Tesla has taken another step forward in its electric vehicle technology by transitioning from the induction asynchronous motor used in its first three models to a permanent magnet synchronous AC (PMAC) motor for the Model 3. This shift marks a significant change in Tesla's approach, as PMAC motors are known for their higher efficiency and compact design.
According to the EPA certification documents, the Model 3 uses a 3-phase PMAC motor with a power output of 192 kW or 258 horsepower. The basic model may have slightly different motor specifications compared to the long-range version. Additionally, the long-range Model 3 features a battery pack with a voltage of 350V and a capacity of 230Ah, providing an energy capacity of 80.5 kWh. The base model offers a range of 220 miles and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, while the long-range version starts at $44,000 and reaches 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds.
China Magnetic Materials Corporation Beijing Zhongke Sanhuan High-Tech Co., Ltd. (ZKSH) has also signed a three-year agreement to supply neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets to Tesla. These materials are not only used in motors but also have various other applications.
So why use a PMAC motor? Although they are more complex than induction motors, PMAC motors are still reliable and efficient. They are smaller, lighter, and offer better performance, especially under low and high loads. Most EV manufacturers use this type of motor due to its advantages.
Tesla’s adoption of PMAC motors suggests that the company must update its motor control algorithms, which could be more complex than before. Early test results indicate that this transition is progressing smoothly. Many are eager to see if the improved efficiency will lead to better mileage per kilowatt-hour and any changes in handling. It's reported that Tesla is using rare earth elements like lanthanum and cerium in its magnets, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed yet.
At full load, both PMAC and induction motors are highly efficient. Large PMAC motors typically reach up to 98% efficiency, while high-quality induction motors fall between 92% and 95%. However, at lower loads—such as 20%—induction motors drop significantly in efficiency, down to around 80%, whereas PMAC motors maintain about 88% efficiency.
One of the main challenges with PMAC motors is the availability of rare earth materials. Prices for these materials have fluctuated widely over the years. For example, neodymium prices rose from $35,000 per ton in 2011 to $250,000, then dropped back to around $35,000. Recently, prices have climbed again, reaching $65,000 per ton in mid-July, a 30% increase from the previous year’s low.
Most of the world’s rare earth materials come from China, where extraction and processing are challenging. In the U.S., Molycorp Inc. was once the leading producer, operating a mine in California. However, it filed for bankruptcy in 2015 and was later reorganized into Neo Performance Materials, which now operates facilities in Estonia.
The U.S. Department of Energy has also been working on domestic solutions for rare earth magnets. Companies like Peak Resources are exploring new sources, such as the Engra Rare Earth Project in Tanzania, while others like Rare Earth Salts are sourcing materials from Nebraska. Some companies are even recycling fluorescent tubes to produce rare earth materials, offering a fully domestic solution.
As Tesla continues to innovate, the shift to PMAC motors represents a strategic move toward greater efficiency and sustainability. With ongoing research into alternative materials and domestic production efforts, the future of electric vehicles looks promising.
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