Automotive Social → TESLA: Refuel 2 EV Sedans FASTER then 1 Gas Sedan!

From TESLA's press release last night, »www.teslamotors.com/batt ··· gnId=180

Tesla's Elon Musk Unvales the new battery swap station. Refueled 2 Tesla Model S Sedans, FASTER then it took to refuel a empty Audi by a minute!

I know their will be bugs to be worked out before public release of the stations, but this is just amazing! Cant wait!

They are doing all kinds of things to make other car companies look like complete crap.

Good job Tesla Motors.

So, are they putting them in every gas station?

Or, do I have to go where Tesla dictates.

Nice try Tesla, but even if I contemplated buying a Tesla automobile, I go where I want to go and that's not happening in the foreseeable future.

Great PR for the suckers!

"Refueling" stations for electric cars. Now that is the solution to my biggest knock against them. If electric cars become mainstream enough that we start seeing battery stations like we do gas stations (yeah I know, years away), then I will look into it. As it stands now, the logistics involved in trying to do more than basic commuting make them far too impractical for me to even consider.

I really love the technology and design of Tesla vehicles. Perhaps it's just me, but I'd gladly get a Tesla if they provided the option to lease a vehicle. I've never liked purchasing. SoCal Edison has charge stations at grocery stores, restaurants, and even Fry's, so it's a no-brainer here I'd say.

Another reason I'm holding back: I'm moving to DC in a few months, I'm not sure what the charging station situation is like there.

If the primary issue I have with Tesla was resolved, I'd sign up for a Model X.

They do not lease, they have a different setup. Guaranteed buyback value after xxx # of years. I do not know the specific details and I did not go that route, see their site.

As for DC, here are just SOME of the available charging locations for Washington DC, »www.plugshare.com/api/vi ··· ton%20DC

It better charge that quickly for 63k as a starting price for the base model.

Thanks but no thanks....

That's not overpriced. It's a fabulous car and a fabulous company standing behind the product.

That's subjective. A great car and so far a great company. But it is still far more money than many people are willing to spend, given the practicality of the vehicles. And that can give them the opinion of being overpriced. For that kind of money we can buy a gasoline or diesel powered luxury car and drive anywhere we want, anytime we want. I give Tesla big credit for being a pioneer though. And I give credit for those who are buying cars like this right now. Without those buyers there would be no money for advancement of the technology. There will come a day where electric cars are the standard, and all the practicality issues will be resolved.

The Tesla S is really positioned as a luxury vehicle. It's not meant to be an everyperson's car. Musk has said that he wants to eventually do that, but right now it's mostly for luxury automobile buyers.

Given the above, the $63K price isn't out of line. But I won't buy one until the charging stations expand more. I was going to get one, but the inconvenience of finding a charging station and possibly not even finding one when needed keeps me away. I'm going to stick to gasoline cars for now.

might i point out the volume of fuel an A8 holds(the car in the video), it's 23.8gallons which is 2.2gal smaller then a 2wd eco boost ford F150.

it's impressive that they can change packs that quickly, but there is some considerable marketing fluff thrown in there as well.

being the A8 is a luxury sedan(think rolls-royce), and the Tesla is a sport-sedan.

An Audi is like a Rolls Royce?

Nah. I can't buy into that. The Audi is a fine automobile. And I see where you're coming from on the point. But it is a spiffed up VW. The Rolls is a Rolls.

and they both pretty much have truck engines in them.

it would have been more impressive if they compared it to the Lexus GS450, it's one thing to compare it to tanks with wheels, a whole different compared to it's closest competitor in terms of efficiency.

Not even close. Different target market, different price points, completely different approach to driving. An S6 might be a closer comparison to the Tesla. Even then, it's apples and oranges.

I'd be in the Audi demographic. I could never see myself driving (or being driven) in a Roll-Royce.

Nor I. For that kind of money, I could get an R8 and a couple of other cars for spares.

One a darker note, special interests are trying to get laws passed to make life difficult for Tesla. Dealers object to the direct sales model and are lobbying legislatures to force consumers to pay a needless markup.

»www.digitaltrends.com/ca ··· t-begun/

lowest end rolls is at ~$225k, so one R8 and a RS5 and insurance for a couple years(maby?)

still not terribly impressed, compare it to a hybrid in terms of fueling up.

Exactly. Compare a Rolls to a Hyundai in terms of fueling up. Makes no sense.

What you and most people seem to be missing is that Tesla is not a utilitarian vehicle. It's a premium car with a premium price point. In addition, the service is second to none. If Musk doesn't sell the company off anytime soon, I see all premium luxury makers having to raise their game a notch, regardless of how good they are now.

Tesla and Musk provide a disruptive technology and business model. Hence the angst from the traditional automotive establishment.

it's base price range is much closer to the GS450h then the base price of the A8(60k-100k Tesla, 55k Lexus, 78k-135k Audi) they are the people he should want to impress.

as for utility, the A8 can do utility, the GS450h can do utility, and somehow the 4d hatch model S can't ?, it's a sedan, if you want to go get groceries with it i don't see how it's not capable considering it's sheer size. now the roadster on the other hand, is 100% not a utilitarian.

Utilitarian as in basic means of transportation is what I was really meaning. Probably not the best choice of words.

I think Tesla is indeed trying to impress the mid range Lexus, Audi, MB buyers. He plays in that price range.

but he's targeting the next market up.

that's the thing though, the A8 is considerably higher end then the Lexus, a better comparison would have been with an A6 if they wanted to target Audi, which is closer to the same price point. the Panamera would have been even better, it is also a large 4 door hatch(it weighs ~600 lb less then the model S).

one thing for sure though, very few cars in that segment can boast the same overall size, the model S is definitely not a light car it weighs 100lb less then the A8, that's WITH the W12.

I see what you're getting at. I agree. I'm sure he has his motivations, obviously.

Yeah, it's a heavy car, but certainly spacious. 25% or so of the weight I believe is battery. Probably needed the size to house a decent range battery.

The A8 is pretty much the same purpose of a Cadillac DTS. Sofa with wheels meant to cruise the big wide freeways and autobahns of the world.

Good point Goober. Especially on the service end. Last week Friday evening, got home from work, my UMC (Universal Mobile Charger) was being a wee bit flaky, I had to plug and unplug it about a dozen times before it actually connected and started charging. I called TESLA Support (mind you, it was about 8pm Central). They basically said no problem, most likely a fluke, but to be on the safe side, we're sending you a replacement with prepaid return label for the old one. Wake up Saturday morning at 7am, open my front door, and their is a big box sitting their....With a brand new charging cable. Less then 12 hours, they got me a new cable! Closest tesla service center is Chicago, they got one FedEX'd to me overnight on a saturday morning. I was blown away, best service I've ever had in my life!
I have a few minor body fit and finish issues that I need taken care of as well. So I have a appointment for the 8th of july to drop my car off at the service center in Chicago. They are giving me as a loaner, their most loaded, Performance model, with every option and feature as a loaner, to use as long as I need. Insane customer service.

And in response to someone else, yes, the Tesla S is a luxury vehicle. I will not deny that in any way. It is a Awesome luxury vehicle. But at the same time, for the driving I do, it is ALSO utilitarian for my needs. I have had it 1 month 5 days, I have just a hair under 4,000 miles on it, with the Tesla Grin on my face the whole time. My truck has only been started once. I have made my car payment for the past month in gas savings alone over driving my Xterra and Cube.

I have never been in a situation in (yes, I know, 4,000 miles isnt a lot yet) where I have been unable to find a charging location. Milwaukee County, their are tons of charging stations, all over the place. Both Free and Paid (my favorite is the AAA service center, as they just put in a brand new Free Chargepoint Station). All the way to Madison, their are 5 or 6 stations, 4 of them are free.
Only location I ever go to that does not have a normal public station is my parents motel in the Wisconsin Dells. And in fact, they have the First and only station in the Wisconsin Dells Tourist City. Though, their are 2 Nissan Dealerships within 15-25 miles of the dells (in opposite directions) that provide free charging as well (as a backup. I have never needed it though).

Lurch, hows this for range and needs, Drove from the Wisconsin Dells, to Madison, From Madison, to Milwaukee (to my shop), after I closed at my shop, drove to Grafton to fix some Pedicure Chairs at my wifes salon, from Grafton, back to Milwaukee to go home. That whole way, a single charge, with no top offs, and I still had enough power to get to Potowatami Casino that night, and then charged when I finally went home for the night to day

That was about 3 1/2 to 4 hrs.

The Model S is a very heavy car. Mines around 4,600 lbs. The battery is heavy, it is heavily protected, and the battery tray adds extreme rigidity to the vehicle. This is, one of, if not in the top 5 safest sedans on the market.

Unfortunately, I visit the in-laws quite a bit and the nearest charger (Nissan) to them is almost 30 miles away.

The in-laws are 220 miles away. I feel uncomfortable given that scenario, although I could probably charge it prior to getting to the in-laws and then charge it after spending time there prior to returning.

I just don't like all of that hanging over my head, but I'm so enamored with the car that I'm still considering it.

»enviasystems.com/technology/

if that system is as nice as reported, they should offer an upgrade system for Tesla owners. if the current battery weighs 540kg and is replaced with the Envia batteries at 400Wh/kg your looking at a 216Kwh battery pack vs the current 85Kwh.

would hate to charge it, but if they worked a deal with GM corp(Envia is a GM sub company) and traded a little tech, the model S would have a much higher relevance in the market then it currently does.

The 85kw Model S has a EPA Range of 265 with ideal or 300+. I would even make that drive no problem in a single shot on my 60kw MS.
My 60kw has a EPA rated range of 208 miles. On the freeway at 71mph, with cruse control on, I can hit 230+ miles easially.

And you do not need to find a charging station. The idea with EV's is you plug them in anywhere, so you leave your home with a full charge, you get to your destination (inlaws), plug in their, and you leave their with a full charge. Badda Bing no charging stations needed.
Nice iphone app, "Plug Share" which shows actual public charging stations, as well as private home owner's charging stations or outlets that they allow others to plug into if need be, either free for small fee. That alone can easily double available charging locations in a city. And the other iphone app, "chargepoint" has their own network of charging stations, and are the most common.

I mention Nissan Dealerships as a backup. Every Nissan in the USA has level 2 charger for the leafs, and they allow anyone to plug in. I have only tested charging at one after hours, just to verify they are compatible, and it worked flawlessly. The Model S includes a J1772 Public Charging station adapter that clips right onto the Nissan Charging plug and goes right into the car.

It's a possiability! Thats the beauty of EV's! Especially the MS. The battery pack unbolts, and new one goes in. The Tesla batteries, are specifically designed for the vehicle. I am banking on higher capacity packs becoming available in the future. The cost per kwh has come down steadially, and the plug and play nature of the batteries, could easially have larger available.

Nice thing about their new battery swap system, is possiably road trips.

Instead of always having a large battery pack in your vehicle, when planning on a long road trip, one could possibly go to a service center, and "rent" a larger battery for the vacation/road trip.

That would be awesome. Go in, they swap out my 60kw pack for a, say 120kw or 240kw pack, I could go 450-500+ miles on a single charge with packs that large. Stop at a single super charger to fill er up, walk the kids, eat, super charger to charge a 240kw pack would be approx 1 1/2 hours. After 400-500 miles of driving, it would be time for a good extended rest stop. etc...

The possiabilities are virtually endless, and the better the battery tech gets... Like I said, plug and play, the car doesnt care what kind of battery it has as long as it's getting the proper voltages and current output from the pack.