With the rapid development of the high-performance EV market, owners are looking for more than just straight-line speed. They demand long-term durability, efficiency, and a braking system capable of handling immense weight and torque.
The Tesla Model S Plaid is a technological masterpiece, but its mass and speed can overwhelm standard brakes. STOPFLEX carbon-ceramic rotors have become the ideal upgrade for EV owners. By significantly reducing rotational mass, they not only improve handling but also reduce the load on the electric motors, potentially extending driving range. This case study showcases a bespoke build for a Plaid owner who wanted the ultimate in safety and performance.
The Bespoke "Hyper-EV" Upgrade
This custom build pairs one of the world's most powerful calipers with our largest rotors, fitting perfectly within the 22-inch wheels.
- Vehicle: Tesla Model S Plaid
- Front Calipers: Akebono 10-Piston Fixed Calipers
- Front Rotors: STOPFLEX 440mm (17.3 in) Carbon-Ceramic Discs
- Rear Calipers: Brembo 4-Piston Calipers (with EPB solution)
- Rear Rotors: STOPFLEX 410mm (16.1 in) Carbon-Ceramic Discs
- Brake Pads: STOPFLEX High-Performance Ceramic Pads
- Hardware: Custom mounting bolts and brackets
Important: System Compatibility
This case study features a bespoke Big Brake Kit (BBK) conversion using aftermarket fixed multi-piston calipers (Akebono & Brembo). Our STOPFLEX carbon-ceramic rotors are engineered for this specific type of high-performance setup.
Please note: These rotors cannot be directly installed with factory floating calipers. A fixed caliper setup is required to utilize these high-performance discs.
Key Advantages for the Model S Plaid
- Maximizing Range & Agility: STOPFLEX carbon-ceramic discs are over 40% lighter than comparable steel rotors. In an EV, reducing this rotational mass lowers the energy required to accelerate the wheels, which can contribute to improved efficiency and range.
- Unfadeable Stopping Power: The combination of 10-piston calipers and 440mm carbon-ceramic rotors provides a massive thermal safety net. This ensures the 4,800+ lb (approx. 2,160 kg) Plaid can stop consistently from high speeds without the brake fade often associated with iron rotors.
- EV-Specific Durability: Because EVs rely heavily on regenerative braking, iron rotors often suffer from rust due to lack of use. STOPFLEX rotors are corrosion-proof, ensuring they remain clean and fully functional even after periods of light use, while the virtually no-dust pads keep the wheels pristine.
Installation Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions for Plaid Owners
Q: Does this upgrade work with the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB)?
A: Yes. This bespoke rear setup includes a solution (typically a dual-caliper arrangement or specialized Brembo caliper with integrated EPB) that retains full factory parking brake functionality. No error codes, no lost features.
Q: Why use a 10-piston caliper?
A: The Model S Plaid is incredibly fast and heavy. A 10-piston caliper maximizes pad surface area and clamping force distribution. When paired with our 440mm rotor, it provides the ultimate mechanical leverage to stop the vehicle safely and consistently, far beyond what the factory calipers can achieve.
Q: Is this system noisy?
A: No. While it uses race-grade technology, the system is engineered for refined street driving. The pads are formulated to be smooth, and the carbon-ceramic material dampens vibration, avoiding the harshness often associated with metal track brakes.
