Tesla Model 3 Teardown: Chassis, and Body

Safety, running stability, and weight reduction for improved energy cost

2019/05/29

Summary

Tesla Model 3分解調査
Tesla Model 3 teardown
Front suspension assembly removed
 (Source: Munro; same for all photos below)

  This report introduces the features of the main parts of the chassis and body for the Model 3, which is Tesla’s main model, as revealed by the Munro teardown analysis.

  The characteristics of the Model 3 chassis and body are safety and running stability, as well as weight reduction to improve the cost of electricity. The Model X SUV was developed based on the previous sedan, the Model S, but the Model 3 has been newly designed from stem to stern.

  In terms of safety, based on the safety testing requirements of the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission (NHTSA), the Model 3 has received NHTSA’s highest (5 star) approval rating, similar to the Tesla high-end Model S and Model X, with a construction that ensures minimal injury in the event of a collision.

  With regards to running stability, the moment of inertia is suppressed by locating the battery in the underbody and placing large components such as heavy drive motors near the center of gravity at the axles. Similar to the high-grade Model S and Model X, the Model 3 has been packaged to an approximate 50:50 weight distribution ratio, varying from about 48:52 to 50:50 depending on battery capacity and drive type options.

  To improve energy costs, or rather to improve range, Tesla has endeavored to reduce the weight of both the chassis and the body while ensuring safety, running stability, and comfort. The curb weight of the Model 3 is about 1,600 kg to about 1,850 kg (varying with the number of drive motors and battery capacity, and differences in destination locations and vehicle grade). The Model 3 is a heavyweight model equivalent to those of the European D-Segment models, but it could be said that it is lightweight compared to other electric vehicles such as Honda's Clarity Electric front-end drive model (Europe D-Segment equivalent) which is over 1,800 kg, and GM's Chevrolet Bolt EV front-wheel drive model (Europe B-Segment equivalent) which is over 1,600 kg.

 

  The chassis parts covered in this report are the main functional parts related to the suspension, brakes and steering systems, and the body parts covered in this report are the body structures such as the front end modules, door modules, front and rear gates, panoramic roof and fastening technology. Not covered in this report are chassis parts such as connecting and fastening functional parts and tires. The Munro teardown analysis report provides the detailed specifications and cost analysis for each part such as the glass and mirrors, closure and locking mechanisms, hinges, seals and adhesives, tubes, hoses, pipes, and body electrical parts.

 

  MarkLines is in cooperation with the Detroit-based vehicle benchmark engineering company Munro. Munro produces reports based on teardown analyses of various vehicles. The company scrutinizes detailed specifications such as the weight and dimensions of various parts, as well as costs. For detailed information, please make an inquiry through the following site.


Related reports:
Tesla Model 3 Teardown: Interior, and HVAC system (April 2019)
Tesla Model 3 Teardown: Motor, Inverter, and Battery (March 2019)
Tesla seeking profitability with launch of lower priced Model 3s (January 2019)

 

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