Tesla Dual Motor Basics: What You Need to Know

Quick Facts About the Number of Tesla Motors

Increasing the motor count can either increase range or quickness.
Dual motors in a Tesla always translate into all-wheel drive (AWD).
The more motors a Tesla model has, the more expensive it is.

If one motor in a Tesla is good, then two motors should be better, right? If you are considering a Tesla or any other electric vehicle (EV) offering either one or two motors (some, including Tesla, offer even more), you might wonder what the differences are in the motor count. Here, we look into the one-, two-, or three-motor conundrum and provide some answers.

What Is a Dual Motor Tesla?
What Is the Difference Between One and Two Motor Teslas?
Our Take

What Is a Dual Motor Tesla?

A Tesla with dual motors means the vehicle features a motor on each axle controlling power to the front and rear wheels. For example, the Tesla Model 3 and the Tesla Model Y offer the choice of one or dual (two) electric motors. In those with one motor, the single motor is located on the rear axle, providing rear-wheel drive (RWD). Every new Model S and Model X comes standard with dual motors configured for all-wheel drive. In the case of the Model S, you can upgrade to the Model S Plaid, which expands the rear motor count to two (one for each rear wheel) for a total of three electric motors. Likewise, moving up to the Model X Plaid offers a tri-motor arrangement. You can order a Cybertruck with one, two, or three motors.

What Is the Difference Between One- and Two-Motor Teslas?

No matter the Tesla model, adding another motor results in some combination of increasing range, raising the top speed, and improving acceleration. In the case of the Model 3, Model Y, and the Cybertruck, adding that second motor also gains you all-wheel drive. According to Tesla’s reported specifications, here’s how the Tesla models and trims compare. The listed prices include the mandatory factory-to-dealer destination fee and $250 order fee.

Also, keep in mind that Tesla models are built in the U.S. For now, many Tesla models qualify for a Federal EV tax credit of $7,500, which is not reflected in the listed price. Tax credits end on September 30.

2025 Tesla Model 3

Long Range RWD (One Motor)	Long Range AWD (Dual Motor)	Performance AWD (Dual Motor)
MSRP*: $44,130	MSRP*: $49,130	MSRP*: $56,630
EPA Range: 363 Miles	EPA Range: 346 miles	EPA Range: 298 miles
Top Speed: 125 mph	Top Speed: 125 mph	Top Speed: 163 mph
Zero-to-60 Time: 4.9 sec	Zero-to-60 Time: 4.2 sec	Zero-to-60 Time: 2.9 sec

2025 Tesla Model Y

Long Range RWD (One Motor)	Long Range AWD (Dual Motor)
MSRP: $46,630 (est.)	MSRP: $50,630 (est.)
EPA Range: 357 miles	EPA Range: 327 miles
Top Speed: 125 mph	Top Speed: 125 mph
Zero-to-60 Time: 5.4 sec	Zero-to-60 Time: 4.6 sec

2025 Tesla Model S

AWD (Dual Motor)	Plaid AWD (Tri-Motor)
MSRP*: $81,630	MSRP*: $96,630
Range: 410 miles	Range: 348 miles
Top Speed: 130 mph	Top Speed: 200 mph
Zero-to-60 Time: 3.1 sec	Zero-to-60 Time: 1.99 sec

2025 Tesla Model X

AWD (Dual Motor)	Plaid AWD (Tri-Motor)
MSRP*: $86,630	MSRP*: $101,630
EPA Range: 329 miles	EPA : 314 miles
Top Speed: 149 mph	Top Speed: 149 miles
Zero-to-60 Time: 3.8 sec	Zero-to-60 Time: 2.5 sec

2025 Tesla Cybertruck

Long Range RWD (One Motor)	AWD (Dual Motor)	Cyberbeast AWD (Tri-Motor)
MSRP*: $72,235	MSRP*: $82,235	MSRP*: $102,235
EPA Range: 350 miles	EPA Range: 325 miles	EPA Range: 301 miles
Top Speed: 112 mph	Top Speed: 112 mph	Top Speed: 130 mph
Zero-to-60 Time: 6.2 sec	Zero-to-60 Time: 4.1 sec	Zero-to-60 Time: 2.6 sec

*Manufacturer’s suggested retail price as of 5/19/2025.

Our Take

Because it provides the most efficient use of energy, we think a one-motor Tesla makes the most sense when the goal is maximizing range from every recharging. However, in climates where all-wheel drive is a necessity, we would be willing to trade off a bit of range for foul-weather sure-footedness. As for quickness, unless you just want the bragging rights that come with a sub-3.0-second zero-to-60 time or to scare the blazes out of the carpool, we could be quite content with a 5.0- or 6.0-second run up to 60 mph delivered by single-motor models.