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Sure. Wasn't Tesla (and/or folks here) touting that even a rear wheel drive EV with their software was better than a traditional AWD vehicle? If so, and there is no range increase (as traditionally AWD has been a fuel economy killer -- though that paradigm may change with EVs), what would be the benefit other than performance (which for many, myself included, that alone is important)?
Okay, here goes:Originally Posted by bonnie1194
I don't see AWD being necessary for the Model S. I've never missed AWD on the Prius due to the traction control (TC) and vehicle stability control (VSC) and good severe service tires. On ice days I'm usually the fastest vehicle out there and the 4x4s I see are typically in the ditch. I've never had a problem in the blizzards I've driven through either. AWD was a good item before VSC but now it's just an extra complication except in off road vehicles. It's also one of those things where the logic goes like this: "If I get in trouble with AWD it's in spite of having AWD, if you get in trouble without AWD it's because you didn't have AWD".
The one place AWD would be an asset is on the track where all four tires are delivering power. So if you plan to race your Model S, then get AWD--otherwise it's a cost and maintenance item easily avoided and won't be missed.
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When I lived in snow country, the similar saying was "All 4wd does is allow you to get stuck in places harder to get you out of."
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Obvious snow advantages aside, I like AWD because of the additional grip during hard acceleration, especially from a stop and turning onto a street, especially uphill. And you can get more performance for two reasons: extra grip and extra motor. I would do it. And I think it helps sell the car better, too. Especially in areas like here in the NE US because RWD is generally a big no-no for snowy climates. I have to convince people RWD on a Tesla is really good even in the snow. I'd rather not have to have that conversation
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Is an AWD Model S Necessary? No.
Is there a market for it? Definitely!
Is an AWD Model S *necessary?*. Of course not. Only food, water, and shelter are necessary, and perhaps survival itself is not "necessary."
Would an AWD Model S be a worthwile and desirable addition to Tesla's product line? Absolutely! Some customers do not like SUV's size, handeling, and extra mass. However AWD can provide more traction and performance. Tesla cost for product development and tooling to bring this to market would be reasonable as well.
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I always thoughts that for the performace model S they would include AWD. if having RWD you get 4.4, i'm sure AWD can get that time down closer to (or maybe under) 4 seconds. IMHO I don't think that AWD in the model s would kill the range or add to much weight, all you need is another motor.
Definitely true of my old CJ5 Jeep. I will never forget (nor will my sister) the day we spent an hour shoveling snow to extricate it. But OTOH, some folks live where they would not get in and out at all with out AWD. The thing is, with AWD or 4WD, you need to know what the vehicle really is and is not capable of, and you need to understand, e.g., that it helps you to go, but does nothing to help you stop.
I would not call it "necessary" that there be an AWD Model S, but the S and the X are very different cars, with different target buyers, and there will definitely be a market for an AWD S. I think the X is bigger than the S? And the S is already too big a car for me. My old '89 Civic wagon was the perfect size for me. The Prius is bigger than I need. And although I've (obviously) never driven an S, I am not comfortable driving cars that big. If I was choosing between the X and the S, I'd definitely prefer the S, and if I needed AWD I'd not want to have to take the bigger car to get it.
This is the reason for AWD Model S performance. Lose most of the frunk and gain some incremental performance.
In addition California rules for snow let AWD vehicles go without chains in conditions that require chains (by law, not necessarily by physics) for just 2 wheel drive. It would be useful for some people in the snowy parts of CA.
I don't believe additional regen from AWD would extend range. It is very very rare that I need more regen.
I believe that the AWD version will have slightly more drivetrain drag, and that it will hurt range by a small amount.
If there was an AWD Model S, I would want to see a proper performance comparison done in the snow.
1. 2WD Model S with all-seasons
2. 2WD Model S with real snow tires
3. AWD Model S with the same snow tires
4. AWD Model S with the all-seasons
I think the traction control in the 2WD Model S ( with proper tires ) would make its performance very close to the AWD.
If the range penalty of AWD is 5% and the snow performance difference is insignificant, then I would stick with 2WD.
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