Qantas challenged the most prolific EV in history (so far), the Tesla Model S, to a drag race between it and one of its jet-engined aircraft.
There was interesting showdown that unfolded at the Avalon Airport, southwest of Melbourne, recently. One of performance and technology but matched to a unified vision to change the global carbon landscape.
It was between a Tesla Model S P90D electric vehicle and a Qantas Boeing 737-800 passenger aircraft, only minus the passengers and crew.
It’s plane vs (electric) car down a runway, with the finish line left a little ambiguous – we suspect it was at the point of take off for the 737. The Tesla is futuristic, and although this is 2016 we haven’t yet perfected flying cars. Far from it.
Both machines line up along parallel runways. Of course, the Tesla is fast off the line once the go sign is given. ‘Ludicruously’ so with the so-named mode fitted to the Model S P90D, enabling a supercar-beating 0-100km/h sprint time of just 3.0 seconds.
But the plane gathers pace at an amazing rate, quickly narrowing the EV’s early gap. As both of them are level-pegging, the Tesla reaches its top speed of 250km/h and the Boeing quickly reaches its take-off speed of 140 knots (approximately 260km/h), and from then on leaves the Tesla in its shadow.
This race has a point, and we imagine you would have known the outcome of the car being quicker off the line but the plane being capable of speeds in order of magnitude more – the 737’s twin CFM International engines generate more than 50,000 pounds of thrust and has a cruising speed of 850km/h.
If the airliner was given the change to fly at it’s maximum, it can come within reach of Mach 1.
Yes, the point, I am getting to it. You see, Tesla and Qantas are collaborating to find more areas where they can create sustainable transport solutions in all avenues of the transport industry, while bringing more value to both of their customers.
Qantas frequent flyers will be given access to exclusive events, giving them the chance to experience new Tesla vehicles. In addition, Telsa Model S owners will be given membership into the Qantas Club and will be able to change their cars while they travel through the Qantas Valet facilities which are now fitted with the Tesla Power Wall connectors (available in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Adelaide)
As part of their Future Planet Program, Qantas will be Tesla’s airline of choice in Australia and offset all the automaker’s domestic and corporate travel emissions.
“We’re huge admirers of the way Tesla has transformed the electric car sector as a premium brand and we look forward to sharing our understanding and advance the work we started in 2012 on biofuels as an alternative to jet fuel.
“What better way to celebrate working together than having a unique race – car versus plane,” said Alan Milne, Qantas’ Head of Environment and Fuel.
