June 8, 2023

A Quad-Motor Model S Is Feasible, But Tesla Didn’t Establish It

Elon Musk famously named the new tri-motor, superior-efficiency variant of the 2022 Tesla Product S the “Plaid” simply because like the motion picture Spaceballs says, it is the only move further than “Ludicrous,” the preceding top-pet in the Model S lineup. Nicely what if there is a phase further than Plaid and the cancelled Plaid+? According to a source at the company, there is no motive why Tesla could not make a quad-motor Product S if it preferred to.

Why Would Tesla Want to Make a Quad-Motor Model S?

Two good reasons largely: much more electricity and extra traction, which could probably improve the Product S’ launch, and really give it a sub-2.-next -60 mph time without having any gimmicks. According to the underneath cutaway, as the Design S Plaid is at the moment laid out it has two motors at the rear axle driving every rear wheel, and 1 at the entrance axle, arranged to largely travel the entrance-proper wheel.

These carbon-sleeved motors are equivalent, states our supply, and are excellent for a overall program output of 1,020 hp and 1,050 lb-ft of torque. That means just about every one particular generates close to 340 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

Adding an more front motor to the Model S would in idea enhance horsepower to 1,360, and torque to 1,400 lb-ft, with the extra excess weight of the motor (furthermore the push force of the motor alone) quite possibly assisting give the motor vehicle improved traction and efficiency.

Why Did not Tesla Make a Quad-Motor Design S?

As our resource place it, Tesla simply did not experience the need to have to make a quad-motor Model S. The Design S Plaid’s twin-motor rear push device would healthy on the entrance axle, but it would further more shrink an presently lesser frunk and make the automobile fewer effective, even though introducing charge and complexity. Our resource also pointed out that the Product S Plaid was by now at the bleeding edge of the functionality envelope, building it a riskier proposition to build the automaker’s initially-ever quad-motor technique.

The Model S Plaid’s existing tri-motor system is envisioned to be out there on both the Cybertruck and Roadster, if possibly at any time reaches output. Rivian seems like it will be the initially automaker to industry with a quad-motor system, which will come typical on its R1T and R1S pickup and SUV. GM is just not far powering. The GMC Hummer EV Pickup will also function a quad-motor powertrain when it goes on sale late this yr.