Tesla has been one of the most recognizable electric vehicles on the road since 2003, but have you ever thought about what powers a Tesla? Do Teslas have engines? How is this electric vehicle designed?
In this guide, I will explain what kind of engine Teslas have. Then I will look into whether the Tesla lineup has a traditional transmission. I will also look at the advantages to the use of the AC motor.
Do Teslas Have Engines?
Yes. Teslas have engines, although not the conventional internal combustion engine, they have electric motors that are powered by rechargeable batteries. Tesla vehicles can have anywhere from one to four electric motors, as conventional cars have one engine and Tesla cars are powered by electric motors.
For the rear-wheel-drive models, the Tesla electric motor is located over the rear axle. For the all-wheel-drive models, the electric motor is typically located in-between the front wheels. For the latest model in Tesla’s fleet, the cybertruck, it will come with an electric motor on each wheel.
To charge a Tesla vehicle, it needs to be plugged in to the correct and appropriate connector. Depending what model and charger you have, will dictate how long it will take to charge your Tesla vehicle.
Although Tesla’s look like an ordinary car, they are not set up like cars that you are used too. They have a totally different configuration, or build, than what you are used too.
Where is the Tesla Engine?
If you’ve ever looked under the hood of a Tesla, you’ll see that there is no internal combustion engine. You will not hear the usual sounds from a gas or diesel engine either.
With a gas or diesel motor, you hear a lot of noise and know there is an engine running. That is not how it works with Tesla EVs.
You will find additional storage room, under the hood, because there is no engine. While the Tesla car is not powered by gasoline, it is powered by one or more electric motors and powered by onboard rechargeable batteries.
There is a motor on each axle that is being powered. If you have a rear-wheel drive Tesla, the location of the motor powering the rear axle is at the rear of the car.
Front-wheel drive models have a motor on the front axle that powers it. All Wheel Drive contains a motor on the front axle and the rear axle to power all 4 wheels.
Do Teslas Have Transmissions?
When compared to other electric vehicles, Tesla electric vehicles do not have a traditional transmission. The electric motor accelerates based on your input when you press down the pedal. The design allows for instantaneous torque and direct delivery of the torque to the wheels.
In traditional combustion engines, there is a waiting game. The transmission of a traditional gas-powered engine has things that it needs to complete before everything happens in succession.
First, the transmission has to turn. Then the driveshaft is made to turn, which ultimately moves the car forward as the power is made to the wheels.
In a Tesla, as soon as you press down the accelerator, everything happens simultaneously.
Tesla, and other EV makers, use a single-speed automatic transmission. This transmission is needed for the application of the proper torque that is coming out of the electric motor to each of the appropriate wheels.
Without a gas engine, a Tesla EV can also outperform a majority other normal cars that are on the road, thanks in part to the torque from the configuration of the electric motor.
ID-Vs can have top speeds that are not on the same levels as other models of a Tesla, but you will be quick off the line compared to a gas vehicle.
All of this is made possible by the instant torque delivery from its transmission and electric motor. One interesting aspect of a Tesla electric motor is that the motors are alternating current motors, instead of direct current.
AC is alternating current and DC is direct current. So, who cares? What is the benefit to Tesla and why did they choose to use an AC motor? Let’s find out.
Benefits of an AC Motor
#1. Increased Torque.
I have mentioned just how much instant torque you can get from a Tesla, but you may not know just how much more it creates as well.
When using an AC motor, you are able to get greater torque ratings than an engine given the same size. Being able to produce torque at these levels allows the car to move faster off the line and push forward more quickly than the typical gas-powered vehicle.
#2. More Efficiency.
When you own and drive an electric car, you are always thinking about your trip efficiency. When the ride wastes enough miles of range, you are forced to find a charger and take a break much sooner than you would like.
That’s why it’s important that Tesla uses AC motors as their motors are more efficient allowing you to save miles. Another great advantage to AC motors is they also create a steady amount of output which allows for very little instability when driving at high speeds.
#3. Compact Size.
In terms of power and size, the AC motor is more advantageous than the DC motor. Thus, when AC motors are utilized for a vehicle such as a Tesla, it can decrease the weight of the car substantially.
When the weight is significantly lower, there is less pressure in regard to the efficiency. Also, because the motor takes up less room as well.
Tesla vs. Hybrids
Many people confuse Tesla EVs with hybrid vehicles, but they are not the same thing. In fact, Tesla vehicles have no fuel-burning engine at all, whereas the hybrid does. Yes, the hybrid could be plugged-in with compatible models, but this just helps lease a small amount of range to offset the gas-burning motor.
The range of a hybrid will never allow for hundreds of miles from battery only, since there is not enough space to add all the necessary equipment into the vehicle to run all battery not taking into account a standard motor and transmission.
Instead, hybrids provide electric-only power only over short distance giving those in urban areas a limited range and functionality when they are not needed to leave the local area they live in.
There are other hybrid configurations available. You can buy a hybrid that doesn’t need to be plugged-in, or you can buy a hybrid that does.
Hybrids have existed longer on the road, over EV’s and it will be a majority as most automakers invest in EV technology.