A secondary goal of the CFD study and product development plan was to make alterations to low drag designs that further optimize for both front and rear downforce to further improve vehicle handling and stability. As such, a reduction in energy consumption increases the total distance a Tesla can travel on a single battery charge, while simultaneously reducing the environmental energy impact and relative energy cost per mile travelled. Reducing drag is a key factor in reducing energy consumption (measured in kWh) per mile driven. Unplugged Performance utilized their industry motorsports partners and applied existing motorsports development methodology to optimize for reducing kilograms-force (kgf) of drag on the production spec of the 2018 Tesla Model 3. ![]() The method of CFD utilized herein is commonly used by engineers in the highest levels of professional motorsports and is also extensively utilized in vehicle development by all vehicle manufacturers, including Tesla. In 2018 Unplugged Performance set out to apply the discipline of CFD to the study and development of aftermarket products for the Tesla Model 3. Ultimately a simple series of three Unplugged Performance products were validated through a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) study to provide a substantial 21% total reduction in drag while improving high speed stability, balancing everyday functionality and providing an enhanced sporty aesthetic. While the aftermarket has a long history of adding value to the mission of car manufacturers, it remains rare for such a data-driven aerodynamics product development program to be attempted in the aftermarket. For this study Unplugged Performance tapped their motorsports resources and set out to apply race car-technology and knowhow to the challenge of adding real-world efficiency in a daily driven compliant package. ![]() Unplugged Performance has a history developing motorsports-optimized products. Of specific interest to Unplugged Performance, and the reason for this study, is the focus of reducing energy expenditure and increasing long distance travel capabilities on Tesla’s mass-produced vehicle, the Tesla Model 3. ![]() Unplugged Performance seeks to further enhance all categories of performance that come standard on Tesla vehicles. Tesla’s mission is to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. Unplugged Performance develops products and complete car programs for Tesla owners who seek to upgrade their vehicles beyond the factory specifications.
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