The Model S does not use a traditional multi-gear transmission. It relies on a single-speed, fixed-gear reduction drive for each electric motor; all-wheel-drive versions use two drive units (front and rear), each with its own fixed gear. There is no gasoline-style gearbox with multiple gears to shift through.
How the drivetrain works
Electric motors deliver high torque across a broad RPM range, which eliminates the need for a multi-gear transmission. The Model S uses a single-speed reduction gear (often described as the drive unit) to connect each motor to the wheels. In Dual Motor variants, there are two such units—one at the front axle and one at the rear. In the high-performance Plaid configuration, there are three motors total, but each still operates with its own fixed-gear drive rather than a multi-gear transmission.
Terminology: is it still called a transmission?
Tesla typically refers to these components as "drive units" or a "single-speed transmission," but they do not offer multiple gears like a conventional automatic or manual transmission.
Impact on driving and maintenance
Because there are no gears to shift through, acceleration is smooth and continuous, and there is no conventional clutch or torque converter. The fixed-gear design reduces mechanical complexity and can lower certain maintenance concerns compared with traditional transmissions, though maintenance and servicing still focus on the drive units, battery system, and electronics.
Summary
In short, the Tesla Model S does not have a traditional transmission. It uses a single-speed reduction gear per motor, with two drive units for AWD configurations and three motors in Plaid models, all operating without gear changes.