My Tesla thoughts after driving one...

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by aschen

Im sure the batteries last a long time, though Im also sure it will lose some of its performance in 8 years. Modern battery mgmt systems are much more sophisticated than they used to be. Hell, remember when you through away your laptop battery every 2 years. They are good for at least double that now.

Unfortunately alot of battery management is due to using them well under there actual peak capacity

That's what the Chevy Engineer said at a Volt orientation: that they understated range so that through the life of the battery (8 year warranty) there would not be a perceptible drop in range. Because I mostly drive around town or on the world's slowest freeway, I show 43-44 miles on a full charge. Sometimes Ill switch to the gas generator on a steep hill, but it all averages out to well over 100 miles per gallon, Typically 112-122 MPG.

I'd love a Tesla, but appreciate the Volt's range extensibility that pump gas gives when I decide to take off for the hinterlands.

[enzo1]

Tesla charging stations go coast-to-coast but Texas is an island, for now - Dallas Business Journal

[MMARSH]

Originally Posted by Por_sha911

I wonder what happens when the 200+ people in my office building want to charge their car up at work.

BTW, you forgot to factor in the cost of replacing batteries. The current (pardon the pun) cost for Tesla Batteries is $12k. Although tech advances will lower cost down the road, inflation and taxes (I predict a road tax on the batteries) will jack the price back up. If you have to replace the batteries in 5 years due to reduced distance (rechargeables degrade with repeated recharging) that's an extra $200 a month.

That said, I agree with you that options are good. I just worry that the environmental wacko liberals like Al Gore will try to mandate EVs for everyone (although Congress will exempt themselves I'm sure).

So how does that work with the Tesla. It has quick change batteries. They can be replaced in less then the time it takes to fill your car with fuel. if you are going and changing out your pack at the changing stations, will you ever need to change your pack in the first place?

[kaisen]

Originally Posted by techweenie

That's what the Chevy Engineer said at a Volt orientation: that they understated range so that through the life of the battery (8 year warranty) there would not be a perceptible drop in range. Because I mostly drive around town or on the world's slowest freeway, I show 43-44 miles on a full charge. Sometimes Ill switch to the gas generator on a steep hill, but it all averages out to well over 100 miles per gallon, Typically 112-122 MPG.

I'd love a Tesla, but appreciate the Volt's range extensibility that pump gas gives when I decide to take off for the hinterlands.

I've been through extensive Volt training with GM engineers. The battery management algorithms and safeguards are impressive. I can't wait for the second generation to debut. It's amazing.

[Jim Richards]

I would like to see a Volt-type sports car

[1990C4S]

Tesla is building an enormous battery factory. I foresee lower battery costs, not higher.

[porsche4life]

Yay for science! And good for Elon to do this!

Elon Musk Donates $1 Million to New Tesla Museum

[onewhippedpuppy]

Economy of scale will make a huge difference in battery cost. The more EVs or hybrids, the cheaper batteries get.

[Joe Bob]

Only IF the battery packs are compatible. Beta Versus VHS.

Beta was actually a better format, it lost out.

Swapping out batteries is a future dream that will only work IF the stations are Tesla only or are willing to supply multiple manufacturers.

Hell, the charging stations and PLUGS aren't even compatible.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I suspect many of the internal components are shared, even in different packs. Much like competitor's TVs both use the same LCD screen made by a sub tier supplier.

[flipper35]

Maybe storage tech is getting a little better.

US Department of Energy doubles lithium-ion battery capacity with spongy silicon | ExtremeTech

[techweenie]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I suspect many of the internal components are shared, even in different packs. Much like competitor's TVs both use the same LCD screen made by a sub tier supplier.

I've been in the electric vehicle (bicycle) business as an investor for 14 years. Battery tech progresses slowly, but it does progress. Variations in cell form factor is a relatively minor thing to deal with.

And the LCD is an apt comparison. Remember the price, contrast, latency and dead pixel issues of only a decade ago?

I think Musk having released all his patents will have a quick and positive effect on the industry.

[slodave]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Only IF the battery packs are compatible. Beta Versus VHS.

Beta was actually a better format, it lost out.

Swapping out batteries is a future dream that will only work IF the stations are Tesla only or are willing to supply multiple manufacturers.

Hell, the charging stations and PLUGS aren't even compatible.

Gotta be careful of what you are saying.

The battery swap was/is something that Tesla is talking about at their Superchargers. One idea is that you leave your battery pack at station A and "rent" packs as you drive around the country. In one scenario, you end your trip back at Station A and pick up your original pack - having only paid for the rental fees of the other packs from your road trip. The other scenario is that you change out your battery and for a fee, you keep the "new" one and at a discounted rate.

As for charging, yes stations are compatible. Tesla gives you a generic adapter to fit the various 3rd party chargers out there, though most of those chargers are fee based. Volt probably gives the owners the generic adapter too. True, only the Model S can charge at a Tesla Supercharger for the moment.

[widebody911]

[Joe Bob]

Originally Posted by slodave

Gotta be careful of what you are saying.

The battery swap was/is something that Tesla is talking about at their Superchargers. One idea is that you leave your battery pack at station A and "rent" packs as you drive around the country. In one scenario, you end your trip back at Station A and pick up your original pack - having only paid for the rental fees of the other packs from your road trip. The other scenario is that you change out your battery and for a fee, you keep the "new" one and at a discounted rate.

As for charging, yes stations are compatible. Tesla gives you a generic adapter to fit the various 3rd party chargers out there, though most of those chargers are fee based. Volt probably gives the owners the generic adapter too. True, only the Model S can charge at a Tesla Supercharger for the moment.

My agency in Santa Barbara had six charging stations. There were three different formats. Just my experience.

[intakexhaust]

Good deal for Tesla with their guts in the new Mercedes B-class electric (approx. $42k). But a big negative they don't have fast charge capability.

[island911]

Thom, staged?

Will Musk be out telling us how everyone survived?

[slodave]

Link to story of the above crash pic.

Weird Tesla Crash Was Result Of Wrong Pedal Press, Witness Says

[island911]

Thanks Dave.

But of course that leaves a question hanging - was she able to hit the "Buy it now" button, and get the cute new shoes, before the crash?

[slodave]

Funny!!! But on a serious note, wouldn't be half surprised. I can see that being an upcoming problem.