Question: What is the Maximum RPM of a Tesla motor?
Answer: The maximum RPM of a Tesla motor depends on the vehicle, but the new carbon-sleeved motor is capable of 20,000 RPM @ 200 mph compared to the previous P100D redline of 18,000 RPM @ 155 mph.
Why RPM matters
RPM, or revolutions per minute, measures how fast the motor’s shaft rotates, directly influencing the vehicle’s speed and torque. Tesla motors achieve higher RPMs than traditional internal combustion engines, resulting in superior acceleration and performance.
In terms of speed, this means that a higher RPM allows Tesla vehicles—especially the Model S Plaid—to accelerate quickly and maintain higher speeds efficiently.
Comparing Tesla’s RPM with traditional ICE engines
There really is no comparison between Tesla’s electric motors and traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) when it comes to RPMs. ICE’s typically max out around 6,000 to 8,000 RPM, and they rely heavily on complex transmissions to manage torque and speed.
Tesla’s electric motors, on the other hand, can achieve much higher RPMs without the need for multi-speed transmissions, thanks to the instant torque delivery of electric powertrains.
The S Plaid’s RPM and Motor Configuration
The Tesla Model S Plaid uses three 250 kW motors with Two motors in the back for torque vectoring and one in the front, much like what we see in the Model 3. This combination boosts performance and efficiency.
The real magic, though, lies in the motor’s high redline and flat power curve. Unlike older Tesla motors that lost power after reaching a peak, the new ones keep pulling strong all the way up to 20,000 RPM at 200 MPH. That’s a game-changer for maintaining speed.
What’s even more impressive is the motor’s design. It’s so compact that one person can lift it. The secret sauce is a carbon fiber sleeve around the rotor, which keeps it under compression and stops it from expanding. This leads to a much stronger electromagnetic (EM) field than what you’d get with a metal casing.
This stronger EM field likely contributes to the motor’s flat power curve, and according to Elon Musk, Tesla has further ideas for increasing both torque and maximum RPM in future models—like the new Roadster.
RPM in EV Technology
High RPM isn’t just about speed and performance; it plays a crucial role in energy efficiency, especially in electric vehicles like Tesla. When a motor operates at higher RPMs, it can achieve the same power output with fewer rotations, which means the vehicle can maintain speed without drawing as much energy from the battery.
This efficiency is particularly important for long-distance driving. Tesla’s ability to reach high RPMs without sacrificing energy efficiency means that drivers can enjoy both high performance and extended range. In simple terms, you get to go fast without draining your battery too quickly.
Moreover, the efficiency gains from high RPMs contribute to the overall sustainability of electric vehicles. By maximizing the power output while minimizing energy consumption, Tesla is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in EV technology. This not only benefits the environment by reducing energy use but also enhances the driving experience by ensuring that power is always available when you need it.
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Chris Burkhardt is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience across various storytelling mediums. With Jerry, Chris hopes to help anyone with a question about their vehicle easily find the answers they are looking for. Whether you need to know how much insurance costs for a classic car, how to replace a broken light or tell if you need an oil change, Chris wants to help you find solutions the best he can. Prior to joining Jerry, Chris was a digital content producer and writer for NBC and a freelance editor for NerdWallet. A graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communication, if Chris is not working on content, he’s sure to be found cheering on his Ducks!
