Last modified:: Nov 02, 2025

Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) ( MY2022, MY2023, MY2024, MY2025 )

Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) is an all-electric sedan offering a WLTP range of up to 600 km (373 miles). EVKX.net has all the details you need.

Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1)

We've organized this article into specific sections for easier navigation. Click the links below to jump to different areas or read on for the full article. Additionally, we offer an overview of the full specifications, an image gallery, detailed information about charging performance, and some online reviews. Our sections include:

Performance

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) delivers a jaw-dropping maximum power of 760 KW (1033 hp/1019 bhp) and a massive total torque of 1420 Nm (1048 lb-ft). This powerhouse can rocket from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in just 2.1 seconds, showcasing its astonishing acceleration. Additionally, it achieves a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph), making it a true marvel of engineering and performance.

Battery, Range, and Charging

The high-capacity battery has a gross capacity of 100.0 kWh and a net usable capacity of 96.0 kWh, providing a 4.0 kWh buffer (4.0%) for battery protection. With a nominal voltage of 407 volts, the system is classified as a 400-volt battery system, aligning with industry standards.

The Lithium-Ion battery uses NCA technology.

According to the WLTP (Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure) standard, the vehicle's range is 600 km (373 miles), with an energy consumption rate of 16.0 kWh/100 km (3 mi/kWh).

For more details about the range, see real-world data and range listings on this model’s range and consumption page.

The vehicle supports fast DC charging with a maximum power of 250 kW. Charging from 0% to 100% takes approximately 81 minutes, while a typical 10% to 80% charge takes about 31 minutes with an average charging speed of 129 kW.

Considering an additional 5 minutes for each charging stop due to driving interruptions, the optimal charging range is from 7% to 47%. This results in an effective charging speed, including time lost, of 141 kW, with each charging session taking about 16 minutes and 23 seconds.

In a 1000 km challenge at a constant speed of 120 km/h (75 mph) with an assumed consumption rate of 21 kWh/100 km, the trip would take about 9 hours and 9 minutes, needing three charging stops from 7% to 47%, totaling 49 minutes of charging time.

Onboard Charger

The standard onboard charger supports up to 11 kW for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, allowing a full 0–100% charge in about 8 hours and 43 minutes with a standard home setup.

Charge Port

The charge port is conveniently located at the left rear corner of the vehicle, facilitating easy access when backing into charging stations.

The connector types vary between different markets. This model uses NACS for North America and CCS Combo 2 for Europe. For complete specifications for all markets, refer to the full specifications.

Drivetrain

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) has an all-wheel drive system supported by three motors. One on front axle, and two on rear axle.

The motors used are Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors.

Suspension

The front suspension is double wishbone, and the rear suspension is Multilink. It uses air suspension and hydraulic dampers.

The suspension is fully adaptive on the front and rear axle, so height and damping can be adjusted manually and automatically.

The minimum ground clearance is 110 mm, and the maximum is 198 mm.

Steering

Progressive steering is standard on the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1), automatically adjusting the steering ratio based on speed for improved control and comfort.

Configurable Driving Characteristics

While this vehicle does not feature predefined drive modes like Sport or Comfort, it still offers drivers the flexibility to fine-tune individual aspects of the driving experience. These settings allow you to tailor the vehicle's behavior to match personal preferences or specific driving conditions.

  • *Steering feel – Modify the steering weight and feedback for comfort or precision.
  • Throttle response – Choose how aggressively the car responds to accelerator input.

Brakes

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) is equipped with cast-iron disc brakes on both the front and rear.
The front discs measure 380 mm, while the rear discs are 355 mm.

Regenerative Braking

Regenerative braking in this model is primarily available through one-pedal driving. Unlike some models, Automatic regen or coasting is not available here.

This model offers three stopping modes for one-pedal driving:
  • Hold mode brings the vehicle to a complete stop using friction brakes
  • Roll mode allows the vehicle to roll until it stops naturally
  • Creep mode moves the car forward at low speed

Drivers can also adjust the regenerative braking strength when lifting off the accelerator. There are two levels of regenerative braking to choose from, allowing you to customize the driving experience to your preference.

The maximum regenerative power is 90 kW.

Exterior

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1), with dimensions of 5021 mm in length, 1987 mm in width, and 1431 mm in height, falls into F-segment cars, also known as luxury or full-size luxury cars, represent the pinnacle of automotive luxury, performance, and technology. They are typically large sedans or limousines and are designed to offer the utmost in comfort, prestige, and advanced features.

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) is available in a total of 5 paint colors, including both solid and metallic options.

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) offers multiple wheel options in different sizes, allowing you to customize your vehicle to suit your style and driving preferences. The available tire and wheel combinations include:

  • 255/45 tires on 19" rims front and 285/40 tires on 19" rims rear
  • 265/35 tires on 21" rims front and 295/30 tires on 21" rims rear

Narrower wheels improve consumption and provide a longer range, while wider wheels offer better traction and handling.

The car has four regular doors and a liftgate, which makes the trunk much more usable compared to a traditional bootlid, especially for a sedan.

The liftgate is electric-powered and has a kick-sensor as standard.

There is only one roof option for this model.

The standard roof includes a large panoramic glass roof extending from the front to the rear, enhancing the interior's spacious and bright feel, thereby improving the mood and comfort of occupants. This glass is tinted to protect against heat from the sun.

The windows from the B-pillar and back are tinted, which enhances privacy and reduces glare and heat from the sun, making the interior more comfortable for passengers.

Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1)

Interior

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) boasts a driver-centric interior, enhancing the cockpit feel with high-quality materials in several areas instead of hard plastic. It also includes a traditional center console that separates the driver and passenger, providing convenient storage and functionality.

You can choose between several interior designs.

Seats

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) accommodates five passengers with two front seats and a three-seat bench in the rear.

First Row Seats

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) offers a single type of front seat.

The following functionalities are available on the standard seat:

Available in:

Second Row Seat

The second row features a standard three-seat bench with a 60:40 split, allowing each section to fold separately to increase cargo space.

Additional functionalities include:

  • Height adjustable headrest (manually adjustable)
  • Heating
  • ISOFIX (standard for outer seats)

Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1)

Interior Storage

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) provides ample interior storage solutions to enhance convenience and organization:

  • Cupholders: Two cupholders are located in the front center console, with an additional two in the rear armrest.

Interior Lighting

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) offers a range of interior lighting options designed to create a pleasant ambiance and enhance visibility.

  • White Ambient Lighting: This feature extends across the dashboard, door panels, and footwell, providing a clean and modern atmosphere. The white lighting enhances visibility and adds a touch of elegance to the interior design.

Climate System

There is one climate system available:

  • 3-zone climate system: Supports different temperatures in three zones for the driver, passenger, and backseat.

A standard heat pump is included, which can save significant energy that the EV would otherwise use for heating in cold weather.

Comfort Features

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) includes several features to enhance comfort and convenience:

  • Electrically Adjustable Steering Wheel
  • Easy Entry Function: Moves the driver seat to facilitate easier entry into the car.
  • Wireless Phone Charging

User Interface and Control

The control interface of the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) is primarily screen-based, with minimal use of physical buttons or stalks. This streamlined design emphasizes digital interaction but may compromise ease of use for some drivers who prefer tactile controls.

This model features a dual-screen layout, separating key driver information from infotainment and vehicle controls for a more structured user experience.

Key screen details:

  • Driver Information Display: A 12.3-inch screen integrated into the dashboard behind the steering wheel. It provides essential driving data such as speed, range, and navigation prompts.
  • Center Dashboard Touchscreen: A 17.0-inch display located at the center of the dashboard. It serves as the main interface for infotainment, navigation, and vehicle settings.

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) does not include a head-up display, so driving information such as speed and navigation cues is not projected into the driver’s line of sight on the windshield.

Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1)

Steering Wheel

You can select from several steeringwheels.

  • Circular Steering Wheel: This steering wheel features integrated heating for added comfort during cold weather. It also includes physical buttons and scroll wheels, allowing you to control the infotainment system, adjust the volume, change music tracks, and manage other key functions with ease.
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Mirrors

Both the exterior and interior mirrors use conventional mirror technology to provide a clear view of the area behind the vehicle.

This model comes equipped with voice control as standard, allowing you to manage various functions through voice commands.

Infotainment

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Navigation System

The built-in navigation system uses detailed maps and offers advanced route planning, allowing you to define the target charge level at your destination. The system provides real-time traffic information and satellite maps, ensuring an efficient and stress-free journey.

App Store

The infotainment system includes an App Store where you can download third-party apps to run natively on the car's screen without needing a connected phone. Available apps vary by market but include popular options such as:

  • Spotify: Stream millions of songs, playlists, and podcasts directly from your car's infotainment system, providing endless entertainment options for your drive.
  • YouTube: Watch your favorite videos, channels, and playlists on your car's infotainment screen, making it easy to stay entertained while parked.

Sound System

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) comes equipped with one sound system option:

  • Tesla Premium Sound: Features en 22 speakers and delivers a maximum output of 560 watts.

Additionally, the model includes 4 USB-C connections as standard.

Mobile App

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) comes with a dedicated mobile app, available for both Android and iOS devices, allowing you to manage and monitor your vehicle remotely. The app offers a wide range of features designed to enhance your driving experience:

  • Locate Your Vehicle: Easily check the current location of your car.
  • Preconditioning: Preheat or cool your car before you start your journey for optimal comfort.
  • Remote Parking: Effortlessly control your car to park or exit a parking space remotely.
  • Lock & Unlock: Securely lock or unlock your car doors with a tap.
  • Scheduled Charging: Plan and schedule charging sessions ahead of your trips.
  • Adjust Charging Target: Set your desired State of Charge to start or stop charging as needed.
  • Find Your Car: Trigger the horn or lights to help find your car in crowded areas.
  • Route Planning: Plan your route and send it directly to your car's navigation system.
  • Driving History: Review the details of your past trips.

Lights

Standard Headlights: These use advanced LED technology, providing bright and efficient illumination.

The taillights use LED technology, ensuring both high visibility and energy efficiency.

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) features a range of standard and optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) designed to enhance safety and comfort.

Safety Systems

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Standard on the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1), this system prevents the wheels from locking during braking.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Standard on the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1), this system improves the vehicle's stability and handling during sudden maneuvers or on slippery road conditions.

Lane-Keeping Assist (LKA): Standard on the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1), this system helps prevent the vehicle from drifting out of its lane.
It also includes a Lane Departure Warning system to alert the driver if the vehicle veers out of the lane.

Front Cross Traffic Assist (FCTA) : Standard on the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1), this driver assist system that helps drivers detect oncoming traffic when crossing an intersection or turning left or right from a stopped position.

Forward Collision Warning (FCW): Standard on the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1), this driver assist system helps drivers avoid or mitigate frontal collisions.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): Standard on the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1), this system autonomously applies the brakes to prevent or reduce the severity of a collision if the driver does not react in time.

Automatic Emergency Steering (AES): Standard on the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1), this system assists in avoiding collisions by automatically steering the vehicle in an emergency.

Blind-spot Monitoring (BSM) : Standard on the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1), this side assist system helps to detect traffic in blind spots.

Exit Warning: Standard on the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1), this system alerts occupants if there is a risk of opening a door into an oncoming object or person if there is a risk of hitting something.

Driving Automation

With the standard Basic Autopilot level 2 system, you get the following driving automation features.

With the optional Enhanced Autopilot level 2 system, you get additional driving automation features to the ones listed above:

With the optional Full Self-Driving Capability level 2 system, you get additional driving automation features to the ones listed above:

  • Traffic light control - follow traffic lights.
  • Stop sign control - follow stop signs.

Sensors & Cameras

This model only uses cameras for its driver assist systems. This design limits the accuracy of the driving assistance systems and makes them more sensitive to weather than cars that also use radar and other sensors.

It uses five cameras to register everything in the vehicle's environment.

Safety

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) is equipped with multiple airbags to ensure occupant protection in the event of a collision. The airbag system includes:

  • Front airbags for the driver and front passenger
  • Side curtain airbags for both the first and second rows
  • Side airbags for the driver and front passenger
  • A front center airbag to prevent the driver and front passenger from colliding with each other during a side impact

Security and Access Technologies

The Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) is equipped with advanced security features to protect you and your vehicle. These include:

  • Keyless Entry and Start: The vehicle's keyless entry and start system enables seamless access, allowing you to unlock and start the car without needing to remove the key from your pocket or bag.
  • Phone-as-Key Functionality: With phone-as-key technology, you can use your smartphone as a digital key to unlock and start the vehicle, providing an additional layer of convenience and flexibility.
  • Alarm System: An integrated alarm system monitors for unauthorized entry or tampering, providing alerts to help deter intrusions and keep your vehicle secure.
  • Integrated Dashcam: The built-in dashcam records video footage of your journeys, capturing key details to provide added security, accountability, and peace of mind.
  • Parking Surveillance: Using its suite of cameras, the vehicle actively monitors the surroundings while parked, offering enhanced protection through continuous surveillance.

Cargo Capacity and Towing Ability

The trunk offers a cargo capacity of 709 liters (25.0 CU FT). With the rear seat folded down, this expands to 1828 liters (64.6 CU FT).

On the roof, you can load up to 70 kg (154.3 lbs).

Additionally, there is a frunk (front trunk) with a storage capacity of 89 liters (3.1 CU FT).

The vehicle’s maximum weight is 2629 kg (5796 lbs), with a base weight of 2265 kg (4993 lbs). This allows for a maximum load of 364 kg (802 lbs), including the driver and passengers. Note that some options may increase the base weight and reduce the maximum loading capacity.

A towbar is standard equipment on this model. The maximum total weight on a braked trailer is 1600 kg, and on and unbraked trailer, it is 750 kg (3527/1653 lbs).

Availability & Pricing

This model had a world premiere on 1/27/2021, and deliveries started in June 2021. This models has now been discontined.

Alternative Models

In the rapidly expanding EV market, EVKX.net has identified several alternatives to the Tesla Model S Plaid (GEN1) that are worth considering based on features, specifications, and pricing. While these models may not be exact matches, comparing them could help you make a more informed buying decision:

Explore a detailed spec comparison of these models. Explore a detailed comparison of range and travel speed for these models.