Tesla’s have been surging in popularity in recent years, and for good reason, too. These electric cars are high-performance vehicles that don’t look like an electric car. Unless you are a Tesla fan, you wouldn’t know an electric car just passed you. Since Tesla’s are still pricey, most consumers have opted for the rear-wheel-drive with a single motor, but the new dual-motor has some wondering if an upgrade is worth it.
Tesla Dual Motor vs. Single: Is the Difference Worth it? It depends on your personal wants and needs. Dual motor Teslas have all-wheel drive, longer range, more horsepower, and faster acceleration. Whereas single motor Teslas are rear wheel drive and more affordable.
If you’re thinking about taking the plunge and purchasing a Tesla, you need to make sure you are making the choice that is right for you. If the option of a single or dual motor concerns your purchase, then you need the facts. We are going to breakdown everything you need to know about the dual-motor so you can make the decision that is right for you.
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What is Tesla?
First let’s get up to speed on why dual motor vs single motor matters.
Based out of Palo Alto, California, Tesla produces vehicles that work entirely off of electricity, no gas at all. Their unique cars are designed with extremely powerful batteries that are able to be charged at home or on the road at Superchargers.
Whether you choose dual motor or single motor, you’ll get a great bang for your buck by buying a Tesla. You won’t have to worry about gas prices fluctuating, or the routine maintenance that comes with gas cars. Although the upfront cost may be high, the long term savings, of both dual motor and single motor Tesla’s, compared to gas vehicles is typically a few thousand dollars per year.
Not only the cost savings, but Tesla’s are also an excellent option for those who are concerned about the environment. Since the cars don’t use gas or oil, no harmful emissions are being emitted into the air. This helps the environment as well as providing cleaner air to breathe.
One major thing that draws plenty of buyers to Tesla is its appearance. Before Tesla, most electric cars looked, well, electric. Manufacturers wanted to signal that their cars were different. But Tesla wanted to send a different signal—that an electric vehicle could look stylish.
There are several different models of Tesla’s available on the market today. The most common is the popular Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model S, both of which are sedan-style, but also the Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model X.
The Model 3 and Y are the affordable versions of the S and X.
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The Difference Between a Single and Dual Motor System
If you’re mostly concerned about which motor is right for you (single or dual), then you first need to know what both of these motors are. We’re going to breakdown the major differences between these two systems and how they operate so that you have a better understanding, which will guide you in your decision-making process.
What is a Single Motor System?
The single motor is the cheaper option, and it includes one motor in the rear of the vehicle. Not all Tesla’s offer single motor options. The single motor option means the vehicle is rear-wheel drive only.
Pros of a Single Motor System
- The vehicle has less parts so reliability may be increased
- The vehicle will cost less
Cons of a Single Motor System
- The vehicle will only come in rear-wheel drive
- Single motor is not offered on all Tesla models
- The vehicle will have less range
- The vehicle will have less horsepower
- The vehicle will have a slower 0-60 time
To put it simply, the single motor system provides enough power to suit most individuals but it will be limited to rear-wheel drive. There is less complexity than a dual-motor system, allowing it to be a cheaper vehicle that will still get the job done.
What is a Dual Motor System?
When it comes to a dual-motor system, the vehicle will have two separate motors. The rear motor is the same as that of the single motor vehicle, but there is an additional motor in the front of the vehicle. The front motor allows the vehicle the have all wheel drive, and faster acceleration.
Pros of a Dual Motor System
- The vehicle will have a longer range
- The vehicle will have more horsepower
- The vehicle will have a faster 0-60 time
- The vehicle will have all-wheel drive
Cons of a Dual Motor System
- The vehicle is going to be more expensive
- The vehicle has more parts to potentially break (although not a major concern)
A dual motor system is for those who need all-wheel drive, want more power, acceleration, and range, and don’t mind the additional upfront cost.
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Tesla Dual Motor: Is it Worth It?
Now that you know the basics behind a single motor and dual motor, it’s time to figure out if the dual motor is worth it for you.
The AWD in Dual-Motor Systems is Highly Beneficial
One of the most significant benefits of opting for a dual-motor system is the inclusion of AWD, otherwise known as an all-wheel drive. With the AWD system in the dual-motor, the car is able to distribute the horsepower and maximize the torque levels in immediate response to the road conditions. It is also able to distribute weight properly to grip onto the road in all types of weather.
How does all-wheel drive work? A quick run-down:
The all-wheel drive works with a dual-motor system like this: when you are working with harder acceleration, then the car will transfer weight to the rear end. This allows for the front motor to reduce the overall power and torque that is necessary to keep the front wheel stable and not spinning in lousy weather conditions. During this time, all of the energy from the front motor is used in the rear where it is needed to stay stable and efficient.
This is also true when the dual-motor system is braking in harsh weather conditions, but it works in the opposite way. Instead of the front power being distributed to the back, the front will have more torque and power that is necessary for stopping.
What is AWD?
If you aren’t completely familiar with all-wheel drive, then you might not think you need it. And it’s true, for those who do not live in areas where there is snow or rain often, you probably don’t need all-wheel drive.
Think of all-wheel drive as the safest option for harsh weather conditions. The AWD system allows for power to reach all of the wheels when necessary, which means you can have the proper weight and power distribution to handle accelerating and braking, even when it is snowing heavily.
Who needs AWD?
Anyone who lives in an area where there is ample amounts of snow and rain can benefit from an all-wheel drive system because the car will be much safer to drive than a rear-wheel drive vehicle.
If you live in an area with harsh weather conditions, then the dual-motor system is a great option.
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Conclusion
A lot of consumers can get by with a regular single motor system and feel happy and confident with their purchase. However, if you are looking for an electric car that will give you all-wheel drive capabilities, more power, more acceleration, and more range, than the dual-motor is the car for you.
The last thing you want to do is purchase the single motor option only to wish you had choose the dual-motor option afterwards. I’ve seen this happen to Tesla owners in the past and it makes me glad I personally chose the dual motor option.
Either way, buying a Tesla is a great decision. Hopefully this article has helped you decide which option, the single motor or the dual motor, is right for you.