Yeah, the Model S will have more top end. 15% more voltage means a lot even if you change nothing else. There's some non-linearities in here too which mean each volt is worth more than the previous one.
Yeah I’d like to see a plot on the Model S power vs. speed. I am sure it is better for the reasons you list but betting it is not like the Plaid.
So the battery sets the max current limit for the vehicle. If Tesla didn't care about the battery, the car could already be faster 0-45 MPH.
And that's the battery that is limiting that, even today. The motors are not the limit.
Are you sure about these statements for lower speed? My understanding is that limits would only occur closer to 45mph, where the power limit is reached.
From say 0-30mph remember the power is way off the peak. So the pack is nowhere near max current.
Of course the voltage of the pack matters at some point. But at low speeds pretty sure it is limited by motor (or inverter).
Maybe I’m wrong, and you can explain how, though.
So if they have a motor that can generate more torque (and take more current and therefore accept higher input power, producing more output power, at lower speeds), it seems like they could swap that in with no pack changes and get a benefit (potentially with some substantial benefits at high speed as well, as you mentioned, due to reduced back EMF).
Well, we know the sum of the rating of the front and rear motors is already more than the battery can handle.
Just clarifying my disagreement/confusion: this only occurs starting near 45mph. At 5-15mph, where acceleration is at its peak, for example, the draw from the battery is nowhere near peak. Neither motor is anywhere near peak output power.
Someone should post the plot (was on Reddit at some point but too lazy to go find it).
Again, happy to hear/learn how I might be misunderstanding physical limitations here. Very informative posts (I agree with most of it).
Ok, here is the excellent Reddit post (thanks Google; first link). One capture from P3D (ignore the AWD software-limited lines) showing power is way off the peak until it…gets to the peak:
reddit.com
I think there were some other posts too showing battery power draw at the same time and maybe separating front and rear motors. But again…too lazy to look up. They were all linked-to/posted here years ago of course.
EDIT (thanks again Google):
Looks like it was only for the AWD but you get the idea since this shows battery power. Maybe some similar capture also exists for the Performance; don’t quite remember.
reddit.com