The new Tesla S - soon to be out of battery near you!
Discussion
Seems like Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla is not too pleased about the latest test drive conducted by a NY times journalist 
Family trips could get interesting to say the least! You might drive past gas station after gas station, but you wont be smiling
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/automobiles/stal...
Family trips could get interesting to say the least! You might drive past gas station after gas station, but you wont be smiling
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/automobiles/stal...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-21426132
I love the Model S as a concept, but I can't take the company seriously when they react this way to any sort of criticism.
I love the Model S as a concept, but I can't take the company seriously when they react this way to any sort of criticism.
C36 Nico said:
agreed, personally the thing which turns me off completely with electric cars is that you are oh so reliable on charge stations.
The very idea of a car is "go anywhere" and I just dont have any faith in it as a means of travel.... yet.
True but the reality of most cars is go anywhere within 15 miles of homeThe very idea of a car is "go anywhere" and I just dont have any faith in it as a means of travel.... yet.
Electric cars are brilliant at what a modern diesel isn't very good at short hops around towns
But thousands of diesels are sold every year for popping 5 miles to the shops
Whilst this is true, a cheap petrol or diesel city car is also more than capable of a longer drive, something you would hope a car costing as much as a tesla would also be able to do.
The concept of plugging a car in to recharge, even if it is just for 30 minutes a time equates to a massive step backward for anyone wanting to travel more than a handful of miles.
24lemons said:
Whilst this is true, a cheap petrol or diesel city car is also more than capable of a longer drive, something you would hope a car costing as much as a tesla would also be able to do.
The concept of plugging a car in to recharge, even if it is just for 30 minutes a time equates to a massive step backward for anyone wanting to travel more than a handful of miles.
Excactly, its a onetrick pony basically - and an expensive one at that.The concept of plugging a car in to recharge, even if it is just for 30 minutes a time equates to a massive step backward for anyone wanting to travel more than a handful of miles.
Whilst its true most diesels pop around time most of the year, it does the odd long-distance trip and can you imagine planning a 150 mile trip to the mountains or some remote area with a tesla? I cant until they cover half of scotland with recharge stations..
C36 Nico said:
24lemons said:
Whilst this is true, a cheap petrol or diesel city car is also more than capable of a longer drive, something you would hope a car costing as much as a tesla would also be able to do.
The concept of plugging a car in to recharge, even if it is just for 30 minutes a time equates to a massive step backward for anyone wanting to travel more than a handful of miles.
Excactly, its a onetrick pony basically - and an expensive one at that.The concept of plugging a car in to recharge, even if it is just for 30 minutes a time equates to a massive step backward for anyone wanting to travel more than a handful of miles.
Whilst its true most diesels pop around time most of the year, it does the odd long-distance trip and can you imagine planning a 150 mile trip to the mountains or some remote area with a tesla? I cant until they cover half of scotland with recharge stations..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLCdP6sMN9k
C36 Nico said:
Seems like Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla is not too pleased about the latest test drive conducted by a NY times journalist
Family trips could get interesting to say the least! You might drive past gas station after gas station, but you wont be smiling
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/automobiles/stal...
I understand Tesla is considering legal action against the New York Times journalist, because the car's black box is calling the journo a liar.Family trips could get interesting to say the least! You might drive past gas station after gas station, but you wont be smiling
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/10/automobiles/stal...
buggalugs said:
I understand Tesla is considering legal action against the New York Times journalist, because the car's black box is calling the journo a liar.
What is wrong with this company?The principle has merit. This Musk guy's spoilt rich-kid "I can't be wrong you are lying" attitude just pisses all over any credibility they might try and hang onto.
buggalugs said:
I understand Tesla is considering legal action against the New York Times journalist, because the car's black box is calling the journo a liar.
So Tesla are tracking every journey their customers will be making in these things? Surely they'd say it was only for the press car, for security purposes, and if anyone believes that, they'd be a fool.McSam said:
What is wrong with this company?
The principle has merit. This Musk guy's spoilt rich-kid "I can't be wrong you are lying" attitude just pisses all over any credibility they might try and hang onto.
It's odd. All Tesla need to do is publish the black box information, say that Mr Broder was less than honest, and let the public decide. They protest too much.The principle has merit. This Musk guy's spoilt rich-kid "I can't be wrong you are lying" attitude just pisses all over any credibility they might try and hang onto.
McSam said:
What is wrong with this company?
The principle has merit. This Musk guy's spoilt rich-kid "I can't be wrong you are lying" attitude just pisses all over any credibility they might try and hang onto.
Quite. Don't forget this company//Musk sued the Beeb over TopGear's review and lost... I wonder if the blackbox nonsense (was) an attempted to avoid such things in future.The principle has merit. This Musk guy's spoilt rich-kid "I can't be wrong you are lying" attitude just pisses all over any credibility they might try and hang onto.
I like, really like, the basic Tesla idea - but screw the company's attitude.
Is the writer unaware of the fact there isn't a electric car on the market that can travel long distances in one go? Not sure why he's bringing up the cold temperatures either because AFAIK Tesla's have a heating/cooling system just for the battery pack to keep them within optimum operation temperatures. I actually think this cars range is quite impressive considering it's powertrain. Not so long ago they couldn't even do half that. No, it isn't as good as a petrol, or a diesel, but one day you might not have the luxury of making a choice between them.
It's easy to mock pioneers of emerging technologies. But ask yourself something, if you live in the UK especially, do you really think you will be afford to run a petrol car in 20+ years time? Petrol prices are only ever going to go one way. And during this period, the alternative powertrains will improve and the production costs will come down.
In the early days of the electric car it's easy to see why they were so appealing- they were quiet, didn't spit hot oil out and wouldn't attempt to snap your wrist every time you wanted to start it. But the edge was handed to internal combustion as it reached mass production much sooner. Imagine where we could be now if the last 100 years of development of the internal combustion engine had gone into a alternative, more sustainable powertrain.
People knew this was coming. But for years, no one did anything about it. It was swept under the carpet. No thought or consideration given to future generations or our limited resources. I almost find this hard to believe. People who did recognise the issue and tried to act upon it were often mocked for their trouble, or accused of being a hippy. When efforts were made to change things, projects got bought up by big companies with misguided agendas. Never to be heard of again. Don't even get me started on GM.
And yes, this is going to be a big change for everyone. It's going to impact on a lot of peoples lives and is probably going to require changes in their lifestyle. All these years of cheap, accessible private transport has made people entitled. They take it for granted.
But IMO, it's just ignorant to disregard efforts of companies like this, the fact is that there really isn't many great alternatives. Like it or not, the days of internal combustion are numbered.
</rant>
It's easy to mock pioneers of emerging technologies. But ask yourself something, if you live in the UK especially, do you really think you will be afford to run a petrol car in 20+ years time? Petrol prices are only ever going to go one way. And during this period, the alternative powertrains will improve and the production costs will come down.
In the early days of the electric car it's easy to see why they were so appealing- they were quiet, didn't spit hot oil out and wouldn't attempt to snap your wrist every time you wanted to start it. But the edge was handed to internal combustion as it reached mass production much sooner. Imagine where we could be now if the last 100 years of development of the internal combustion engine had gone into a alternative, more sustainable powertrain.
People knew this was coming. But for years, no one did anything about it. It was swept under the carpet. No thought or consideration given to future generations or our limited resources. I almost find this hard to believe. People who did recognise the issue and tried to act upon it were often mocked for their trouble, or accused of being a hippy. When efforts were made to change things, projects got bought up by big companies with misguided agendas. Never to be heard of again. Don't even get me started on GM.
And yes, this is going to be a big change for everyone. It's going to impact on a lot of peoples lives and is probably going to require changes in their lifestyle. All these years of cheap, accessible private transport has made people entitled. They take it for granted.
But IMO, it's just ignorant to disregard efforts of companies like this, the fact is that there really isn't many great alternatives. Like it or not, the days of internal combustion are numbered.
</rant>
There is another fundamental flaw to Teslas plan to travel from Washington to Boston and stop at charge stations on the way. As a local that has driven from NYC to Boston hundreds of times I use the I95 very rarely. I'd hate to have to rely on the 95 because the traffic is horrible. So, their theory of travel just doesn't work.
Also, I really wanted to like the car but was disappointed when I sat in the S yesterday. The interior is dominated by a screen in the center console which must be 32". It's excessive especially as the dash is another huge screen. The stitching of the seats in the one I sat in was badly worn and I didn't like the exposed seat rails either.
I bet they are still popular with the bored house wives around here that have multiple other cars to choose from on their Mall shopping trips. I expect to see a line of them at the valet entrance to the mall where the Tesla dealer is located.
Also, I really wanted to like the car but was disappointed when I sat in the S yesterday. The interior is dominated by a screen in the center console which must be 32". It's excessive especially as the dash is another huge screen. The stitching of the seats in the one I sat in was badly worn and I didn't like the exposed seat rails either.
I bet they are still popular with the bored house wives around here that have multiple other cars to choose from on their Mall shopping trips. I expect to see a line of them at the valet entrance to the mall where the Tesla dealer is located.
8vFTW said:
Is the writer unaware of the fact there isn't a electric car on the market that can travel long distances in one go? Not sure why he's bringing up the cold temperatures either because AFAIK Tesla's have a heating/cooling system just for the battery pack to keep them within optimum operation temperatures. I actually think this cars range is quite impressive considering it's powertrain. Not so long ago they couldn't even do half that. No, it isn't as good as a petrol, or a diesel, but one day you might not have the luxury of making a choice between them.
It's easy to mock pioneers of emerging technologies. But ask yourself something, if you live in the UK especially, do you really think you will be afford to run a petrol car in 20+ years time? Petrol prices are only ever going to go one way. And during this period, the alternative powertrains will improve and the production costs will come down.
In the early days of the electric car it's easy to see why they were so appealing- they were quiet, didn't spit hot oil out and wouldn't attempt to snap your wrist every time you wanted to start it. But the edge was handed to internal combustion as it reached mass production much sooner. Imagine where we could be now if the last 100 years of development of the internal combustion engine had gone into a alternative, more sustainable powertrain.
People knew this was coming. But for years, no one did anything about it. It was swept under the carpet. No thought or consideration given to future generations or our limited resources. I almost find this hard to believe. People who did recognise the issue and tried to act upon it were often mocked for their trouble, or accused of being a hippy. When efforts were made to change things, projects got bought up by big companies with misguided agendas. Never to be heard of again. Don't even get me started on GM.
And yes, this is going to be a big change for everyone. It's going to impact on a lot of peoples lives and is probably going to require changes in their lifestyle. All these years of cheap, accessible private transport has made people entitled. They take it for granted.
But IMO, it's just ignorant to disregard efforts of companies like this, the fact is that there really isn't many great alternatives. Like it or not, the days of internal combustion are numbered.
</rant>
I think the issue the journalist has is legitimate. Tesla claim something that he wasn't able to replicate. Many people in cities would consider an electric vehicle if it can do that once or twice a year trip up to Boston or NYC. This is the biggest hurdle for electric vehicles and its one Tesla are claiming to have over come. They haven't in the journalists experience and I think that should be reported. I could potentially be a Tesla customer and the NYC to Boston would be the clincher of the deal. I would be very upset if my car couldn't do as the manufacturer had statedIt's easy to mock pioneers of emerging technologies. But ask yourself something, if you live in the UK especially, do you really think you will be afford to run a petrol car in 20+ years time? Petrol prices are only ever going to go one way. And during this period, the alternative powertrains will improve and the production costs will come down.
In the early days of the electric car it's easy to see why they were so appealing- they were quiet, didn't spit hot oil out and wouldn't attempt to snap your wrist every time you wanted to start it. But the edge was handed to internal combustion as it reached mass production much sooner. Imagine where we could be now if the last 100 years of development of the internal combustion engine had gone into a alternative, more sustainable powertrain.
People knew this was coming. But for years, no one did anything about it. It was swept under the carpet. No thought or consideration given to future generations or our limited resources. I almost find this hard to believe. People who did recognise the issue and tried to act upon it were often mocked for their trouble, or accused of being a hippy. When efforts were made to change things, projects got bought up by big companies with misguided agendas. Never to be heard of again. Don't even get me started on GM.
And yes, this is going to be a big change for everyone. It's going to impact on a lot of peoples lives and is probably going to require changes in their lifestyle. All these years of cheap, accessible private transport has made people entitled. They take it for granted.
But IMO, it's just ignorant to disregard efforts of companies like this, the fact is that there really isn't many great alternatives. Like it or not, the days of internal combustion are numbered.
</rant>
The sinker here is the fact that you simply cannot rely on the car to tell you much range until refuel.
This imo is THE biggest factor when it comes to introducing new technology in a car.
Can you trust the vehicle. According to this article thats a no, and pistonheads aside the #1 requirement when it comes to cars
is that the vehicle will get you to your destination in and on time.
This imo is THE biggest factor when it comes to introducing new technology in a car.
Can you trust the vehicle. According to this article thats a no, and pistonheads aside the #1 requirement when it comes to cars
is that the vehicle will get you to your destination in and on time.
dxg said:
Except the Viper made it homeh0b0 said:
There is another fundamental flaw to Teslas plan to travel from Washington to Boston and stop at charge stations on the way. As a local that has driven from NYC to Boston hundreds of times I use the I95 very rarely. I'd hate to have to rely on the 95 because the traffic is horrible. So, their theory of travel just doesn't work.
Also, I really wanted to like the car but was disappointed when I sat in the S yesterday. The interior is dominated by a screen in the center console which must be 32". It's excessive especially as the dash is another huge screen. The stitching of the seats in the one I sat in was badly worn and I didn't like the exposed seat rails either.
I bet they are still popular with the bored house wives around here that have multiple other cars to choose from on their Mall shopping trips. I expect to see a line of them at the valet entrance to the mall where the Tesla dealer is located.
Errr - the screen is 17". You must think you are some kind of Dirk Diggler.Also, I really wanted to like the car but was disappointed when I sat in the S yesterday. The interior is dominated by a screen in the center console which must be 32". It's excessive especially as the dash is another huge screen. The stitching of the seats in the one I sat in was badly worn and I didn't like the exposed seat rails either.
I bet they are still popular with the bored house wives around here that have multiple other cars to choose from on their Mall shopping trips. I expect to see a line of them at the valet entrance to the mall where the Tesla dealer is located.
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