Posted on 04/02/2016 8:31:40 AM PDT by samtheman
Tesla Motors Inc.’s unveiling of its new electric vehicle yesterday had the marks of an iPhone release—long lines of enthusiastic consumers, a glossy product and a CEO presenting in a simple black shirt.
Little new information came out about the Model 3, but with the car’s comparably more affordable $35,000 price tag and 215-mile range, Tesla is making a bid to become a mass-market auto manufacturer.
(Excerpt) Read more at scientificamerican.com ...
R-i-g-h-t. My son’s home is 216 miles away. The nearest electric “refueling station” is ? “Hello? Hello? Anyone home, McFly?” Just another toy for the coastal rich to use to go to Starbucks to share the gang condemnation of Donald Trump.
What I do dislike is the hypocrisy of the environmental benefit claims.
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That’s fine, but there are people by the tens of thousands to get on the waiting list for this car. They have multiple reasons to buy it. Some of them may be related to the environment, or not.
Too many people around here are assuming all those people are nuts. Nothing’s perfect and people can find faults like bogus environmental claims or subsidies. OTOH, people tend to overlook the positives, or that different people have different needs. Thankfully, we still have something resembling capitalism where the economy isn’t dictated entirely by liberals or conservatives.
All excellent points. Not since steam powered vehicles of the early 20th century has so much fuss been made over what are Essentially coal powered cars.
I agree on the charging time.
But the battery swap deal is pretty much done.
http://fortune.com/2015/06/10/teslas-battery-swap-is-dead/
Elon Musk is a genius.
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Yes he is a genius at what he does. He’s not perfect but he’d run circles around most of his critics here on FR who think they are smarter.
http://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla-tentatively-tests-battery-swap-plan/
Tesla claiming it will cost less to swap battery than to fill the tank on your sedan. High cost is estimated at $80.
If this was pure capitalism, why is Musk enjoying government subsidies?
What then?
Toyota Corolla, base price $18,300, tank cap. 13gal., mileage range 390 to 546, fill time five minutes or less.
Hyundai Elantra, base price $18,150, tank cap. 14 gal, mileage range 406 to 532, fill time five minute or less.
Honda Civic, base price $19,440, Tank cap. 12.4, mileage range 384 to 508, fill time 5 min. or less.
Compared to an all electric with a range of 215 mi. that takes 20 to 40 min to charge at a supercharger station or at a public charging station where it will take one hour per 22 miles of range! Yes a 35K price tag that becomes reasonable only after sucking tax dollars out of the public to subsidize a feel good toy for gaia worshipper.
FWIW coal is down to 32% of US electric generation and continuing to drop.
How many gas-powered cars have burned I wonder? Carrying around 20+ gallons of inflammable fuel gives them an edge...
Anyone seen a picture of the Porsche that hit a tree and burst into flame, killing Vincent Margera? Or how 'bout the Porsche that immolated Paul Walker?
Paul Walker crash site: 
If I had the need for such a car I would buy it simply for its performance and because its called Tesla,a name I like for its history.
Are you claiming there is no way to measure battery health?
All the tech we have today and we can’t distinguish a new battery from one that is severely depleted?
I haven't heard anyone here question his innovation abilities. However, I hate to break it to you, but this isn't one of his best ventures. In fact in it's history, Tesla as a company has been in the red.
I really think he should focus on SpaceX, and other things that have a better future.
Did I say it was pure capitalism?
Anybody check the cost of maintaining one? How much for a master electrician these days? Zero emissions? Well, less manufacturing, lubricants, transporting, tires......................
“Compared to an all electric with a range of 215 mi. that takes 20 to 40 min to charge at a supercharger station or at a public charging station where it will take one hour per 22 miles of range! Yes a 35K price tag that becomes reasonable only after sucking tax dollars out of the public to subsidize a feel good toy for gaia worshipper.”
Of course, none of the cars you listed will do 0-60 in less than six seconds either, eh?
The charge time is moot if you drive 150 miles or less per day. You just charge overnight. Most folks that own one will also have a gas vehicle for the occasional long trip.
I guess we do, but how would you pro-rate a swap. Say you swap a battery with 80% battery life left for 70%, would there be a pro-rated refund, or surcharge, if the scenario was reversed?
Logistical nightmare if you ask me, considering a base capital cost of a $20K part.
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