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Cybertruck AWD - Will TRI motor be safer than DUAL motor in winter?

Discussion in 'Cybertruck: Driving Dynamics' started by XYZ88, Mar 21, 2020.

  1. XYZ88

    XYZ88 New Member

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    Hi there,

    I'm very interested to hear your thoughts on the difference between DUAL and TRI motor in snowy/icy winter conditions.

    I've read other posts in this great forum that covered the RWD, but I'm interested in whether DUAL AWD would be any less secure in slippery conditions than TRI AWD, and then why?

    The RWD is not an option, I think, due to safety in slippery conditions. Just my feeling.

    I see the Cybertruck as a possible game-changer in expanding my service area and have this idea that in a few years I could be having it autonomously drive me (sleeping or not) to places I find too far away for "regular driving."

    Please share your thoughts!
     
  2. mongo

    mongo Well-Known Member

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    Braking would be basically the same on both. Tri gets you better independent torque control of the rear wheels (motor vs brake vectoring).

    So tri is more controllable and thus safer at some level, but not sure it's significant.
     
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  3. XYZ88

    XYZ88 New Member

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    Thanks very much!
     
  4. mongo

    mongo Well-Known Member

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    Happy to brain storm.

    One other factor: the larger pack on the tri means that, if you do get stuck, you can have power/ heat for a longer perios of time while waiting for a tow.
     
  5. coleAK

    coleAK Member

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    I’ll add another point along this line. Tri probably will be worse in the winter, bigger battery will weight more and heavier is worse on winter roads, especially under braking.
     
  6. XYZ88

    XYZ88 New Member

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    That's a good point.
     
  7. Kgorilla37

    Kgorilla37 Member

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    Tires might be more important
     
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  8. Zsazsa

    Zsazsa Member

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    Then why do folks put bags of salt pr sand in the trunk of a car to get better traction? At least in Michigan and Ohio....Probably not in California...LOL
     
  9. coleAK

    coleAK Member

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    People Put sand bags in the back of RWD trucks and cars get a better weight over the drive axle. Not an issue in EVs since most have a 50/50 WD.
     
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  10. KBowden

    KBowden Member

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    The bags of sand and salt are also so if they still get stuck they can pour some out on the ground to help get unstuck. Personally I don't think there will be a significant difference in winter safety
     
  11. rhumbliner

    rhumbliner Member

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    If that were true then all semi traffic would be halted for winter. The biggest factor in winter traction is the type of tire. I also prefer a heavy car in winter over a lightweight car. I routinely drive Teton Pass (8400’) in winter and a heavy car, with awd and winter tires is unbeatable — even downhill. But I emphasize, winter tires make the biggest difference.
     
  12. coleAK

    coleAK Member

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    Yes tires make the biggest difference. But on the same tires the lighter weight vehicle will do better.


    Of our cars all are full time AWD: MB e320 4 matic on Hakka 9, Subaru Legacy on Hakka 5, LX570 on 32” Hakka 7, and model 3 LR AWD on Hakka 9. The MB will run circles around the others (Subaru is a close 2nd) on the worst roads I’ll take the MB every time, my LX is ~ 7k lbs, sliders, rack, lockers. LX is the worst, it’s under braking it’s slides... and the trucks slow way down in the winter. I rank them; MB > Subaru > Lexus > Tesla. Tesla is only last due to its wonky traction control, it stops way better then the LX as my LX weighs about as much as the Tesla and Subaru combines.

    I’ll add most winters I drive almost entirely on snow/ice covered roads ~7 months a year. We’ve had snow/ice on the roads for over a week, got 6” at my house last night and highs will be ~20F the rest of the week, I may not see asphalt now until May.
     
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