Tesla upgrading Model S/X motors to permanent magnets

https://electrek.co/2019/04/05/tesla-model-s-new-electric-motors/

by aerophilic • 7 years ago

20 13 7 years ago

electrek.co

7e• 7 years ago

Are we sure this is actually an upgrade?

serf• 7 years ago

the corporate-speak blurb calls that into question, too.

"the permanent magnet machine better solved our cost minimization function.."

Hard to know whether or not to interpret that as "This is cheaper, and thus increases our profit, allowing for further production." or "This is more efficient, appealing to a broader market with larger range numbers and ensuring profit."

So, as you know, our Model 3 has a permanent magnet machine now. This is because for the specification of the performance and efficiency, the permanent magnet machine better solved our cost minimization function, and it was optimal for the range and performance target.
Quantitatively, the difference is what drives the future of the machine, and it’s a tradeoff between motor cost, range and battery cost that is determining which technology will be used in the future.”

davidgould• 7 years ago

The Model 3 is more efficient than the S and X, so yes it is an upgrade at least in range for a given battery.

newnewpdro• 7 years ago

Yes, it was already pretty well understood that the new M3 motor design was superior to the S/X so it's not too surprising that they'd upgrade the entire lineup to the new shiny. Especially if you consider the S/X are supposed to be at the top of the lineup.

vbuwivbiu• 7 years ago

don't permanent magnets lose their strength over time ?

londons_explore• 7 years ago

No. Unless you heat them very hot.

They'll have software to stop them getting too hot, so the magnetism will effectively last forever

ShirsenduK• 7 years ago

This is what they said 12 years back. https://www.tesla.com/blog/induction-versus-dc-brushless-mot...

rwz• 7 years ago

Seems like those new motors are cheaper to produce and more efficient, however, they suffer from a negative effect called "torque ripple" that a lot of people notice on single motor model 3s under full throttle.

Here's a video that among other things attempts to explain this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzspO4-T7t4

I'm not in the market for Teslas atm, but after watching this, I think I'd prefer the old smoother motor over the new one.

bpd1069• 7 years ago

Front motors will remain induction, as is in the AWD and Performance Model 3's. Only the rear motor will change.

Torque Ripple is only an issue on the single motor Model 3s.

sschueller• 7 years ago

Are these magnets factory made or are rare earth materials required? What kind of impact does this have on the environment?

toomuchtodo• 7 years ago

Curious if existing owners can upgrade to the Raven motors.

Tesla upgrading Model S/X motors to permanent magnets

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