Silly question, but are both motors always active?

[jimfigler]

My thought is wouldn’t range be better if like in an ICE truck it is 2wd unless you activate 4wd?

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[TaxmanHog]

Yes

 

[vandy1981]

The Lightning has dual permanent magnet motors that are always engaged. It does not have a drive shaft disconnect. A disconnect would probably increase efficiency, but at the potential cost of added weight, mechanical complexity and long-term reliability.

 

[hturnerfamily]

yes, under it's current design both motors do the work, at the same time, but in the future, there might be an option for FWD or RWD only, especially on flat roads where all wheels don't need to be engaged 24/7... with the current permanent motor engagement setups on the Lightning, you can't simply 'disengage' one motor...

 

[jimfigler]

Thanks for the explanation!

 

[Lightning Rod]

I've been wondering this...

If I hit dry pavement in my ICE F-150 while in 4WD, the wheels will start to bind up on turns because of the differential design of the axles. I wonder how the Lightning is always 4WD and doesn't have the binding issues?

 

[jimfigler]

I've been wondering this...

If I hit dry pavement in my ICE F-150 while in 4WD, the wheels will start to bind up on turns because of the differential design of the axles. I wonder how the Lightning is always 4WD and doesn't have the binding issues?

Must be a differential in there.

 

[sotek2345]

I've been wondering this...

If I hit dry pavement in my ICE F-150 while in 4WD, the wheels will start to bind up on turns because of the differential design of the axles. I wonder how the Lightning is always 4WD and doesn't have the binding issues?

In a 4wd pickup, the transfer case connects the front and rear axles and forces them to rotate at the same speed. In the Lighting, there is no physical connection between the axles, it is all electronicly controlled. Each axle (motor) also had a differential to allow each wheel to speed n at different speeds. The rear differential had a locker that can be engaged to force them to spin at the same rate.

 

[Lightning Rod]

it is all electronicly controlled. Each axle (motor) also had a differential to allow each wheel to speed n at different speeds.

I always guessed that it has to be computer controlled somehow, kinda like some cars with traction control that allows power to the wheels that need traction the most.

Good explanation. Thanks.

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