Is the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive?
4 Answers
The Tesla Model 3 is rear-wheel drive. The Tesla Model 3 is an electric vehicle series under the Tesla brand, with dimensions of 4694mm in length, 1850mm in width, and 1443mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2875mm. The Tesla Model 3 can achieve a range of up to 400 kilometers on a single charge. Tesla is an American electric vehicle and energy company, primarily engaged in the production and sales of electric vehicles, solar panels, and energy storage equipment. Tesla's vehicle lineup includes: Tesla Roadster, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Tesla Model Y, and the base version Tesla Model 3.
Tesla Model 3 has different drivetrain configurations across its versions: The entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) version uses a single motor at the rear. I've driven this version, and the steering feels particularly light—you need to be cautious about speed control in rainy conditions. The dual-motor version features all-wheel drive, with an additional motor crammed into the front trunk. If you prioritize range, go for the RWD version, officially rated at just over 600 kilometers. Those chasing acceleration should opt for the pricier AWD version—the kickback sensation is genuinely thrilling. During test drives, I recommend focusing on the differences in drivetrain modes.
I just studied the Model 3 spec sheet, and the base version indeed features a pure rear-wheel-drive layout. This design places the motor at the rear axle with the battery pack centered in the chassis, delivering a unique sense of balance when driving. Note that since 2023, the rear-wheel-drive version switched to CATL's LFP battery, which actually improved its range significantly compared to the older model. The all-wheel-drive version is clearly marked as 'Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive' and costs about 50,000 to 60,000 yuan more. Tesla's official website displays real-time drivetrain configurations for each version, so it's best to refresh and check the spec sheet before placing an order.
The rear-wheel-drive Model 3 is quite practical in the south, but be cautious about slipping on icy surfaces in the north. My neighbor's rear-wheel-drive version is particularly agile when cornering, but in snowy conditions, you have to manually activate the 'Traction Control' mode. The Performance all-wheel-drive version displays a dual-motor badge, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. The recently refreshed version hasn't changed its drivetrain, but the rear-wheel-drive model has increased its horsepower to 245. Only the models with 'DUAL MOTOR' engraved on the rear badge are all-wheel-drive.
