This Is Tesla Model S Plaid's Drive Unit

There has never been a motor that looks like this.

Tesla Model S Plaid electric drive unit

Mark Kane

By: Mark Kane

Jun 11, 2021 at 8:54am ET

Add InsideEVs as a preferred source in Google

Comment

Tesla has shown at the Model S Plaid delivery event the drive units responsible for the amazing performance, including (0-60 mph in 1.99 seconds including rollout).

Let's recall that unlike the standard dual motor setup, the Plaid cars are equipped with a total of three electric motors. One in the front for the front axle, and two in the rear for the rear wheels with torque vectoring system. The total system output is 1,020 hp (about 760 kW).

Tesla Model S Plaid

The drive units integrate high-speed electric motor, inverter, and single-speed transmission (despite the top speed being up to 200 mph (322 km/h).

The top speed will be available when equipped with the proper wheels and tires (available fall 2021).

Tesla Model S Plaid electric drive unit

One of the key elements of the new drive units are carbon-sleeved rotors, used for the first time in series production.

Elon Musk explained at the event that there was never a motor like that before and it required to design a special new machine that makes the rotors.

The motor has to wind at extremely high tension, as cooper and carbon have different thermal characteristics and there is a very tight air gap.

Hopefully, it will withstand the frequent surges that the enthusiast will be willing to experience.

Tesla Model S Plaid electric drive unit - rotors

The end result is a very good power curve of the Plaid car, far ahead of the previous key Tesla Model S cars, despite at the time of introduction, each of them was state-of-the-art.

Tesla Model S Plaid Delivery Day: Perfect Power Curve

It's amazing that within nine years we can see so much progress and we are still at the beginning of the road.

Another important thing in the refreshed Tesla cars is new battery packs. The battery modules and battery packs were redesigned, but still consist of cylindrical 1865 cells.

That allows accepting higher charging power as well as discharge at higher power, including a 5-times higher number of high-speed quarter-mile runs, compared to the prior architecture, before throttling due to overheating.

To improve thermal performance, Tesla uses its "latest and greatest" heat pump system (HVAC). It improves heating efficiency in cold weather, but also is key to keeping the powertrain cool (thanks to a two times bigger radiator).

Tesla Model S Plaid heat pump

What do you think?

View

Comments

The only thing now is to wait and see for the acceleration tests of the new Tesla Model S Plaid against the top ICEs and top EVs from other manufacturers.

Gallery: Tesla Model S Plaid Delivery Day

Tesla Model S Plaid

Tesla Model S Plaid Delivery Day Tesla Model S Plaid 0.208 drag coefficient Tesla Model S Plaid interior

Tesla Model S Plaid specs

390 miles (628 km) of EPA est. range
battery capacity: N/A
0-60 mph (96.5 km/h) in 1.99 seconds (*with rollout subtracted)
1/4 Mile 9.23@155 mph trap speed
top speed of 200 mph (322 km) †when equipped with the proper wheels and tires (available fall 2021)
three-motor all-wheel drive (one motor in the front and two motors in the rear)
system output: 1,020 hp (about 760 kW)
DC fast charging: at up to 250 kW (Superchargers)
can replenish 187 miles (301 km) in 15 minutes
Drag Coefficient 0.208 Cd
Wheels 19" or 21"
Cargo 28 cu ft
Weight 4,766 lbs (2,162 kg)