The curb weight of a car defines its performance dynamics, whereas the weight distribution affects the handling and road grip of a car.
How does Tesla fare in this department? How much does a Tesla weigh? Is it heavier than traditional cars and other EVs on the market?
Let’s find out in this article!
What is the Average Weight of a Tesla Car?
The average weight of Tesla across all models and variants comes to about 4,331 pounds. Model X Plaid leads the list of heaviest Teslas with a curb weight of 5,390 pounds. Whereas Model 3 Standard Range Plus is the lightest of the pack, weighing only 3,862 pounds.
Here is the summary of the weights of all Tesla Models and variants:
Model Name | Trim | Curb Weight |
Model X | X Plaid | 5,390 lbs. |
Long Range | 5,185 lbs. | |
Model S | S Plaid | 4,766 lbs. |
Long Range | 4,561 lbs. | |
Model Y | Performance | 4,416 lbs. |
Long Range | 4,416 lbs. | |
Model 3 | Performance | 4,048 lbs. |
Long Range | 4,034 lbs. | |
Standard Range Plus | 3,862 lbs. | |
Roadster | 1st Generation | 2,723 lbs. |
Average | 4,331 lbs. |
Why Tesla Cars are Heavier Than Traditional Cars?
Generally speaking, Tesla cars are 30-50% heavier than traditional cars powered by internal combustion engines. Where cars with ICE produce power by burning a few liters of fuel in the tank, Tesla vehicles draw power from heavy-duty lithium-ion battery packs.
The average weight of a Tesla battery is somewhere between 1,000 lbs and 1,836 lbs. This is the primary reason why Tesla cars are heavier than traditional cars. Plus, Tesla cars have sturdy construction, and they use superior materials that also add to the overall weight.
How Much Does Each Tesla Model Weigh?
In this section, we will delve deeper into the individual weights of each model and variant of Tesla. I have listed these in order of heaviest to the lightest.
Tesla Model X
Model X is the heaviest of all the Tesla models. It is available in two variants known as X Plaid and X Long Range. Among the two, the Tesla Model X Plaid is a bit heavier.
The curb weight of Model X Plaid is 5,390 pounds, whereas the Long Range trim weighs 5,185 pounds. Mind you that Model X is offered with a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Despite its heavy weight, Model X has swift acceleration. The Long Range Variant can go from 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds, whereas the X Plaid can achieve this feat in just 2.5 seconds.
Tesla Model S
Next up on the list of heaviest Teslas is the Tesla Model S. Tesla Model S is also offered in two trim levels. The basic variant is called Long Range, whereas the other one is called S Plaid.
The S Plaid trim weighs 4,766 pounds, and the Long Range trim weighs 4,561 pounds. This means that it is approximately 10% lighter than the heaviest Tesla, the Tesla Model S.
Both trims of Model S are laced with 100 kWh battery packs. However, due to the lighter weight, it offers a better range than Model X with Long Range trim capable of going up to 405 miles.
Tesla Model Y
Tesla Model Y comes in two variants, namely Performance and Long Trim. Both these trims weigh exactly the same. Tesla Model Y weighs 4,416 pounds.
This is because Model Y has a smaller battery. Tesla Model Y is laced with a 75 kWh battery pack. The Long Range and Performance trims have a range of 330 and 303 miles, respectively.
Tesla Model 3
Model 3 is the lightest of all the Tesla Models. It is offered in three different trim levels. The three variants of Model 3, known as Performance, Long Range, and Standard Range Plus, weigh 4,048, 4,034, and 3,862 pounds, respectively.
Model 3 is the most affordable Tesla you can buy. The Standard Range variant comes with a 60 kWh battery pack, whereas the battery size for Long Range and Performance trims is 75 kWh.
Tesla Roadster
While talking about the weights of Teslas, how can we forget about the first generation of Tesla Roadster? It was the lightest car ever made by Tesla, weighing only 2,723 lbs. It was laced with a 55 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and gave a range of up to 244 miles.
Does Tesla Weigh More Than Other Electric Cars?
The average weight of an electric car is 4,400 lbs. so Model X, S, and Y are 5-20% heavier than the industrial average. Whereas Model 3 is 10-15% below the average weight of an EV. However, in general, the weights of Tesla models are comparable to their close counterparts.
Teslas offer a superior range, comfort, luxury, electronics, suspension, framework, and charging hardware, which adds to their weight.
The weight of the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck is estimated to be somewhere between 5,500 and 6,000 lbs., which will make it the heaviest Tesla ever made.
While Teslas are heavier than traditional cars and some other EVs, their performance is also superior. What do you think of that? Or would you rather have a lighter car?
Let us know in the comments below!