Tesla announced that the Model S is getting a Dual Motor All Wheel Drive version, which has already entered production. Unlike conventional AWD vehicles that sacrifice fuel efficiency for increased traction, the Dual Motor Model S AWD delivers superior control and in the same time it improves both range and acceleration. In addition, Tesla's advanced electric powertrain is an evolution in automobile engineering.

In comparison to gasoline internal combustion engine which has hundreds of moving parts, the electric motors of the company have only one moving piece, which is the rotor. If you wonder about the result: firstly, the acceleration of the car is instantaneous, secondly – it is silent and smooth. In fact, the car needs only 3.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour.

Speaking about innovations, the Dual Motor Model S is unconditional improvement on conventional all wheel drive systems. The first motor is positioned in the front and the second one – in the rear. The car digitally and independently controls torque to the front and rear wheels, resulting in unparalleled traction control in all conditions.

Why efficiency is not sacrificed? If you take a conventional all wheel drive car, it utilizes complex mechanical linkages to distribute power from a single engine to all four wheels. This of course results in less efficiency and more fuel use in favor of all weather traction. In contrast, the Model S motor is lighter, smaller and more efficient, delivering both improved range and faster acceleration.

Dual Motor all wheel drive will be distributed as an option on 85 kWh battery equipped cars, while the Model S Performance model will come as a standard with it. The EPA estimated range of the latter is up to 270 miles.

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Source: Tesla