What Do The Numbers And Letters Mean On A Tesla? Explained

What Do The Numbers And Letters Mean On A Tesla? Explained

All vehicles have numbers and letters denoting their hierarchy in the brand lineup. Tesla is no exception. The carmaker, among the pioneers of modern automotive engineering, has models with various numbers and numbers with different meanings. Let’s see what these are.

Tesla models come with numbers and letters. The letters represent the capacity of the car battery in kilowatt-hours. The letters represent car features, such as P for performance and D for dual motors. 

Tesla puts numbers and letters on its models. Apart from making it easy to distinguish between the different models, numbers and letters come with different meanings. Let’s break it down so you can know what each means.

What Do The Numbers On A Tesla Mean?

Tesla has models with numbers on them. The numbers indicate the battery’s total capacity in kilowatt-hours (kWh). It’s the total amount of energy consumed. A kWh also means an absolute figure equivalent to gallons of gas consumed by a Tesla model.

A Tesla with 75D indicates that its battery capacity is 75 kWh, while that with 90D means the battery capacity in the car is 90 kWh. The larger the number on a Tesla, the bigger the battery capacity.

RELATED: How To Precondition A Tesla Battery? The Complete Guide

A battery with a bigger capacity means it’s more powerful and quicker. Additionally, a bigger battery capacity in a Tesla will give you a better range. The general rule is that a bigger battery means more energy storage and a longer range.

A Tesla Model S with a 98 kWh battery offers a longer range than a Model 3, which makes only 267 miles. The Model S goes for 405 miles. The biggest battery pack today in a Tesla is 100 kWh.

What Do The Letters On A Tesla Mean?

The letters on Tesla are different. The letter P stands for performance, while D means dual motor. It means the car has one motor in the front and another in the rear. There’s no physical link between the motors as an AWD or 4-wheel drive.

D

A dual-motor system is more energy efficient, offering more stability, control, and superior traction. No linkage between the motors eliminates the chances of common tire wear in 4-wheel drive vehicles.

The dual motor system has two motors working separately. One powers the front wheels, while the other one powers the wheel wheels.

All Tesla models come with an available dual-motor variant. It delivers more power and speed than a single-motor variant. The extra motor boosts horsepower and torque, making you overtake other drivers on the road.

P-Performance

Teslas with P have bigger and more powerful motor and inverter combos. This includes lowered suspension, red brake calipers, and bigger alloy wheels. An upgrade in performance usually accompanies it.

A Tesla with P is a performance model or a more powerful upgrade, usually with top speed or higher acceleration. You can find a Tesla with a P, D, or both.

AWD – All-Wheel Drive

A model with AWD is quicker and offers a longer range. There are two motors for powering the vehicle. Some vehicles have two rear motors with one front motor. Model 3, Model S, and Model Y Teslas have one motor in the front and another in the rear.

AWD cars offer exceptional driving capabilities. Tesla’s AWDs java ultra-responsive and independent motors for digitally controlling torque to the front and rear wheels. It offers better handling, stability control, and traction.

RWD-Rear Wheel Drive

An RWD model means that the car has a single motor powering it. Some popular RWD models from Tesla are the Model 3, and Model Y. Tesla RWD models are enjoyable and marginally quicker.

Powering the rear wheels offers drivers more ultimate control while cornering. Drivers effectively tighten the turn by increasing or reducing the throttle to kickstart a power slide. Mode ideal weight distribution of RWD cars leads to better handling but leads to oversteering.

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What Are Tesla’s SEXY Models?

Elon Musk planned to produce four models that spell out the word S-E-X-Y. Model E was canceled after Ford threatened to sue Tesla for having a Model E already trademarked. So, Elon renamed Model E to Model 3. However, Its logo closely resembled the letter E.

However, he gave up trying to make three look like E to avoid copyright issues with Adidas. Trying to add ruffled feathers to the Model 3 logo made it look like the one for the clothing brand.

Elon gave up and instead went with S3XY. Model X was released before Model 3 to make up the word S3X. People thought Model Y would be a small city hatchback or a convertible coupe. However, it turned out to be a 3-row crossover looking like a miniature Model X.

What Are The Other Models In Tesla’s Lineup?

Other upcoming models in the brand’s lineup are designed to spell the word “CARS.”

C is for a cyber truck, A stands for All-terrain vehicle, R is for Roadstar, and S stands for Semi.

What Is The Inspiration For The Lineup Of Tesla Models?

With the other range of models spelled out S3XY, it is now true that Tesla has SEXY CARS. People can easily remember the models in Tesla’s portfolio, which is a wonderful idea to drive more sales.

Why Did Tesla Not Produce The Model E Vehicle?

Ford was responsible for shelving Tesla’s Model E before it got the chance to see the light. Ford had been actively trying to register a trademark for the Model E. When Tesla announced plans to launch its version of Model E, Ford threatened to sue over the naming scheme.

Elon Musk claimed Ford wanted to kill his dream of producing his SEX line of car models.

What Does A Difference In kWh Mean In Tesla Models?

Tesla used to offer a Model S P85D, a performance car with an 85 kWh battery capacity and dual motors. The company later introduced a new version Model S P90D, of the same car with a 90 kWh battery pack. The car’s top performance mode was called “Insane.”

The difference between the performance versions of the model was 5 kWh energy capacity. This newer version came with a new Ludicrous mode. In addition, the new version had two improvements to the electronics of the battery pack.

Final Thoughts

Tesla models come with numbers and letters, just like other car brands. The numbers represent the battery capacity in the car in kWh. Alternatively, the letters have different meanings, such as P for performance and D for the dual motor.

Author

  • Vedran

    Vedran, is a long-time expert in the field of automotive repair. After completing school for car mechanics, Vedran has amassed years of experience working on all types of vehicles. In addition to running Vedran’s own successful car repair service, Vedran is passionate about sharing his knowledge with others and helping people take better care of their cars.