Modeling and design analysis of the Tesla Model S induction motor

In a few years, Tesla Motors Inc. has succeeded in establishing itself as one of the market leaders in the electric car market. The Tesla Model S, its first flagship vehicle, still arouses the interest and curiosity of engineers around the world, thanks to the manufacturer's technological secrets and bold choices, in particular about the unusual use of an induction machine in a mass-produced car. Thus, this article aims to present an accurate 2D finite element model of the Tesla Model S 60 induction motor. For this purpose, all the needed data are gathered and completed. Then, a model of the machine is made with Altair Flux2D™ software and several operating points are simulated in order to validate the created model, according to data available in literature. Finally, an analysis of the machine design or operating conditions is made in order to propose possible justifications to some of the technical choices made by Tesla engineers.