What Is the Boost Button in an EV?
By Austin Morris 08/31/2022 4:00pm
Electric cars are already quick, but one has just gotten even faster with the implementation of a boost button on the steering wheel. As the name implies, the button gives the vehicle a jolt of power and speed, but it’s not unlimited. Additional power lasts only a few seconds before the car returns to normal driving mode. That means you’ll have to make the most of the few seconds you have until it is ready to do it again.
The Boost Button
Boost button variations have been around for a while — and more than science fiction and cartoon versions. It is typically a mode used for performance cars, such as the Hyundai Elantra N, which has an NGS button to give the engine a power punch. Now the feature is starting to catch on in the electric car world.
Engaging the boost will give such an appropriately equipped car a hefty increase in horsepower for about 10 seconds, allowing you to have a thrilling ride. However, this functions very differently from the sport mode found in many EVs. Unlike sport mode, which is a setting that impacts vehicle range, using an EV’s boost button doesn’t significantly affect vehicle range because the power increase is so brief.
Which EVs Have Boost Buttons?
Currently, the only vehicle in the electric car market to have a dedicated boost button is the 2023 Genesis GV60. It’s a bit surprising, too, because Genesis is a luxury car brand and it’s usually performance cars with a need for speed that feature boosters for additional power.
In the GV60, drivers can go from 429 horsepower to 483 horsepower with literally the push of a button. The additional boost gives the Genesis more power than the base long-range Tesla Model 3.
However, there is a very strong chance that more automakers will follow suit and add temporary horsepower to future electric vehicles.
Where to Find the Boost Button
In the Genesis GV60, the boost button is on the steering wheel and conveniently within reach of the driver’s right thumb. In gas-powered cars that feature a boost button, it’s in a similar position. If future EVs adopt the boost button, they will most likely be located on the steering wheel as well.
Tesla’s Ludicrous Boost
While they don’t have a physical boost button, some Tesla models can receive an extra burst of power by engaging Ludicrous Mode. Software enhancements and some hardware enable boosted performance by increasing the current drawn from the battery and delivered to the electric motors. Ludicrous Plus Mode maximizes speed by heating the battery to its optimum temperature.
A driver activates Ludicrous Plus by depressing the brake pedal while pushing the accelerator until the battery reaches the optimum temperature. Then, the driver releases the brake for instant and maximum acceleration off the line.
When Should You Use the Boost
Chances are that you are not a drag racer. Still, you can find legitimate uses for extra power. The best time to use the boost button on your car is on the highway with higher speed limits than on the street. It is important to note that you will want to ensure that there is no traffic and that the roads, or at least your lane, are clear of other drivers.
Even on the highway, it is best only to use the boost on straightaways. Curvy roads can lead to losing control of the car, especially when going faster than usual. And it should go without saying that you should follow the law on public roads, no matter how high-powered your vehicle.
Since there is a time and a place for everything, there are a few instances when you should not use the boost button. One of these cases is driving through the city, where stop-and-go traffic is more likely. Doing so can increase your chances of getting into an accident. Also, when weather conditions are less than favorable with wet and slick roads, the boost can be a liability and might cause a hydroplaning accident. Always exercise caution when using the boost button in an EV.