For lots of enthusiasts, stock is never enough. However, for the early adopters of electric vehicles there was little in the way of upgrades on the market. Some brands, notoriously Tesla, offered very little in the way of options and upgrades, and most owners were forced to keep their vehicles stock.
However, whilst EV’s offer incredible acceleration and traction, there are still lots of areas which can be upgraded for drivers looking to unlock the full performance potential of their cars.
Composite seat upgrades are amongst the most popular, and Tillett develops solutions for both manufacturers and the aftermarket. Here are some of the main benefits of upgrading the seats on your performance EV:
At the top of the list is weight saving. Lotus’ Colin Chapman first taught us that the most effective way to improve the handling dynamics of any vehicle is to reduce weight. This is even more important when it comes to electric vehicles due to the substantial weight of the battery pack (which can easily approach 800kg).
Whilst the battery pack is heavy, its placement along the floor of the vehicle creates a highly desirable lowered centre of gravity which enhances stability and reduces body roll during cornering.
Upgrading to a Tillett performance seat not only significantly reduces weight (we often see weight savings over stock of up to 30kg per seat), but critically helps to further lower the centre of gravity to improve handling even more.
Beyond improving handling, reducing weight will also enhance the range of an EV – a critical factor for track enthusiasts. To put it into perspective, a Model 3, for instance, would require recharging after approximately four laps of the Nürburgring when pushing it to the limit!
Tillett manufactures seats designed to accommodate various belt configurations. Take, for instance, the B10 (pictured above), which retains a high level of leg support while at the same time having cutaway sides suitable for both stock 3-Point seatbelts, as well as 5 or 6-point racing harnesses. An added benefit of the B10 is its lowered side profile, ensuring seamless entry and exit from the vehicle – perfect for everyday driving convenience but still retains superior leg support for the track.
Tillett seats provide superior lateral support during high-speed driving, reducing the risk of sliding around in the seat and in turn giving the driver a better command of the controls, allowing finer driver inputs and ultimately faster progress especially through the turns.
Tillett seats are famously compact, the reason they are so popular amongst owners of vehicles with limited cabin space. This feature is particularly attractive to EV manufacturers who are working to find extra space for battery packs to extend their vehicle ranges. An example of which is the Alpine A290 concept car (pictured) which uses two B6 Screamer seats due to the limited space.
Thanks to the shape, design and exposed carbon composite finish, Tillett seats give any car's cabin an instant ‘wow-factor’. Because Tillett represents the pinnacle of composite technology, the seats are particularly suited to EV’s, which themselves are marketed as being technologically advanced ‘next generation’ vehicles.
There's a widespread misconception that a seat's comfort relies on its padding. In reality, the abundance of padding commonly seen in stock seats (and even some aftermarket options) is often used to conceal an inadequately designed or constructed internal structure. While such seats might provide an initially plush sitting experience, the continuous micro-adjustments your muscles make to maintain posture during longer drives can lead to rapid discomfort.
Tillett's precision manufacturing process allows for the creation of an exceptionally accurate seat contour. This results in perfect contact with the driver's body, providing consistent support and eliminating the fatigue and discomfort associated with poor posture.
It may surprise you to know that Tillett seats, even in their completely unpadded form, can offer superior comfort over longer journeys compared to the majority of seats on the market. This includes both stock and aftermarket options.
As technology in the EV market continues to progress, Tillett remains at the forefront, specialising in designing seats that cater to the distinct needs of this ever-evolving industry. Our commitment ensures an exceptional experience for drivers and racers across the globe.
If you're considering an upgrade yourself, then check out our range here and reach out to our team or your local Tillett dealer. We're here to discuss your specific requirements and help get you into the perfect Tillett seat for your needs.
Tillett seats look, feel and perform differently to any other seat on the market today. This is thanks to a unique (and closely guarded) manufacturing system which is part craftsmanship, part technical know-how and part materials technology.
From research and design to prototype testing and manufacture by hand - every step of our process is rooted in no-compromise quality.
Get in touch with us via our online contact form or by giving us a ring at 01795 420312.
