While traditional 3R tuning—rims, running gear, and wrapping—remains a staple for customizing electric cars, true performance enhancement is still evolving. Aesthetic modifications like stylish rims and eye-catching wraps offer visual personalization, but they don’t impact performance, much like with combustion engine vehicles.
However, modifying the running gear offers both aesthetic and performance benefits. Lowering the suspension reduces air resistance, leading to improved comfort, energy efficiency, and handling. For instance, the Tesla Model Y can be fitted with a TÜV-approved coilover suspension, adjustable between 25 and 50 millimeters. Even a subtle 25mm reduction significantly enhances road contact, increasing traction and potentially extending range.
Accelerator pedal tuning, achieved through an additional control unit, alters the accelerator’s responsiveness. Different driving modes cater to varying conditions, enabling quicker acceleration and a more dynamic driving experience. This functions as a simplified form of chip tuning, focusing solely on adjusting the accelerator’s characteristics.
True chip tuning, involving comprehensive software optimization for significant performance gains, isn’t yet widely available for electric cars. While some manufacturers offer performance enhancements through software updates, these lack the extensive customization of professional tuning. Currently, drivers rely on factory-installed track modes, which adjust vehicle settings for optimal performance in different environments like highways or city streets.
The sound of an electric car is also a point of customization. Regulations now mandate a minimum sound level for pedestrian safety, but electric vehicles still lack the roar of a traditional combustion engine. Sound generators, or sound boosters, offer a solution, adding a customizable auditory element to the electric driving experience. These systems can even replicate the nostalgic sounds of classic engines.
While Tuning Electric Cars for substantial performance gains is still in its nascent stages, current options allow for personalized aesthetics and improved handling. As technology advances, expect more comprehensive tuning solutions to emerge, unlocking the full potential of electric vehicle performance.
