Tesla Model S Electric Motor Factory Assembly Plant – Video
The 2012 Tesla Model S Performance model has a three phase, four pole AC induction 416 hp (310 kW) and 443 ft·lb (600 N·m) rear-mounted electric motor with copper rotor.[52] The base model uses a 362 hp (270 kW) and 325 ft·lb (440 N·m) motor. The company claimed a drag coefficient of Cd=0.24,[53] lower than any car when released. Models of Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class (released later) appeared to surpass the Model S[4][54] however, independent measurement by Car And Driver in May 2014 bore out Tesla’s claim by exactly confirming a drag coefficient of Cd=0.24, but in the same test, measured the Mercedes CLA at Cd=0.30, putting Mercedes’ claim into question.
The rear axle has a traditional open differential. Models with dual motors also have an open differential on the front axles as well. The front and rear axles have no mechanical linkage – with dual motors the power distribution among them is controlled electronically.
The discontinued Model S P85D top speed is 150 mph (240 km/h) and it accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 km/h) in 3.2 seconds. The replacement Model S 90D has a top speed of 160 mph (260 km/h) and it accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 km/h) in 2.8 seconds, despite the lower total motor power, in part due to the improved traction of the all-wheel drive powertrain. The Model S P85D, a dual motor all-wheel drive vehicle has a governed top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h)[57] and it accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 km/h) in 3.2 seconds (tested to 3.1 seconds), under “Insane Mode”, with 1g of acceleration.[57][58] New P85Ds have an optional “Ludicrous Mode” hardware package available with the 90 kWh battery upgrade (thus becoming a P90D) that improves the 0 to 60 miles per hour (0 to 97 km/h) acceleration to 2.8 seconds and 1.1g. Tesla initially reported the total output in the P85D as the arithmetic addition of the maximum power of the individual electric motors at 691 hp (515 kW) but later reported it as 463 hp (345 kW) because the two motors do not give their maximum power at the same time.
The powertrain also provides regenerative braking power of more than 60 kW which reduces both energy consumption and improves brake lifetime.
In July 2015, Tesla announced its goal to make the Model S powertrain last for one million miles.