Coilovers for EVs: Tesla Model 3, Model Y and Model S
We list Tesla coilovers for the Model 3 and Model Y from six brands, plus BC Racing kits for the Model S. Each listing names its own years and drivetrain, and EV weight changes how you should pick spring rate and damping.
Tesla owners come to us with the same complaint. The car is quick, but it sits high and the wheel gaps look wrong. The ride can feel floaty or harsh, depending on the trim. A good coilover kit fixes the stance and gives you control over the ride. The catch is that an EV is a heavy car, and that changes the setup.
Everything below comes from the exact titles of our own listings. If your year or drivetrain is not named, we do not assume it fits. Confirm on the product page, or call 1-800-460-9106 with your VIN.
Why EV Weight Changes Spring and Damper Choice
Battery packs are heavy. That mass rides on the springs, and it changes three things.
Spring rate. A heavier car needs a stiffer spring to hold the same ride height and the same ride feel. A spring rate that rides well on a light sedan can bottom out on an EV. That is why kits are built for a specific car, and why we do not guess at rates.
Damping. More mass means more energy for the damper to control over every bump. Too little damping and the car floats after a dip. Too much and it feels harsh. Start from the kit's manual setting and adjust in small steps.
Unsprung weight. Unsprung weight is the mass the springs do not carry: wheels, tires, hubs, brakes and knuckles. Big wheels and heavy tires add to it. A coilover does not reduce it by default. Only lighter parts that move with the wheel do that.
Our guide to how coilovers affect ride quality covers the spring and damper balance in more depth.
Tesla Model 3 Coilovers
The Model 3 has the widest choice of Tesla coilovers in our catalogue. Six brands list it.
BC Racing. The 2017-2022 Model 3 RWD BC Racing listing and its AWD twin come in the BR, DS, ER or ZX Series. Both say "Swift Front Only". Separate listings cover the 2024+ Model 3 RWD and AWD in the same four series.
KW. KW lists the 2017-2023 Model 3 2WD and the 2018-2023 Model 3 AWD, both in KW V3.
Öhlins. The 2017-2023 Model 3 and Model Y Öhlins Road & Track listing covers both cars in one product.
TEIN. TEIN lists a 2017-2022 Model 3 RWD kit in Flex Z.
Fortune Auto. The 2017-2023 Model 3 RWD Fortune Auto listing comes in the 500 or 510 Series, with Swift or Hypercoil spring upgrades as options.
Ksport. Ksport lists the 2017-2020 Model 3 RWD (BlueStar).
Notice the gaps. BC Racing does not list a 2023 Model 3 with us, and TEIN, Fortune Auto and Ksport list RWD only. If you drive a Performance model, read the next section.
Tesla Model Y Coilovers
BC Racing. BC Racing lists the 2020-2023 Model Y AWD and the 2021-2023 Model Y RWD, both "Swift Front Only". A separate listing covers the 2020-2024 Model Y RWD. The 2025+ Model Y Juniper has its own RWD and AWD listings. All of these come in BR, DS, ER or ZX. ZX is a series option, so check the Series options on your car's product page.
KW. The 2020-2023 Model Y AWD KW listing includes the Performance, in KW V3.
Fortune Auto. Fortune Auto lists the 2020-2024 Model Y AWD with front end links and a separate-style rear. It comes in the 500 or 510 Series with Swift Springs included.
Öhlins. The shared Model 3 and Model Y Road & Track listing covers 2017-2023.
Performance Models With Adaptive Dampers
For Performance cars with factory adaptive dampers, call us and we will check what KW builds for your car. It connects through the car's own plugs and keeps the factory damper modes. We do not list it on our site. Call us and we will check fitment and availability for your car.
The Range Question
KW reports that testing by German EV specialist Nextmove found up to about seven percent more range. That test used a rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3 with KW Variant 3 coilovers. The result applies to that test, not every car.
Tesla Model S Coilovers and Air Suspension
The Model S list is short, and one word in the title matters most.
RWD. The 2012-2022 Model S RWD BC Racing listing reads "Except OEM Air Suspension". It comes in BR or DS.
AWD. BC Racing lists the 2014-2022 Model S AWD in BR or DS. The title does not mention air suspension either way.
The RWD title tells you some Model S cars came with factory air suspension. If yours has it, do not order from these listings. Call us with the VIN before you buy anything.
Tesla Coilovers: Which Brand Fits Your Build
Every brand here builds performance suspension for a different driver. None of them is the right answer for everyone.
BC Racing uses nitrogen-charged monotube dampers in every series. The BR and DS have 30-click simultaneous compression and rebound. The ER adds an external reservoir for sustained track heat. The ZX is three-way adjustable: 30-click rebound, 20-click low-speed compression, 12-click high-speed compression. Swift Springs SPEC-R upgrade springs fit up front on the "Swift Front Only" listings. BC Racing North America lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, from the date of purchase, subject to its warranty terms.
KW V3 has independently adjustable rebound and compression in twin-tube stainless steel bodies. KW lists a limited lifetime warranty on KW V3 for the original purchaser. It must come from an authorized North American dealer and be installed per KW's instructions.
Öhlins Road & Track kits use Öhlins' DFV (Dual Flow Valve) design.
TEIN Flex Z gives you 16-click damping. It works with TEIN's EDFC controller on supported applications.
Fortune Auto hand-builds its kits in Virginia. The 500 Series is single-adjustable and custom valved. The 510 adds independent compression and rebound.
For a daily Model 3 or Model Y, a street-valved kit with a sensible spring rate will serve you well. For track days, look at the adjustable options and ask us about rates. The monotube vs twin tube guide explains why these brands build their dampers differently.
Ioniq 5 N and Other EVs
We get asked about the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. We do not list a coilover kit for it right now. Call us and we will check with the brands before you spend any money.
Our catalogue does cover a few other EVs. KW lists the Polestar 2 in 2WD and AWD and the Mach-E AWD. BC Racing lists the Mustang Mach-E RWD/AWD, the Chevrolet Bolt EV and several Nissan Leaf years.
Setting Up Tesla Coilovers for the Street
Most Teslas we fit are daily drivers. That shapes the setup more than any spec sheet.
Pick a drop you can live with. A low Model 3 looks great until the first steep driveway or parking ramp. Go down a little, drive it for a week, then decide if you want more.
Leave the damping near the kit's manual setting at first. If the car feels loose over dips, add rebound or compression a few clicks at a time. Write down every change so you can go back.
Watch your tires after the first month. Uneven wear on the inner edge points to camber or toe that needs another look. That is your cue to go back to the alignment shop.
Installing Coilovers on an EV
Lift the car only at the points shown in your owner's manual. A floor jack in the wrong spot can do expensive damage on any EV.
Lower in small steps and set ride height on coilovers before you lock anything down. Snug every locking collar once height is set, and recheck them after the first few hundred miles. Then align the car, because any height change alters camber and toe.
Driver-assist cameras and sensors are another question. Ask your service center whether a ride height change calls for recalibration on your car. Our guide to coilovers and electronics covers how suspension changes interact with stability systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are coilovers worth it on a Tesla?
If you want a lower stance, less body motion and control over the ride, yes. Pick a kit built for your exact model and drivetrain, with spring rates meant for the car's weight.
Do coilovers increase Tesla range?
KW reports that testing by German EV specialist Nextmove found up to about seven percent more range. That test used a rear-wheel-drive Tesla Model 3 with KW Variant 3 coilovers. The result applies to that test, not every car.
Can I fit coilovers to a Model S with air suspension?
Our BC Racing Model S RWD listing excludes OEM air suspension. Do not order a listed kit for an air-suspension car. Call 1-800-460-9106 with your VIN first.
Do Model 3 coilovers fit the Model Y?
Usually not. Most brands list them as separate products. The Öhlins Road & Track listing is the exception, since its title names both cars for 2017-2023.
Are there coilovers for the Model 3 or Model Y Performance?
Our KW listing for the 2020 to 2023 Model Y AWD includes the Performance. For newer Performance cars with factory adaptive dampers, none of our listings name them. Call us and we will check what KW builds for your car. Call with your VIN before ordering.
Do I need stiffer springs on an EV?
A heavier car needs more spring rate for the same ride height and feel. The kits we list are built for each car. If you want custom rates, ask us before you order.
Do you sell Ioniq 5 N coilovers?
Not right now. Call us and we will check what the brands have for it.
Talk to Us About Your EV
Tell us the model, year, drivetrain and whether the car has air suspension or adaptive dampers. We will match it to a kit that fits and rides the way you want.
Call 1-800-460-9106 with your VIN handy. Free shipping on most kits within the United States.
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