Under the hood

[Mullett]

After enjoying my Model S for almost a year, I decided to dig into some detail about what really goes on under the hood! My MS in Electrical Engineering taught me a lot, and I had a wonderful 52-year career designing circuits and many of the inner workings of the car, but a knowledge of drive trains and differentials was unneeded (and absent) for the work I did. Now, after retirement, I decided to dig into enough detail to bring my understanding of this fine piece of engineering to a new level.

Below are links to YouTube videos explaining (first) the overall picture, and then the details of the motor and differential. I willingly let friends drive my S, but first they must watch the first ten-minute video, as I think it’s necessary if they’re to appreciate what’s under the hood.

How the Tesla car works:

How the motor works: Tesla's 3-Phase 4-Pole AC Induction Motor -- Why Nikola Tesla’s 19th Century Induction Motor Is The Ideal Choice For The 21st Century Electric Car | CleanTechnica AND:

Open vs. Locked differential:

How a differential works:

Tesla’s limited-slip differential: How does Model S Traction Control work?

I hope you enjoy the fruits of my research! Comments welcomed.

 

[JPoldo]

Awesome videos, thank you. As another EE with decades of experience, I really appreciate the technology. I suspect Tesla has a much higher percentage of owners with a technical background than any other brand. Single pedal driving is a hoot as energy is returned to the battery instead of wasted as heat. Over 1/3 of my charging is at no-charge locations that feel like free gasoline pumps. My non-technical wife doesn't like the vehicle, but it's no surprise since her car brand has been Mercedes since 1980.

 

[f205v]

very good and informative videos! thank you.

 

[Mullett]

Awesome videos, thank you. As another EE with decades of experience, I really appreciate the technology. I suspect Tesla has a much higher percentage of owners with a technical background than any other brand. Single pedal driving is a hoot as energy is returned to the battery instead of wasted as heat. Over 1/3 of my charging is at no-charge locations that feel like free gasoline pumps. My non-technical wife doesn't like the vehicle, but it's no surprise since her car brand has been Mercedes since 1980.

 

[Mullett]

Me, too, re the recharging---mostly in Oxnard, CA. My wife likes the Model S, but prefers her 2014 Toyota Venza (the station wagon version of the Camry, discontinued in 2015).