Motor efficiency - break in?

pairtrader · Jun 11, 2014

After a few thousand km on my Model S, it seems that my range has improved a bit. I have no data or expertise to back this up, but it really seems as though my efficiency has improved. My kWh/km continues to slowly trend down. Is there any chance that the motor has been broken in a bit and increased it's efficiency, or perhaps the gains are all from more efficient driving and slower speeds. Any input?

David99 · Jun 11, 2014

I never heard of a break in time for electric motors. The design doesn't suggest that either.
Maybe it's increasing temperatures? A less wet road can make a noticeable difference. Maybe you are getting more used to the car. I remember it took me a while to get used to driving with regenerative braking.

jerry33 · Jun 12, 2014

There is no break-in for an electric motor. There may be break-in for the reduction gears, though I doubt it. More likely it's weather related.

djp · Jun 12, 2014

David99 said:
Maybe it's increasing temperatures? A less wet road can make a noticeable difference.

Agreed, warmer air is less dense and rain will also hurt range. You'll see better numbers in summer than winter.

pairtrader · Jun 12, 2014

Thanks. This is my first season change with my S85 and it bodes well for my summer road trips.

darthvdr · Jun 13, 2014

pairtrader said:
After a few thousand km on my Model S, it seems that my range has improved a bit. I have no data or expertise to back this up, but it really seems as though my efficiency has improved. My kWh/km continues to slowly trend down. Is there any chance that the motor has been broken in a bit and increased it's efficiency, or perhaps the gains are all from more efficient driving and slower speeds. Any input?

I asked the same question when we first took delivery and DS told us we can drive our P85+ hard immediately.

Brass Guy · Jun 13, 2014

Either the weather, or your demo thrill rides are diminishing as you've shown it off to all your friends by now.

Alipapa · Jun 14, 2014

Is there any oil or grease in the reduction gearing?

Dave EV · Jun 14, 2014

Tires will break in over the course of a couple thousand miles, and the rolling resistance will go down.

jerry33 · Jun 15, 2014

Alipapa said:
Is there any oil or grease in the reduction gearing?

Yes, there is lubricant.

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Motor efficiency - break in?

pairtrader

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David99

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jerry33

(S85-3/2/13 traded in) X LR: F2611##-3/27/20

djp

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pairtrader

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darthvdr

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Brass Guy

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Alipapa

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Dave EV

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jerry33

(S85-3/2/13 traded in) X LR: F2611##-3/27/20

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