TeslaBEV
Model S Plaid
1020 ch · 100 kWh · 2021
Motorway range comparison
Trip mapped at a glance. Charging stops visible, total duration predictable. Caralogy simulation at 130 km/h.
Paris → Marseille · 130 km/h · Caralogy simulation
| Model S Plaid | Model 3 Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Total time | 7h19−4 min | 7h23 |
| Charging stops | 2 stops−1 stop | 3 stops |
| Total cost | 47,94 €−2,83 € | 50,77 € |
Both vehicles drive at 130 km/h. The difference comes from charging stops.
Analysis
Both vehicles drove at 130 km/h for the entire trip. The gap is built at the stops: 2 stops totalling 18 min for the Model S Plaid versus 3 stops totalling 22 min for the Model 3 Performance.
The official WLTP figures (18,7 kWh/100km for Model S Plaid and 16,7 kWh/100km for Model 3 Performance) are measured on a mixed cycle averaging ~46 km/h. At a steady 130 km/h, aerodynamic drag weighs much more heavily — it grows with the square of speed. Caralogy calculates a motorway consumption specific to each vehicle based on its aerodynamic profile (SCx), weight and power curve — not a uniform correction factor. For this trip, the simulation yields 19,9 kWh/100km (Model S Plaid) and 19,4 kWh/100km (Model 3 Performance). Full methodology: see the dedicated button above the summary.
During the 18 minutes of charging for the Model S Plaid, range recovers by 354 km. During the 22 cumulative minutes for the Model 3 Performance, range recovers by 443 km. Per minute: the Model S Plaid recovers 1,0× faster. The gap is less pronounced but accumulates over long distances.
A BMW 530i (equivalent segment) consumes about 8,0 L/100km on the motorway at 130 km/h. At 1,9 €/L, this Paris → Marseille trip would cost ~115 €. That is 2,4× the electric cost of the Model S Plaid and 2,3× that of the Model 3 Performance. The gap narrows in winter but never reverses.
The cost per kilometre depends on the electricity rate applied to each segment — based on the energy source used at that point of the trip.
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Limonest, A6initial energy charged at home · 0,21 €/kWh | 451 km90 kWh consumed | 0,042 €/km | 18,90 € |
| Limonest, A6 → Manosque, A51energy charged at Supercharger 240 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 201 km40 kWh consumed | 0,090 €/km | 18,00 € |
| Manosque, A51 → Marseilleenergy charged at Supercharger 229 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 123 km25 kWh consumed | 0,090 €/km | 11,04 € |
| Trip total | 47,94 € | ||
| Segment | Distance | €/km | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paris → Tournus, A6initial energy charged at home · 0,21 €/kWh | 362 km70 kWh consumed | 0,041 €/km | 14,74 € |
| Tournus, A6 → Valence, A7energy charged at Supercharger 234 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 161 km31 kWh consumed | 0,087 €/km | 14,04 € |
| Valence, A7 → Manosque, A51energy charged at Supercharger 234 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 161 km31 kWh consumed | 0,087 €/km | 14,04 € |
| Manosque, A51 → Marseilleenergy charged at Supercharger 235 kW · 0,45 €/kWh | 91 km18 kWh consumed | 0,087 €/km | 7,95 € |
| Trip total | 50,77 € | ||
How many kilometres do you recover depending on the time spent at the charger? Comparison at nominal peak power.
| Charging stop duration | Tesla Model S Plaid | Tesla Model 3 Performance |
|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | ~73 km | ~75 km |
| 10 minutes | ~146 km | ~150 km |
| 20 minutes | ~293 km | ~301 km |
| Full session 10 → 80 % | ~351 km26 min | ~282 km20 min |
Replace one of the two with an alternative from the same segment
1020 ch · 100 kWh · 2021
510 ch · 78 kWh · 2024
The advantage comes from the combo real range + charging speed. On Paris → Marseille (775 km at 130 km/h), the Model S Plaid arrives in 7h19 with 2 charging stops.
WLTP consumption does not reflect motorway reality. Aerodynamic drag grows with the square of speed, so real consumption is 15 to 25 % higher than WLTP combined. Caralogy calculates a highway consumption specific to each vehicle based on its aerodynamic profile (SCx), weight and power curve.
Total time = driving time + charging time. Driving time is calculated at an average speed of 130 km/h on the motorway (adjustable). Charging time is calculated based on the real power curve of each vehicle, respecting the optimal 10 → 80 % range and the maximum power accepted by the chargers on the route.
No. The displayed cost covers only the energy consumed during the trip: kWh × energy rate, with a mix of home charging and DC fast chargers. Battery wear is a long-term ownership cost, not a trip cost.
Electric: 47,94 € (Model S Plaid) and 50,77 € (Model 3 Performance). An equivalent petrol SUV (~8 L/100 km) would cost about 115 € in motorway fuel. Electric costs less in energy but adds charging stops.