Tesla has rolled out a new software update, 2024.38.4, which introduces an enhanced Track Mode feature. Called “Powertrain Endurance,” drivers now have control over the powertrain’s cooling, enabling them to sustain peak performance over longer track sessions without overheating.
In track settings, one of the primary challenges for electric vehicles (EVs) is thermal management. Unlike internal combustion engines (ICE), EVs don’t have exhaust systems, radiators, and intercoolers to release heat. Instead they are left to rely heavily on advanced cooling mechanisms to manage heat buildup in the battery and motors.
As temperatures rise in an EV, performance is throttled, leading to noticeable slower times after several laps around the track. Tesla is attempting to overcome this with Powertrain Endurance, though still giving owners options by offering adjustable endurance levels to better balance power with sustained performance.
According to the release notes, Tesla’s Powertrain Endurance setting in Track Mode has three adjustable options: Standard, Increased, and Maximum.
- Standard: This setting prioritizes the highest initial performance, delivering peak output right from the start. The downside is that you are likely to hit thermal limits quickly, or in other words, start slowing down sooner.
- Increased: Sitting in the middle, this setting is designed to prolong the powertrain’s endurance over “a typical track session”. You will still reach thermal limits if driven for long enough (Tesla doesn’t say how long), but it allows for more performance over more laps than the Standard setting.
- Maximum: This setting is for longer track sessions. Initial power output is lower, but you get more consistent lap times throughout the session, without the highs at the beginning or the lows at the end.
It is important to note that Powertrain Endurance does not actively prevent the battery and motors from overheating, it simply gives you thermal management options to balance performance and longevity.
According to Tesla’s owner’s manual, Powertrain Endurance is only available on the Model 3 Performance, although we assume this feature will roll out to the Model S Plaid and Model Y Performance in time.
This isn’t the only limited feature in 2024.38.4. As we told you yesterday, Tesla has also included the long-awaited Sentry Mode improvements to reduce vampire drain, but so far only for the Cybertruck.
Here are the full release notes for Powertrain Endurance (2024.38.4).
Track Mode: Powertrain Endurance
You can now adjust Powertrain Endurance in Track Mode to help you achieve consistent performance for longer track sessions.
Go to Controls > Dynamics > Customize Track Mode > Powertrain Endurance.
- Standard: Standard level of power output in Track Mode with no limiting of power output. Enables you to achieve the fastest initial lap times, but your performance may become thermally limited more quickly, which can lead to inconsistent lap times over multiple laps.
- Increased: Slight reduction in power output as your speed increases. Provides steadier performance for multiple laps, which is ideal for intermediate driving distances.
- Maximum: Reduces initial lap times, but provides consistent power output and performance over multiple laps.
