Ahead of releasing all the specs and opening orders for the Model 3 dual motor and performance versions, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been slowly releasing some details about the new versions of the electric car.
He now says that the Model 3 dual motor performance will feature both an AC induction motor and a switched reluctance, partial permanent magnet motor. The CEO also said that the performance version will feature a carbon fiber spoiler, 20” Performance wheels, and black and white interior options.
For the Model S and Model X programs, Tesla has been using AC induction motors.
The company has been exclusively working on induction motors for years when they decided to switch to permanent magnet motors for the rear-wheel-drive Model 3, which has been the only Model 3 in production.
Earlier this year, Tesla’s principal motor designer, Konstantinos Laskaris, explained the logic behind the move – saying that they saw efficiency and performance benefits for the less expensive Model 3.
But now with the introduction of the dual motor performance version of the Model 3, Musk says that the new front motor will be an AC induction motor:
AC induction front & switched reluctance, partial permanent magnet rear. Silicon Carbide inverters in both. Performance drive units are lot sorted for highest sigma output & get double the burn-in.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2018
Musk makes it sound like the Performance Model 3 will be using the same rear motors as the current rear-wheel-drive Model 3, but they will pick the highest rated ones with double the burn-in process to make sure they can handle a higher output.
As for the front motor, it will be an AC induction motor, like the Model S and Model X motors.
The front AC induction motor should enable Tesla to more efficiently optimize the torque and increase the overall range without increasing the energy capacity of the vehicle.
The use of silicon carbide in the inverters of both motors should also enable a higher power output.
Musk also confirmed that the performance version will feature a carbon fiber spoiler, 20” Performance wheels, and black and white interior options:
Also, carbon fiber spoiler, 20” Performance wheels, black & white interior.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 20, 2018
While those are important details about the Model 3 performance version, it doesn’t give us a good idea of the specs compared to the current rear-wheel-drive Model 3.
Working on Model 3 dual motor all-wheel drive & performance versions. Driving feel is amazing. Aiming to release config late tonight.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 19, 2018
The CEO said that Tesla plans to start opening orders for the new options late tonight. At that point, we should have the specs and pricing information.
We will report back as soon as we have the details.
Update: Tesla unveils faster and more powerful Model 3 dual motor AWD and Performance versions
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