Tesla's newest driving mode is 'Chill'
Tesla streamed out a new software update to its electric vehicles this week; included is a new acceleration mode called simply "Chill."
Earlier this week, the car reviewer DragTimes posted a video in which they stumbled upon the new mellow driving option while testing out the latest update in a Tesla Model S, the company's luxury-class electric vehicle. Here's how Tesla, in the settings on its touchscreen dashboard, describes Chill mode:
“You can now choose between two acceleration options in your vehicle: Chill and Standard. Chill makes acceleration more gradual – ideal for smoother driving and a gentler ride for your passengers.”
While experimenting with Chill in the Model S 100D, DragTimes found its acceleration in standard mode hit 0 to 60 in just under 4 seconds. But when in Chill mode, the Model S hit 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which was described as "ridiculously slow, like what is even the point — no one wants to drive like that."
Well, some people probably do. Not everyone is keen on blasting to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds, so this definitely makes for a "chiller" ride. This upgrade is a stark contrast to Tesla's Ludicrous mode, which earlier this year enabled a Model S to hit 0 to 60 in just 2.28 seconds.
According to the site Electrek, the Chill mode is available in two of its three models, the Model S and Model X, both of which are designed to accelerate quickly and hit high speeds. It's uncertain if the update also applies to Tesla's new affordable-class vehicle, the Model 3, which is currently mired in well-publicized production woes.
Reps for Tesla didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
Topics Electric Vehicles Tesla
Mark was the science editor at Mashable. After working as a ranger with the National Park Service, he started a reporting career after seeing the extraordinary value in educating people about the happenings on Earth, and beyond.
He's descended 2,500 feet into the ocean depths in search of the sixgill shark, ventured into the halls of top R&D laboratories, and interviewed some of the most fascinating scientists in the world.
