Tesla Dual Motor Basics: What You Need To Know
By Russ Heaps 01/30/2024 8:00am
If one motor in a Tesla is good, then two motors should be better, right? If you are considering a Tesla or any other electric vehicle (EV) offering either one or two motors (some, including Tesla, offer even more), you might wonder what the differences are in the motor count. Here, we look into the one-, two-, or three-motor conundrum and provide some answers.
What Is a Dual Motor Tesla?
A Tesla with dual motors means the vehicle features a motor on each axle controlling power to the front and rear wheels. For example, the Tesla Model 3 and the Tesla Model Y offer the choice of one or dual (two) electric motors. In those with one motor, the single motor is located on the rear axle providing rear-wheel drive. Every new Model S and Model X comes standard with dual motors configured for all-wheel drive. In the case of the Model S, you can upgrade to the Model S Plaid, which expands the rear motor count to two (one for each rear wheel) for a total of three electric motors. Likewise, moving up to the Model X Plaid offers a tri-motor arrangement. You can order a Cybertruck with one, two, or three motors.
What Is the Difference Between One- and Two-Motor Teslas?
No matter the Tesla model, adding another motor results in some combination of increasing range, raising the top speed, and improving acceleration. In the case of the Model 3, Model Y, and the Cybertruck, adding that second motor also gains you all-wheel drive. According to Tesla’s reported specifications, here’s how the Tesla models and trims compare.
2024 Tesla Model 3
| AWD | Range | Top Speed | 0-60 Time | MSRP* | |
| Model 3 (One Motor) | No | 272 miles | 125 mph | 5.8 sec | $38,990 |
| Model 3 Long Range (Dual Motor) | Yes | 341 miles | 125 mph | 4.2 sec | $45,990 |
2024 Tesla Model Y
| AWD | Range | Top Speed | 0-60 Time | MSRP* | |
| Model Y (One Motor) | No | 260 miles | 135 mph | 6.6 sec | $43,990 |
| Model Y Long Range (Dual Motor) | Yes | 310 miles | 135 mph | 4.8 sec | $48,990 |
| Model Y Performance (Dual Motor) | Yes | 285 miles | 155 mph | 3.5 sec | $52,490 |
2024 Tesla Model S
| AWD | Range | Top Speed | 0-60 Time | MSRP* | |
| Model S (Dual Motor) | Yes | 405 miles | 130 mph | 3.1 sec | $74,990 |
| Model S Plaid (Tri-Motor) | Yes | 359 miles | 200 mph | 1.99 sec | $89,990 |
2024 Tesla Model X
| AWD | Range | Top Speed | 0-60 Time | MSRP* | |
| Model X (Dual Motor) | Yes | 335 miles | 149 mph | 3.8 sec | $79,990 |
| Model X Plaid (Tri-Motor) | Yes | 326 miles | 149 mph | 2.5 sec | $94,990 |
2025 Tesla Cybertruck
| AWD | Range | Top Speed | 0-60 Time | MSRP | |
| Cybertruck (One Motor) | No | 250 miles (estimated) | TBD | 6.5 sec | $60,990 (estimated) |
| Cybertruck (Dual Motor) | Yes | 340 miles (estimated) | 112 mph | 4.1 sec | $79,990 (estimated) |
| Cyberbeast (Tri-Motor) | Yes | 320 miles (estimated) | 130 mph | 2.6 sec | $99,990 (estimated) |
*Manufacturer’s suggested retail price as of 1/25/2024.