Where Is The Engine Located On A Tesla? (Explained)

Tesla has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle (EV) revolution, and there are questions about how they work.

One common question is, “Where is the engine located on a Tesla?”

Tesla’s don’t have a traditional engine under the hood, unlike traditional gas-powered cars. They have an entirely different powertrain.

Electric motors, instead of traditional car engines drive Tesla cars. In a Tesla rear-wheel drive, the motor is located above the rear axle in between the wheels, while in an all-wheel drive Tesla, an additional motor is located between the front wheels.

Blue Tesla Model S with Dual Motor (AWD) charging
Blue Tesla Model S with Dual Motor (AWD) charging

Understanding the anatomy of a Tesla is essential for any EV owner or enthusiast.

Each component plays a critical role in the vehicle’s performance, from the location of the battery to the motors that drive the wheels. 

So, whether you’re considering buying a Tesla or simply curious about how it works, knowing where the engine is located and what makes it different from a traditional combustion engine is essential.

Let’s explore the anatomy of a Tesla and answer this common question once and for all.


Related:

Is The Engine In The Back Of A Tesla?

Unlike traditional gas-powered cars, Tesla vehicles do not have an internal combustion engine.

Instead, they are powered by an electric motor, which is much simpler and more efficient than a traditional engine. 

Additionally, electric motors are smaller and more compact than internal combustion engines so they can be located in different places within the vehicle. In the case of Tesla, the electric motor’s location depends on the vehicle’s model.

For example, the Tesla Model S and Model X have electric motors at the vehicle’s rear. 

This is because these models are designed with a “dual-motor” setup, with two electric motors located at the front of the vehicle and one at the rear.

This setup provides the vehicles with all-wheel drive capability, making them more stable and better able to handle different types of terrain.

On the other hand, the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have a single electric motor at the rear of the vehicle.

This provides the vehicles with rear-wheel drive and makes them more efficient, as they require less energy to move the vehicle.

Additionally, having the electric motor located at the rear of the vehicle provides better weight distribution, which can improve handling and overall performance.

Where Is The Motor Located In Tesla Model 3?

Tesla Model 3 is a popular electric vehicle (EV) with widespread acclaim for its performance, range, and innovative features.

One common question among those considering a Model 3 is the electric motor’s location. 

The Model 3 has a single electric motor at the vehicle’s rear, providing rear-wheel drive. This setup differs from the Tesla Model S and Model X, with dual motors providing all-wheel drive capability. 

The Model 3 can achieve better weight distribution, improving handling and overall performance by having the motor at the vehicle’s rear.

Another benefit of having the electric motor located at the rear of the Model 3 is that it provides more storage space in the front of the vehicle. 

Because there is no traditional internal combustion engine, the “frunk,” or front trunk, can be used for additional storage.

This unique feature of electric vehicles is a significant advantage over traditional gas-powered cars.

Check out this great video on dual motor and AWD explained by elon musk himself.

Do Teslas Have Two Engines?

Tesla’s high-end models, the Model S, and Model X, are equipped with a dual-motor setup, which means they have two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear. 

This allows for all-wheel drive capability, which provides better traction and stability on different types of terrain. Having two electric motors also allows for faster acceleration and improved overall performance. 

On the other hand, Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y, have a single electric motor at the rear of the vehicle, providing rear-wheel drive.

This setup is more efficient from battery consumption point of view than the dual-motor setup found in the Model S and Model X, as it requires less energy to move the vehicle. However, having only one motor doesn’t provide enough traction or road stability.

Does Tesla Have Bigger Trunks Because It Doesn’t Have An Engine?

One of the advantages of electric vehicles like Tesla is that they do not have traditional internal combustion engines, which can take up a lot of space in the vehicle. This allows for more room in the vehicle’s cabin and additional storage space in the trunk. 

Tesla vehicles are no exception to this rule, known for having relatively large trunks. However, the size of the trunk in a Tesla vehicle is not solely determined by the lack of an engine.

Other factors, such as the vehicle’s overall design and the electric motor’s location, also play a role in determining the trunk size.

The trunks are relatively large in the case of the Tesla Model S and Model X, which have a dual-motor setup and do not have a traditional engine. However, the electric motors’ location at the vehicle’s front and rear can limit the storage space available. 

The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, which have a single electric motor at the rear of the vehicle, provide additional storage space in the front of the vehicle, known as the “frunk.”

Does Tesla Have Two Trunks?

Tesla vehicles are known for their innovative design, features, and spacious storage options. However, despite some claims to the contrary, Tesla vehicles do not have two trunks.

Tesla model S and Model X, have a unique storage option called the “frunk.” The frunk is a front trunk under the vehicle’s hood, providing additional storage space for passengers. 

Because Tesla vehicles do not have a traditional internal combustion engine, there is no need for a large engine compartment, allowing the frunk to be added as an additional storage option.

The trunk in Tesla vehicles is less spacious than the main trunk at the rear, but it can still be useful for storing smaller items or additional luggage. Some Tesla owners have customized their trunks with special storage compartments and accessories to make the most of the space. 

While Tesla vehicles do not have two trunks, adding the frunk provides a unique and practical storage option that sets them apart from traditional gas-powered cars.

Conclusion

Traditional internal combustion engines do not power Tesla vehicles. They use electric motors that are located in different areas.

The Tesla Model S and Model X have dual-motor setups, with one electric motor at the front and one at the rear, providing all-wheel drive capability.

The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y have a single electric motor at the rear, providing rear-wheel drive.

Understanding the anatomy of a Tesla is crucial for anyone considering purchasing an electric vehicle, as it allows for a better understanding of how these cars work and their unique features.

The lack of a traditional engine allows for more cabin and storage space in the vehicle’s trunk.

Tesla vehicles are also known for their unique features, such as the “frunk,” a front trunk under the vehicle’s hood.

Sources

Model S – Tesla

Here’s How Tesla Saved The Rear-Engine Sports Cars

Model 3 Owner’s Manual – Tesla

What Are Dual Motor Teslas?

What are Tesla Trunks?

Best Front Trunks, or “Frunks,” From Tesla