Video: Understanding the Tesla Model S performance motor

Motor Age and PTEN are happy to partner with WeberAuto to bring videos on hybrid and electric technology to our readers.

March 31, 2022

Join John D. Kelly of WeberAuto for a deep dive into the details of the 18,000 rpm performance rear motor and drive unit from a 2015-2016 Tesla Model S P90D. This drive unit is similar to the one used in the 2017-2020 P100D. The video is divided into four sections showing:

1. The motor and gears

2. The high-performance bearings

3. The lubrication system

4. The cooling system.

CORRECTIONS:

The Nissan Leaf ring gear is held on with eight bolts, not six; the fluid in this drive unit is Dexron-VI transmission fluid; induction motor rotors do not have poles, just the stator. The 60 slot stator has four poles; and silicon nitride is a ceramic material.

Motor Age and PTEN are thrilled to partner with WeberAuto to bring videos on hybrid and electric technology to our readers. John D. Kelly is a professor of Automotive Technology at Weber State University in Layton, Utah. Learn more about the program here and click here to donate.