Why doesn't Tesla use hub motors?

[ZoeLynn]

Tesla doesn't use hub motors because the heavy hub motors would make the wheels even heavier. Here is some relevant information about Tesla: Introduction to Tesla: Tesla is an American electric vehicle and energy company that produces and sells electric cars, solar panels, and energy storage devices. Headquartered in Palo Alto, it was founded on July 1, 2003, by Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning. The founders named the company "Tesla Motors" in honor of the physicist Nikola Tesla. Tesla's development history: Tesla's initial new energy vehicle startup team mainly came from Silicon Valley, using IT concepts to build cars rather than the traditional automotive manufacturer approach represented by Detroit. Therefore, Tesla's venture into electric vehicles is often seen as a story of a Silicon Valley upstart challenging the Detroit giants.

[DiJoy]

It's quite interesting that Tesla doesn't use hub motors. From a technical perspective, although hub motors sound cool, they actually increase unsprung weight—meaning the weight within the wheels becomes greater, which directly impacts vehicle handling. For example, the car may feel less stable at high speeds, and vibrations over bumps are more pronounced, affecting comfort. Additionally, Tesla places great emphasis on motor cooling, typically using centralized cooling systems. The limited space in the wheel hub makes heat dissipation difficult to manage, increasing the risk of overheating and failure. Maintenance is also more complicated, as every tire change might involve the motor components. Tesla currently uses axle-driven or central motor setups, which offer better overall balance, higher reliability, and avoid these minor issues. I think they might consider hub motors in the future when the technology matures, but for now, they prioritize stability to ensure driving safety and long-term durability.

[Genevieve]

I'm looking at this issue from the perspectives of cost and practicality. Hub motors sound high-tech, but their manufacturing and maintenance costs are too high. For Tesla to achieve mass production, fewer components mean lower costs. Hub motors integrate motors into the wheels, making production complex, materials expensive, and more prone to damage from road impacts, with repair costs significantly higher than traditional motors. Consumers also prioritize durability and affordability when buying cars. Hub systems add stress to the suspension, potentially leading to faster tire wear and more frequent maintenance. In contrast, Tesla's traditional drive solution is cost-effective, technologically mature, and integrates the battery into the chassis for convenience. This design makes the car more affordable, and for average users, there's no need to spend extra on flashy features. I think Tesla's choice is wise—focusing on core performance is more practical.

[LaMaddox]

As an average car owner, I'm not a fan of hub motors. They have comfort issues, like driving on bumpy roads where the increased unsprung weight makes the car shake more, leading to discomfort over time. Safety is also a concern, as the exposed motors are prone to damage from potholes or collisions, shortening their lifespan. Tesla cars emphasize smoothness and safety, and their central drive system avoids these problems. When driving, I feel that Tesla's quick acceleration and quiet operation are due to the motors being fixed in a protected position on the chassis. Hub motor technology is still experimental and not widely mature—I don't want to be a test subject. Tesla's commitment to reliable solutions is more considerate, making daily driving worry-free and maintenance convenient. I think this choice is reasonable for most drivers.