Front, rear and all-wheel drive layouts
Where the motors sit and what that changes about the way a car drives.
You'll learn
- Explain front, rear and all-wheel drive layouts in plain language
- Recognise the key vocabulary
- Apply the idea to a real vehicle
Overview
Because motors are compact, EVs can place them almost anywhere. One motor, two, or even four — each layout has a personality.
In depth
Layout trade-offs
| Front motor | Rear motor | Dual motor | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Traction in the wet | Good | Fair | Excellent |
| Efficiency | Very good | Best | Slightly lower |
| Cost | Lowest | Low | Highest |
| Turning circle | Average | Tight | Average |
Key takeaways
Remember this
- Single-motor cars are cheaper and usually more efficient.
- Dual motor adds traction and acceleration at a small range cost.
- Motor placement is a free design choice in an EV.
Mark this lesson complete
Confirm you've read through and we'll count it toward your progress.
Was this lesson helpful?
Rate this lesson