Draft 3

 

The web page “Models" from Tesla (n.d.) introduce their flagship model, the Tesla Model S plaid citing its impressive range and fast acceleration. The latest vehicle uses the tri-motor AWD as its powertrain, placing 2 of the motors in the rear and 1 in the front (Kooverjee, 2023). The motors work by converting electricity from the 407-volt lithium-ion battery pack into mechanical energy in the form of torque to propel the vehicle forward (Owen, 2023). However, it's more than just using 3 motors that allow this vehicle to be so quick (Hoffman, 2022). The new motor system is designed to use permanent-magnet synchronous AC induction motors that can generate 752 pounds of torque. With carbon fibre-wrapped rotors inside the motor rotating up to 20,000 RPM, roughly 25% quicker than previously (Vanderwerp, 2021). The tri-motor also features a regenerative braking system, allowing users to operate the vehicle with one pedal only. As removing pressure off the pedal decelerates the vehicle, while the motors recover the kinetic energy and transfer it to electricity (Johnson, 2023).

 

The tri-motor AWD system, due to its better efficiency, higher peak torque and power, and ability to eliminate the loss of power, helps the Model S Plaid achieve its impressive range and faster acceleration.

 

In terms of better efficiency. The tri-motor system uses permanent-magnet synchronous AC induction motors that are not only resilient to ecological factors, it's also adjustable so that the motor powers on with the greater torque in the range of 92-95% efficiency (Karthik, 2019). Additionally, the carbon fibre sleeves used to encase the rotors inside the motor, restrict expansion when spinning, enabling an increase in RPM. This creates a more potent electromagnetic field than a conventional rotor secured by metal (Bower, 2021). Lastly, with the motor built lighter, it results in less energy to spin to produce the same amount of mechanical energy. Increasing the motor`s efficiency (Luthada, 2023).

 

In terms of higher peak torque and power. The magnets used in the tri-motor are double in strength compared to Model Y. Furthermore, Tesla layers the motor laminates into a stack instead of a single piece. Resulting in 25% additional peak torque and power without increasing additional weight (Wang, 2022). 

 

In terms of eliminating the loss of power. The placement of the 2 motors in the rear, cuts out the necessity for a differential, which is a set of gears used in rotating the inner wheel quicker so the car can turn. By removing the differential, the potential loss of energy when traveling via the gears or friction is eliminated (Hoffman, 2022). Additionally, the regenerative braking system not only produces a force that decelerates the vehicle but also uses the motor`s ability to operate in inverse. Converting about 70% of the velocity energy when stopping into electricity, which would normally be dissipated as thermal energy in a conventional brake. Improving the driving extent (Armstrong, 2023).

 

Overall, the Model S Plaid has a maximum travel distance of 637 KM per charge. Which is a significantly higher threshold than current EV contenders (Lee, C., Hua, W., Long, T., Jiang, C., & Iyer, L., 2021). The Model S Plaid also can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds, making it the quickest-accelerating production car tested by Motortrend, competing against similar EVs that are produced by Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes (Fox, 2023).

 

However, while EVs generally are more eco-friendly than conventional combustion vehicles, EVs have unnoticed environmental impacts as well. As with the production of 1 battery, 500,000 pounds of ground is treated, emitting roughly 100 KG of CO2. With the major factors of emission spread across, manufacturing, cell fabrication, and extraction (Baterna, 2023). In some cases, such as the mine in China, Jiangxi, after sorting out the desired material. The rest of the processed ground, now polluted with substances, is discarded into nature (Wade, 2016). Due to this, the manufacturing of EVs generates higher emissions than a traditional car in the beginning (Nealer, Reichmuth, Anair, 2015).

 

In conclusion, the tri-motor AWD system is an impressive electric motor that has added benefits such as higher torque and power, better efficiency as well as the elimination of loss of power. This results in a higher-performing vehicle like the Model S Plaid with its impressive driving range and quick acceleration. Even though EVs have a hidden carbon footprint, it is still more beneficial for the environment to drive an electrical vehicle than a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle due to the zero-emission tailpipe.

 

Reference

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Baterna, Q. (2023, August 19). The hidden carbon footprint of electric vehicles. SlashGear. https://www.slashgear.com/1366535/hidden-carbon-footprint-of-electric-vehicles/#:~:text=Although%20EVs%20usually%20do%20not,air%20conditioner%20and%20HFC%20leakage.

Bower, G. (2021, June 16). Engineering analysis of new Tesla Model S Plaid Supercar. InsideEVs. https://insideevs.com/news/514385/tesla-models-plaid-engineering-analysis/

Fox, E. (2023, January 7). Tesla Model S plaid is fastest car from 0-60 mph ever tested by Motortrend. TESMANIAN. https://www.tesmanian.com/blogs/tesmanian-blog/tesla-model-s-plaid-is-fastest-electric-cars-from-0-60-mph-tested-by-motortrend

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Johnson, R. (2023, July 30). Tesla Model S Plaid 75 insane features of the world’s fastest electric sedan! Tesla Model S Plaid 75 Insane Features of The Fastest EV. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tesla-model-s-plaid/

Karthik, S. H. (2019, May 3). Types of motors used in electric vehicles. Different. https://circuitdigest.com/article/different-types-of-motors-used-in-electric-vehicles-ev

Kooverjee, N. (2023, September 5). Here’s what makes the tesla model X plaid so fast. TopSpeed. https://www.topspeed.com/what-makes-tesla-model-x-plaid-so-fast/#:~:text=Tesla%20goes%20several%20steps%20ahead,third%20powers%20the%20front%20wheels.

Lee, C., Hua, W., Long, T., Jiang, C., & Iyer, L. (2021). A Critical Review of Emerging Technologies for Electric and Hybrid Vehicles. IEEE. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9664303

Luthada, P. (2023, February 17). How tesla’s “carbon-wrapped” motor with AFP could revolutionize electrification in automotive. Addcomposites. https://www.addcomposites.com/post/how-tesla-s-carbon-wrapped-motor-with-afp-could-revolutionize-electrification-in-automotive#:~:text=A%20brief%20overview%20of%20Tesla’s%20new%20carbon%2Dwrapped%20motor,-image%20showing%20no&text=Tesla’s%20Plaid%20motor%20uses%20a,to%20spin%20at%20higher%20rpms.

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Wade, L. (2016, March 31). Tesla’s electric cars aren’t as Green as you might think. Wired. https://www.wired.com/2016/03/teslas-electric-cars-might-not-green-think/

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