‘I Will Absolutely Not Be Asking My Tesla To Turn on Sport Mode’: Melbourne Man Drives In Chill Mode. Then He Turns It Off

A Tesla Model Y driver uploaded a video sketch delineating what it feels like to switch off Tesla’s chill mode, and other EV drivers are nodding their heads in agreement.

Ryan Cowan (@ryanjaycowan) posted a viral clip that accrued more than 34,000 views on TikTok that captures the jarring experience of leaving chill mode behind.

The Melbourne, Australia’s video begins with him issuing a voice command to his Tesla Model Y. “Hey Tesla, turn off chill mode,” he instructs the vehicle. Immediately, the clip cuts to an exterior profile shot of the Tesla tearing down the road with immense speed.

This point is further driven home with another cut back to the TikToker seated in the EV. His hair is standing upright, disheveled. With fear in his eyes, he asks the Tesla to “turn on chill mode.”

However, the car’s voice assistant doesn’t seem to enjoy this instruction. “Don’t be a [expletive],” it says in response. “Stuff this I’m getting a BYD,” he tells the vehicle as he unbuckles his seatbelt and motions to exit.

EVs Are Capable of Ridiculous Acceleration

One of the benefits of all electric drivetrains is that all of a vehicle’s horsepower is instantly available. It’s why even entry-level EVs will beat internal combustion performance cars off the line instantly. Since there’s no need for transmissions or shifting, and because EVs are torque monsters, electric vehicles are drag race wizards. And when you start looking at EVs that are tuned for sports performance driving, you start getting certified track kings.

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But utilizing all of that power all of the time puts significant drain on a vehicle’s battery. Which is why Tesla has outfitted its vehicles with various driving modes which allows commuters to toggle between red light rage, to pleasant Sunday cruising.

What Is Tesla Chill Mode?

The EV manufacturer offers three different driving modes across its model line of vehicles. Tesla owners can interact with their vehicle’s infotainment system in order to pick the driving style that best suits their needs. All they need to do is head to Controls > Dynamics > Acceleration, and pick one.

All models come with chill mode as a standard selection. Tesla says that this option “limits acceleration for a smooth and gentle ride.” With chill mode engaged, accelerating the car won’t result in your cranium getting slammed back into the headrest of your seat.

Another driving mode that comes with each and every Tesla is “Standard” which the automaker says “provides the normal level of acceleration.” If you regularly drive on chill mode, mashing the accelerator will still provide a fairly zippy off-the-line experience when compared to other internal combustion engine vehicles.

And if you sprung for the performance variant on your Tesla, then you’ll have access to a third drive setting: Insane. Tesla writes that this option “provides the maximum level of acceleration immediately available,” in your car. Because of the increased stress that cars undergo with this driving mode turned on, Tesla writes that it has optimized settings to ensure batteries aren’t overheating. “Insane strives to keep the battery within an optimal temperature range. In addition to heating the battery, these settings also cool the battery when necessary.”

'BYD is way better'

Folks who responded to Cowan’s video had various responses. One user on the application concurred with the TikToker’s remark about getting a BYD, writing: “you should. BYD is way better.” However, there have been conflicting reports about the quality of the Chinese EV maker's vehicles. Some have accused the brand of manufacturing paper dragons, i.e. vehicles that sound great on paper. However, real-world usage says otherwise. InsideEVs has previously written about BYD’s cars hitting markets outside of Asia. Despite a successful record-breaking sales year in 2023, 2024 reports indicated that some 10,000 vehicles were sitting in warehouses. Customers have complained of mold buildup in vehicles. Whereas others have stated that the frames of cars warped under the weight of roof racks, and paint on the cars arrived chipped, peeling, or scratched. London Daily went on to state that consumer grievances with the brand “spiked” after BYD implemented its smart EV feature this month.

Other folks who replied to Cowan’s video focused more on the thesis of his video: The difference between chill and standard driving modes. One person said that they were fine never putting their Tesla into anything past standard, “I will absolutely not be asking my Tesla to turn on sport mode,” one commenter said.

Whereas another called his clip, “perfect.”

Someone else seemed to love the thrill of accelerating quickly in a Tesla. They wrote, “what’s this chill mode you speak of?”

InsideEVs has reached out to Cowan via email for further comment. He replied that his family “always drive[s] on chill mode as it’s more efficient.” However, he also prefers the acceleration for safety reasons, as well. “We often have our daughter in the car so makes for smoother acceleration,” he penned.

 

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