 |
| Porsche Taycan Turbo | 3.56 |
| Tesla Model 3 Performance | 3.70 |
| Nio ET7 | 3.81 |
| ArcFox Alpha S | 3.91 |
| XPeng P7 | 4.43 |
In the braking tests, the Zeekr 001 FR stood out significantly, outperforming the Audi RS e-tron GT by 2.5 meters—a notable margin in competitive automotive testing. The Zeekr not only proved its mettle in acceleration but also demonstrated exceptional stopping power.
Braking Test Results
Below are the results from the braking tests, measured in meters from 100 km/h to a complete stop:
| Zeekr 001 FR | 33.73 |
| Audi RS e-tron GT | 36.21 |
| XPeng P7 | 36.33 |
| Lotus Eletre R+ | 36.39 |
| Zeekr 007 | 36.85 |
| Nio ET7 | 37.90 |
| Tesla Model 3 Performance | 39.18 |
| Porsche Taycan Turbo | 39.67 |
| ArcFox Alpha S | 39.67 |
| Tesla Model S Plaid | Failure |
In a concerning turn for the Tesla Model S Plaid during braking tests, a malfunction resulted in all four brakes locking up, leading to a dangerous situation. Thankfully, no accidents occurred, but the tires suffered severe damage.
Source (Chinese)
