Tesla Engine Options, Size, Specs, and HP

Sandy B
Feb 9, 2021

Red tesla Logo Closeup

Just how does Tesla hit those big performance numbers and speed rates with an electric engine? The Tesla engine is one of the most interesting of all of the currently used motors. That may be why you are interested in purchasing one. Can the Tesla engine really perform?

What are the specs of the Tesla engine? 

The Tesla Model S for 2020 features a front and rear motor combined output of 825 horsepower, or 825 hp, 960 lb-ft. or 1300 N-m, and a three-phase AC induction motor and a 1-speed direct-drive fixed gear ratio transmission. 

Get up and go? Let’s face it, most of us haven’t been behind the wheel of 825 horsepower, but these engines can produce a great deal of power and performance that’s hard to overlook. Let’s take a closer look at the specs, history, and expectations of these engines.

History of the Tesla Engine

Tesla was first launched in 2003 by Marc Tarpenning and Martin Eberhard, who had the goal of developing an electric sports car. Elon Musk, who is perhaps the most recognized part of the startup, served as chairman starting in 2004.

The company released its first vehicle in 2008. It was the electric Roadster and was capable of going 245 miles on a single charge. This was by far the most impressive vehicle to date in electric vehicles.

From the start, the motor was able to go from 0 to 60 in 4 seconds and could reach speeds of 125 miles per hour. This electric motor was powered by lithium-ion cells. Those are the same types of cells used in most computer batteries.

In 2012, the company launched the Model S. It had three battery options and was able to go from 0 to 60 in just over 4 seconds while hitting 130 miles per hour.

The Model X, which is a crossover vehicle, was built in 2015. It provided an SUV-like setup with a much more affordable price point. The Model 3 was launched in 2017.

Which Models Have a Tesla Engine?

The Tesla engine is found in all Tesla vehicles (formerly known as Tesla Motors). This includes:

Each vehicle has a slightly different setup when it comes to its engine, speed, and charging abilities.

Yet, all of them are built by Tesla.

People Also Ask These Questions Related to the Tesla Engine

There are always a few questions about Tesla engines — and with good reason. There are few other brands that have taken on the electric motor with such vigor and created such a different type of engine. Here are some of the most common questions asked about the Tesla engine.

How Much Horsepower Does a Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Have?

While this changes from year to year, the 2020 model for the Tesla Model 3 has a dual motor performance engine. It is able to produce a total output of 450 horsepower. It also produces 471 lb-ft. It is able to do this because there is an electric motor for each axle. It also has a larger battery and all-wheel drive, increasing its overall performance.

What Kind of Electric Motor Is Used in Tesla?

Tesla vehicles use what is called an induction motor. This is a three-phase modulating inverter driver motor. The Tesla Roadster has an AC induction motor. Some vehicles also have a brushless DC Motor or BLDC motor. The motors in Tesla are manufactured by the company – they do not use other branded motors in their vehicles.

Why Are Tesla Vehicles So Fast?

There’s no doubt Tesla is a fast vehicle no matter which model they have. The Tesla Model S is capable of going from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds in what the company calls “Ludicrous mode.” That’s the fastest ever in this type of vehicle.

Tesla can reach these speeds for various reasons.

First, they have better batteries that allow the car to accelerate at a much faster rate. Tesla doesn’t share all of the details of how this happens, but it does note that the new batteries in the later models have more cells in them even though they are the same overall size.

The car also has a number of built-in advantages. The vehicle does not have all of the small parts that typically take a lot of work to get the engine working. Electric motors are able to perform at a nearly instantaneous rate.

Why Does Tesla Use an AC Motor?

Some vehicles have an AC motor. There are advantages to these. One reason is that torque in an AC motor is constant up to certain levels of speed and then decreases. This helps to improve the performance of the vehicle.

Do Tesla Vehicles Have Transmissions?

Tesla uses electric motors in them. These have two moving components. They also have a single-speed transmission. However, this is a different transmission than what most would expect. It does not have gears. The total drivetrain has 17 moving parts.

How Long Does It Take to Charge a Tesla at a Charging Station?

Tesla Supercharging stations are some of the best options because they allow for the cars to charge in 20 minutes to 50%. Consumers can also find other charging partners to charge vehicles on the go.

Home charging stations are recommended.

Generally speaking, it takes 8.5 to 10 hours at 220V to charge a Tesla fully. Some of this also depends on the size of the engine and the amount of power being provided to it.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Ross on September 3, 2021
Motors are electric. Engines are gas, diesel or steam
Gasoline steam and diesel powered rotating devices are generally called engines Electrically powered rotating Are called motors
accountCircle Bucky on September 17, 2022
No size is listed, not an engine
Title says the article will provide the size of the motor, even though it doesn't. Also teslas don't use engines
accountCircle ross hater on August 5, 2022
Sthu ross
Ross is big baby it dont matter kid
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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