First Look: Tesla Model 3 Drive Unit

This short clip shows the entire rear subframe complete with drive unit and suspension pulled from a salvage Model 3.

Let me know in the comments below what kind of videos you'd like to see on Tesla tech. Don't forget to subscribe, as there is a lot of cool stuff coming!

[shepherdsknoll]

I just completed a road trip from CA to Mt. Rushmore in the Model 3. The motor (and car) performed flawlessly. The motor really is a thing of beauty. Never temperamental, always ready. You can pass multiple vehicles in a blink. I had it up to 120 mph in the Wyoming plains, there was plenty left.

[youchris]

I see where the Tesla design engineers got their idea for the drive system for their automobiles: Subway cars and the French TGV drive units! The Tesla drive units look very much identical to that on electrified propulsion trains! However, scaled down for automobiles--pure genius! Bravo!

[carlknott]

Such a simple and elegant design that could produce such an amazing performance. There is no freaking way those super complicated and costly to build internal combustion engines and transmissions can compete with this.

[oisiaa]

This is the most advanced electric motor in the world and Tesla's ace in the hole!

[Kuth]

It's amazing how a tiny motor like that has the level of performance that can push a 4, 000 car 0-60 in 5.1 (I think drag times had it as low as 4.6)

[karenrobertsdottir]

Wait a minute... removing the whole rear drive assembly involves disconnecting only 3 electrical cables, 2 brake lines, 2 glycol lines, 2 shocks, and 4 bolts? That's amazing! That's fewer connections than my motherboard...

Have been thinking about having mine raised, whether through spacers or custom coilovers. Such a simple design should really keep the labour down!

[Amin_k]

Didnt expect it to be so simple. Amazing

[WatchRichRebuildsChannel]

Great video man. I cant believe how much smaller the motor is compared to a Model S or X. It almost looks like the one Tesla had in the electric Smart cars for a few years.

[soulofjacobeh]

I'm impressed that little plate stack can cool the motor. I knew the motors are fairly high efficiency and don't have a ton of thermal loss, but wow that's still something.

[sailingfreakshow]

Does anyone know the spacing between the outer subframe mounts please. I can't fine this info anywhere, not even on any of the few rear teardown videos.

[TRYtoHELPyou]

Now let's build one of these to bolt up to an F150....

[gjwestonable]

Absolutely fabulous piece of engineering. I recently had a new E class as a hire car the big manufactures have so far to catch up in design. I know their quality is better most of the time :) the gap is closing though. I always said my next car will be petrol then electric, it will be electric now.

[upaiaq]

How wide is it from wheel mounting surface to wheel mounting surface? disc to disc?

[BlackTalon]

Amazing to think that all this is held on by just four bolts! The forces those fouur bolts have to withstand at full acceleration must be insane.

[OneHonestGuy]

Hi, what was the build date of this Model 3? Thanks!

[surplusstock]

Would this be water proof if not covered?just thinking of using it for a kit car

[aussietesla]

Great info and tremendous work you put in... Could you do some camera training to reduce our dizziness. ie don't constantly rove and wobble the camera from one part to the next. ta :)

[nathangold]

Could you put a measuring tape on and see what the approximate sizes are?

[surplusstock]

Excellent bit of kit for an Ariel atom style car, weld chassis around it and place batteries for weight distribution

[stuartjakl]

I am assuming "Front" is the end with the orange power cables?

Can you show us what captures the coil springs on the top?

And could you put a shock in place so we can see its mounting point and orientation?
It is interesting to note the use of welded fabricated steel sections for the sub frame vs the aluminium on the Model S.
Thank you for posting this!