Automation Could Push EV Enthusiast Driving Toward the Track

As highly automated electric vehicles become safer, enthusiast driving may increasingly shift to controlled track environments, where people deliberately opt into the risks of operating a powerful car. The analysis also suggests that luxury buyers may continue valuing combustion cars for their machinery, craftsmanship and heritage, even if EVs offer stronger technical performance.

A used Tesla Model S Plaid is described as accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about two seconds and selling for roughly $60,000, potentially putting extreme performance within reach of inexperienced buyers. However, the analysis notes that no data has been cited showing EVs are actually more dangerous; traction-control and stability systems that drivers generally leave enabled may make them more stable despite their raw acceleration.