Posted on 12/26/2014 7:07:15 PM PST by 2ndDivisionVet
Car nerds, you just got an extra present under the tree.
Tesla announced Friday an upgrade for its Roadster, the electric car company’s convertible model, and said that the new features significantly boost its range -- beyond what many traditional cars can get on a tank of gasoline.
The company is installing three retrofits for the vehicle. First up is a battery upgrade that marks a 31 percent increase in capacity. Next is an “aero kit” that’ll alter the car’s profile slightly, producing a 15 percent reduction in wind drag. Finally, the Roadster will be getting new, more efficient tires.
The result is an electric vehicle that can reliably travel about 350 miles before needing a recharge, and possibly more in ideal conditions. That’s pretty similar — or even better — than many conventional gasoline-powered cars. The University of Michigan estimates that the average fuel economy of a new car in 2014 was about 25 miles per gallon. With a 12- or 13-gallon tank, that gets you about 325 miles on a single fill-up....
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
Electric cars are of much simpler construction (and repair); the limitation right now is battery capacity, which directly reflects in driveable range. When batteries downsize and up power, it will be a very different story.
Building them is no great feat, the motor has over a hundred years of history and other components are widely available. The price point isn’t there yet.
I will “subsidize” my own electric car; paying taxes so DeCaprio can drive a subsidized electric car is crony-cRapitcalism.
A $100K+ Tesla can't do diddly squat for 5 or 6 hours while it's sitting at a recharging station if you can find one.
And it doesn't take several hours to fill the tank either.
“Those that realize it are resentful.”
Very true observation. The hate the liberals present is nothing short of violence.
Succinctly said.
I've often said Liberals have no sense of embarrassment for foolish things they say and do.
Looks like more than a few foolish Freepers have no sense of embarrassment either.
I’ve often said Liberals have no sense of embarrassment for foolish things they say and do.
Truth is foolishness to a fool.
When did opposing government subsidies to benefit a narrow industry that could not survive without state assistance become “liberal?”
You wacky watermelons are funny. Unfortunately your socialist policies harm our nation so they’re nothing to laugh about.
I’ve read your posts, including this most recent one addressed to me.
Those posts serve as a reminder of what can result when posting in a drunken stupor.
You say I’m drunk yet you advocate “progressive” ideals.
It’s funny how you “watermelons” (that is, green on the outside and red on the inside) push electric vehicles. When some of us point out the obvious flaws you immediately try to smear us as “stupid” and “drunk.”
Say, weren’t you also one of those promoting RINO candidates such as Mitch McConnell?
Net, net, net it’s a good thing for America. Like most innovations, it’s a toy of the rich, but the benefits will accrue across the country. I wish it wasn’t subsidized though.
For us to have alternatives to petroleum is a good thing and may spur development of better coal, hydro and nuclear sources. Having energy choice and competition is a blessing.
— Like most innovations, it’s a toy of the rich, but the benefits will accrue across the country. I wish it wasn’t subsidized though.
*** True innovations come without government subsidies. When the government pays, politicians and other con artists are in the thick of it and they have a predetermined result in mind.
— For us to have alternatives to petroleum is a good thing and may spur development of better coal, hydro and nuclear sources. Having energy choice and competition is a blessing.
*** There is a market for solar. When did you last purchase a battery operated calculator? Wind turbines aren’t all they’re played up to be. The same politicians who embrace wind energy fight tooth and nail to keep it out of “their back yards.”
As for exploiting new energy resources, do you believe our current government would allow the construction of “The Hoover Dam?”
Seriously Chode,
The socialist greenies can’t find better trolls?
How pathetic!
Check you cowards out!
It appears we have a troll.
It appears we may have a troll.
My 2005 Corrolla gets 36 mpg and cost less than $20,000 new. It has slightly more than 350 miles range and refuel in 5 minutes. Looks like they have the range, now need to work on refuel time and cost.
Breathless fawning stories about Teslas get old. What $100k+ vehicles aren’t wonderful examples of technology and art?
Yes the electric cars can go faster now, and the batteries are more efficient on a power stored to weight ratio.
But, just as you say, the constants of Amps, Volts and Watts haven't changed...:^)
Building them is no great feat, the motor has over a hundred years of history and other components are widely available. The price point isn’t there yet.
I will “subsidize” my own electric car; paying taxes so DeCaprio can drive a subsidized electric car is crony-cRapitcalism.
I think you will find that the modern variable frequency AC motors used in present electric cars have little to do with the electric motors of a hundred years ago.
The electronics simply didn't exist then...:^)
I have seen these things. They’re nice looking, very expensive toys.
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