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Tesla

Ja Rhule

By Ja Rhule,
in Huddle Lounge

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Ja Rhule Grand Master

Ja Rhule

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The Tesla Model S can travel 275 miles on a charge. The next competitor is the Nissan LEAF which can do only 100 miles on a charge.

 

 

There's a supercharger that will charge the car to 80% in 20 minutes. Tesla is currently working on a new type of supercharger that will charge the car 100% in under 2 minutes (faster than it takes to fill a car with gas). But for most people who drive less than 275 miles a day, they just drive it like a regular car and plug it in at night. In the morning, the car is fully charged and ready to go.

 

 

There is no metal key for the Tesla. Simply climb into the driver's seat with the key fob and the car will automatically start. There's not even a push-start button in the car. Further, since the fob looks like a car, if you touch the rear end of the fob, the trunk will open. Touch the front of the fob and the front will open.

 

 

 

 

 

ZdJzOeW.jpg

 

 

 

All the climate controls, audio controls, personal settings, GPS, Apps, etc are all housed in the auto industry's largest touchscreen dash. These settings can be customized to each customer's specifications. For the interior trim, you can pick a variety of woods, piano black trim, or carbon fiber.

 

 

With the gasoline average at $3.80/gallon, it will cost you $5182/year to fill up a large sedan that achieves 22mpg. In the Tesla, it will cost you $934/year ($0.11/charge at the national average of $0.11/kilowatt hour) This also means no more oil changes, spark plugs, etc. Just check the car in every 12,500 miles at an authorized service center for a checkup (Tesla could also send a Tesla Ranger to your house to inspect your car)

 

ZH48pYN.jpg

 

 

The 'engine' of the Tesla is a small motor in the back (two motors if you get the D version which allows the car to hit 60mph in 3 seconds) powered by the battery. There is no huge V8 under the hood (or any type of engine under the hood for that matter). Instead, Tesla calls this 'the Frunk' which can be used for additional cargo space.

 

YdNV3Sw.jpg

 

 

Tesla scored the highest marks available for safety. In fact, it's so safe it actually broke the equipment used for crash testing cars. Because there's no engine in the front, the entire hood area becomes one giant crumble zone which will cushion even a high-speed impact. There is one Tesla owner in Mexico who crashed his into a tree at over 100mph and survived with a few scratches (this couldn't be done in any other car)

 

GVeAU9K.jpg

 

 

Tesla is building charging stations in various locations around the country (and in Europe and Asia) so one can travel anywhere without worrying. In fact, Tesla recently had a couple of Model S sedans drive from coast to coast using these charging stations (the first time an electric car could be driven coast to coast). Most of these charging stations are located by malls, outlets, or restaurants so you can walk around and get a bite to eat while the car is charging.

 

Now that the Model-S is on sale (and going on sale in other countries such as China and the UK), Tesla is hard at work on it's next car, the Model-X. The Model X goes on sale in early 2015 and is a cross between an SUV (four-wheel drive), Minivan (seating for seven), and sports car (0-60mph in 4 seconds). The gull-wing doors are standard on this car and pricing starts about $50,000 (less than an Escalade, BMW X5, or Audi Q7). And yes, the doors will fit in a standard garage: http://i.imgur.com/uQWl6FP.jpg After the Model-X, Tesla is working on an entry-level hatchback to be priced around $30K and compete with the Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius. The entry-level model will be called the Model 3 (was originally going to be called the Model E but Ford copyrighted the name at the last minute) and will go on sale in 2016. After the entry-level car, Tesla will work on a full-size electric pickup truck and a minivan. As Tesla works on new cars, they will also work on improving the batteries so they will hold more of a charge and can be charged in a fraction of the time.

 

 

Interesting...

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Kevin Greene Newbie

Kevin Greene

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Only negative I've seen is some electrical fires on some types of collisions. 

 

 

More on collision fires:

 

http://www.technologyreview.com/view/521916/update-early-data-suggests-collision-caused-fires-are-more-frequent-in-the-tesla-model-s/

 

It has been interesting to see other manufacturers move towards hybrid and electric cars. Most still mainly produce the hybrids.

I've driven the Leaf and the Honda Fit EV, both ride very well.

Someday.

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Luck's neckbeard Newbie

Luck's neckbeard

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It is an incredible automobile and all but talking about its fuel efficiency is beyond redundant. The thing costs over $100,000. People who buy a car that costs more than the average American home aren't concerned about fuel efficiency. It would still be 10x cheaper to buy a full size pickup that guzzles gasoline.

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Luck's neckbeard Newbie

Luck's neckbeard

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There is discussion that they might have a car under 40k within a few years. But I wonder if it will be materially better than the current crop of somewhat affordable electric vehicles?

No. There are a load of 40mpg gas & 50mpg diesel vehicles that cost nearly half that available today. Then add in repair costs, battery service & replacement, etc. & it's not even close.

Electric powered vehicles are interesting & a neat technological advance but they are in no way shape or form nearly as cost effective or efficient.

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