In a AWD Tesla Model 3, why is the front and back motor different?

[sammy_]

In a AWD Tesla Model 3, why is the front motor (OEM 1120960-00-E) different from the one in the back (OEM 1120980)? Why not just use the same one for both front and back?

 

[ZenRockGarden]

Assuming it matches the Model Y, there's a permanent-magnet motor in the rear for max 0 rpm torque, and then the front motor is an induction design which is more efficient at higher speeds and can free-wheel more easily when not needed. Basically allows optimization of efficiency and performance at various speeds and acceleration rates.

 

[sammy_]

Thanks for the response! I don't think that is accurate though. The Model 3 has no induction motors. It's all IPM-SynRM motors, it seems to be a variation of:

 

[E90alex]

Thanks for the response! I don't think that is accurate though. The Model 3 has no induction motors. It's all IPM-SynRM motors, it seems to be a variation of:

 

[Young Phenom]

I'm sure there's cost savings involved too

 

[Mike1080i]

The front motor is indeed an induction motor. Owners manual link, subsystems page:

Model 3 Owner's Manual | Tesla

Learn about the various subsystem components and their specifications in your vehicle.

www.tesla.com

 

[E90alex]

As mentioned already an induction front motor helps efficiency since it can “freewheel” when not needed without using any electricity.

Also a less powerful motor in the front with a stronger motor in the rear helps driving dynamics because it makes it more rear biased.

 

[sammy_]

I stand corrected. Thank you, guys!

 

[smatthew]

Is it just the S that will "shift" to the smaller motor when appropriate for power savings?

 

[osunick]

Yes. I made a dashboard to monitor motor utilization in real time and the dual motor 3/Y are mostly RWD unless they need a little extra. They are never purely FWD. Another fun fact is that regen from high speeds is generally rear only but from low speeds you will see it from the front.

 

[HitchHiker71]

For those that use Teslogic - you can actually see when the motors are in use live in the vehicle, and as others have indicated here - for the most part unless you're demanding a lot of power and/or there are traction control issues in play - both the 3/Y only use the rear motors for propulsion and for regen braking.

 

[ZenRockGarden]

Yes. I made a dashboard to monitor motor utilization in real time and the dual motor 3/Y are mostly RWD unless they need a little extra. They are never purely FWD. Another fun fact is that regen from high speeds is generally rear only but from low speeds you will see it from the front.

Good real-world confirmation. Yeah the design favors rwd, with fwd added when needed, and also used more at low speeds since I think one of the "tricks" is that the two different motors are geared to slightly different peak-efficiency rpms so using more of one vs the other at certain speeds gives a few percent on miles/kWh

 

[dafish]

Props to many of you!! Learned something today. Thanks!