96 MPG combined is an absurd figure for a car as capable as the 2024 Tesla Model S Plaid with 21-inch wheels. This isn’t a lightweight commuter, it’s a high-performance sedan that offers incredible acceleration. The Plaid’s efficiency shows Tesla’s mastery of electric powertrains, offering supercar performance without the guilt of single-digit fuel economy.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Model S Plaid achieves 100 MPG in the city and 91 MPG on the highway. These figures highlight the regenerative braking capabilities of the electric drivetrain. In city driving, frequent deceleration allows the Plaid to recapture a significant amount of energy, contributing to its higher MPG rating. Highway mileage is slightly lower, reflecting the higher sustained speeds and reduced opportunities for regenerative braking. Still, 91 MPG on the open road is a figure most hybrids can only dream of, let alone a car designed to outperform Ferraris.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates that the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Tesla Model S Plaid (21-inch wheels) is precisely $800. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a percentage split between city and highway driving, and using national average electricity prices. Your actual cost will vary depending on your driving habits, charging location, and electricity rates, but $800 is a reasonable baseline to compare against other vehicles. Considering the Plaid’s performance, this annual fuel cost is low, owners of traditional gas-powered sports sedans often spend several times that amount at the pump.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a great starting point, but real-world mileage can vary. Aggressive acceleration and high-speed driving will reduce efficiency, while a more conservative driving style can improve it. Factors such as ambient temperature and battery age can also influence range and efficiency. However, the Model S Plaid typically delivers very close to its EPA-estimated range, especially if you use the vehicle’s efficiency features and pre-condition the battery before driving. Check out all Tesla fuel economy data on other models for a point of reference.

How it compares

The Model S Plaid compares favorably to other high-performance vehicles. A Porsche Taycan Turbo S, another all-electric performance sedan, achieves a combined MPG of 77. The gasoline-powered BMW M5 CS manages only 17 MPG combined, while the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S gets around 16 MPG combined. These comparisons emphasize the Model S Plaid’s efficiency advantage. While some consider the Plaid against other electric SUVs like the Tesla Model X Plaid (85 combined MPG), the Model S offers a sleeker profile and a more focused driving experience, trading a marginal MPG loss for superior performance and handling. For those interested, here is MODEL MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Use regenerative braking to slow down and recapture energy instead of relying solely on the friction brakes. The Model S Plaid offers adjustable regenerative braking settings, experiment to find the level that suits your driving style and maximizes energy recovery.

Precondition the battery before driving, especially in cold weather. Preconditioning warms the battery pack using electricity from the charging source, which allows the battery to operate at its optimal temperature for efficiency when driving. This reduces the energy demand on the battery during initial acceleration.

Use the vehicle’s energy display to monitor your instantaneous power consumption and identify opportunities to drive more efficiently. Gentle acceleration and consistent speeds consume less energy than rapid acceleration and hard braking.

Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance and improve overall efficiency. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature fluctuations.

Minimize unnecessary accessories, especially the climate control system. Heating and cooling the cabin can significantly reduce range. Use seat heaters and cooling features sparingly, and avoid extreme temperature settings whenever possible.