Car enthusiasts are always on the lookout for new car features, and drifting in electric vehicles has become a big hotbed of interest. Drifting is a particularly popular activity that helps teach drivers how the physics of their car works, leading them to ask: can electric cars drift?
Modern electric cars can drift. Drifting used to be impossible because of in-built traction control and ramp rate control, but vehicles like the Rivian and Tesla Model 3 allow users to adjust these settings to perform maneuvers once thought impossible in EVs.
In this article, I’ll be covering if EVs can drift, which ones, and what the major differences are between them.
Electric Car Maneuvering
Electric cars have come a very long way since their inception. While they were once seen as glorified golf carts by many people, companies like Tesla and Rivian have created powerful EVs that compete with any other car on the market. These advancements in technology have not only improved performance but also expanded the appeal of electric vehicles to a broader audience. For those considering the switch to electric, the ultimate guide to electric vehicle ownership provides valuable insights on charging options, maintenance, and cost savings over time. As more consumers become aware of these benefits, the transition to a greener future becomes increasingly attainable.
Nowadays, modifications in the way electric cars work have made drifting and similar maneuvers possible in some models. Notably, the Tesla Model 3 has a Track Mode that enables drifting, and the upcoming Tesla Cybertruck and the Rivian’s 1RS/1RT are known to be able to drift as well.
In the days of yesteryear, electric cars were prevented from drifting and other atypical maneuverings by settings within their software and engineering.
Why Couldn’t Electric Cars Drift?
Drifting was once thought to be impossible on electric cars because of two main factors: traction control and acceleration ramp rate control. Traction control on EVs is developed for maximum efficiency, preventing drifting and similar maneuvers.
Even in models where you could alter this traction control, the ramp rate got in the way and prevented drifting.
The acceleration ramp rate on EVs would apply power at a linear rate when you pressed the pedal, meaning that you wouldn’t get full power if you pressed the pedal all the way. Rather, it would slowly start and then apply power at a fixed rate. You couldn’t ‘break’ the tires at full power to initiate a drift. For drifting, of course, this was a death sentence.
Check out this related article that I wrote about the Best Tire Repair Kit for Every Tesla Model. This is somewhat related to this post.
Because early EVs couldn’t drift, it was commonly thought that electric cars couldn’t drift at all. As we can see with the Model 3, Rivian, and Cybertruck, this isn’t the case at all.
As more people become interested in electric vehicles, the manufacturers will be hard-pressed to include other features like drifting so consumers can have a wide range of capabilities in their vehicles.
By the way, here is a somewhat related articled where I discuss How Electric Cars Handle in the Snow. Check it out when you’re done reading this one. Seems like EV’s can handle almost any situation. Additionally, it’s interesting to note how electric cars also contribute to quieter environments, especially in urban settings. The discussion on electric cars and motorway noise is particularly relevant, as their near-silent operation helps reduce overall noise pollution. This not only enhances the driving experience but also benefits the community by creating a more serene atmosphere. Moreover, the advancements in battery technology have significantly improved electric car travel distances, allowing drivers to embark on longer journeys with confidence. As the infrastructure for charging stations expands, the feasibility of electric vehicles for both daily commutes and road trips becomes increasingly viable. This shift not only supports individual preferences for travel but also aligns with broader sustainability goals.
How Do Different EVs Compare When Drifting?
Although electric vehicles are getting the ability to drift, performance varies. The Tesla Model 3’s drift capability veers toward track conditions, whereas the Rivian is more definitely an offroad vehicle.
Information about the Cybertruck remains scarce, though it seems to be able to drift according to videos!
| Model | Tesla Model 3 | Rivian | Tesla Cybertruck |
| Available Now? | Yes | No | No |
| Drift-Capable? | Yes | Yes | Not confirmed, but it appears it will be |
| Ideal Drift Conditions | Track conditions | Off-Road conditions | To be announced |
Can the Tesla Model 3 Drift?
The Tesla Model 3 was the first Tesla to be able to drift, and you can watch an example of the Model 3 drifting and how that works in this YouTube video:
The Tesla Model 3 Performance is equipped with a special mode called Track Mode v2 that allows users to customize various aspects of how the car handles. This includes customizing how much power is sent to each motor, as well as regenerative braking which greatly extends the lifespan of the car’s brakes.
These settings and more can be adjusted within convenient preset profiles for drivers to customize and experiment with their car’s capabilities within a track setting.
While Track Mode is designed for general track conditions, the important thing to note is that it lets users drift. The stability assistance adjusts how much control the car assists with, from full to none.
Combined with motor balance control (which controls the amount of power sent to each motor) and regenerative braking to control deceleration, Track Mode lets users test the full physical capabilities of the Model 3.
Another handy feature is dubbed ‘Optimal Vehicle Cooling,’ which prioritizes the cooling of each motor according to how hot it gets. By regulating each motor accordingly, a driver can drive at high speeds and perform motor-intensive maneuvers like drifting for much longer. This is a great feature for a day at the track!
Notably, other Teslas haven’t received the Track Mode update. Speculation says this is because Models S, Y, and X aren’t physically capable of this type of movement, which isn’t unreasonable to assume because they’re older models of Tesla.
Can the Tesla Model Y Drift?
The highly anticipated Tesla Cybertruck appears to have the ability to drift, as shown in a teaser video. There has been precious little concrete information released about the Cybertruck, but it stands to reason that it will at least be able to go offroad and hold its own.
Whether these controls will be contained within a Drift Mode like the Rivian remains to be seen, but the Cyber Truck is coming, and it will drift.
Can Rivian Pickup Trucks Drift?
The upcoming Rivian is marketed as an ‘adventure’ truck that just so happens to be electric. As you can see in this video:
The Rivian is capable of a 360-degree ‘tank turn’ in muddy conditions, with the turning radius appearing the same as the truck’s conditions. For those in the know, this is nearly the same as drifting for gas-powered cars.
What sets Rivian apart is that it’s positioned to take over the recreational vehicle world – an electric vehicle that can maneuver 360-degrees with minimal extra space needed. Well, what more could you ask for in a vehicle that you’d expect to be used surrounded by rocks, cliffs, trees, and other obstacles?
It is worth noting that the Rivian requires a little space at first to get this tank turn started, but then it appears to be a tight circle. Also worth considering is that according to the manufacturer, this type of movement is designed for ‘low-mu- or slippery conditions like heavy mud.
It stands to reason that this would extend to snowy and icy conditions, too, so that the Rivian stands tall as the quintessential electric off-road truck. The CEO of Rivian has also confirmed that the Rivian will have a “Drift Mode” that lets users customize traction control and enable fun maneuvers like drifting.
