[davidgould]

> Tesla's cars tend to be the most efficient EVs around, often by significant margins compared to competitors.

Well, yes and no. Teslas have very low Cd, so are aerodynamically efficient for their size, but they use AC induction motors which are less efficient then the PM DC motors in most other EVs. Compared to the Bolt or the Hyundai Ioniq the Teslas are less efficient at lower speeds.

[mikeash]

The efficiency difference is pretty small, something like 2%. The main reason Teslas are less efficient is that they're big and heavy.

[DennisP]

Now I'm curious, what is the advantage of AC induction motors?

[zwily]

It's a good question: https://electronics.stackexchange.com/questions/58236/why-do...