How fast can I go backwards?

[D.E.]

For conventional cars, I think reverse speed is limited by the single speed gear in reverse and the engine rev limiter.

Our cars don't have transmissions, it's the same ratio whether we go 2 MPH or 130. So in reverse, can I just spin up the motors and do over 100 MPH backwards?

Don't get me wrong, I don't think it is a good idea, I'm just wondering.

 

[ahkahn]

No you can't. It limits, if I recall correctly, either at 15mph or 25mph. I drive up my street daily to take my kid to the bus stop and then reverse it all the way back home.

 

[murphyS90D]

It is 15 mph max in reverse.

 

[MP3Mike]

As an FYI part of the reason for the limit is that, on the S&X, the gear oil pump doesn't work when you are going backwards, so the gears aren't getting fully lubricated.

 

[chispas]

Just to be clear the limitation is a software limitation, mechanical you could go as fast forward ad backwards

 

[P100DHG.]

Does ludicrous work in reverse? If so how fast will it accelerate?

 

[D.E.]

Does ludicrous work in reverse? If so how fast will it accelerate?

0 to -15 should happen very quickly.

If Motor Trend measures it, they'll need a -1 foot rollout. It'll cut the 0 to -15 time to less than half. Motor Trend will publish their absurd number and Tesla will quote it.

 

[dark cloud]

Insane mode is quick enough in reverse. No point paying $10000 upgrade to get another 0.2 seconds quicker time going backwards. Hey, I wonder if I age less quickly going backwards compared to forwards?

 

[ahkahn]

Now does the odometer roll backwards....

 

[Exiom]

Now does the odometer roll backwards....

Someone please setup some rollers in there garage and try...

 

[Benjanos]

D.E. you raise a question I think we have all been wondering, but were to scared to ask.

Someone like Rich Rebuilds has probably removed the limiter and got AP1 working down the freeway at 90 miles an hour in reverse....But my big question is about range, hmmmmm.....? What range can I expect if I drive at a constant 70 miles and hour in reverse? I also have a question about operating the sunroof...

 

[Chaserr]

Technologically speaking you can go as fast in reverse as you can in in forward until the speed is high enough that the messed up backwards aero profile starts slowing you more than when accelerating forward.

Software stops people from going 60 backwards in 2.28.

 

[MP3Mike]

Technologically speaking you can go as fast in reverse as you can in in forward until the speed is high enough that the messed up backwards aero profile starts slowing you more than when accelerating forward.

Or your gears blow up from lack of lubrication.

 

[Chaserr]

They're the same lubricated gears used to go forwards

 

[MP3Mike]

They're the same lubricated gears used to go forwards

Nope, because the lubrication pump in the S&X only functions while going forwards.

 

[Super Dude]

The quickest way to go backwards in a Tesla is to sell it and buy an ICE.

 

[sharpgator]

Someone please setup some rollers in there garage and try...

Bueller?!

 

[Silent Ludicrosy]

Maybe when FSD comes out, we can get a reverse FSD easter egg just for fun?

 

[Chaserr]

Nope, because the lubrication pump in the S&X only functions while going forwards.

This is something I didn't know, thanks! Is there a mechanical reason, or software?

 

[MP3Mike]

This is something I didn't know, thanks! Is there a mechanical reason, or software?

It is a mechanical pump that only operates in one direction. (The Model 3 uses an electric pump, with a filter, so it doesn't have this "problem".)