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Is it the future of the commuter car? I'd say yes. Layout and simplicity for the average commuter car is impressive. Plug it into your solar panel equipped garage - awesome - no more gas stations. I like that. No oil change, no transmission, software updates via wifi, etc.
Tesla is also losing $4k a car. How long can they sustain that? They are trying to raise equity in the stock mkt cause they are burning through cash at an alarming rate. I think in the medium term they get bought for technology by a major manufacturer -or- slowly become irrelevant as Porsche Audi, MB, BMW and Lexus all get into then full-electric sedan game and the it is game over for Tesla.
It is impressive technology for commuter cars but it is not replacing or beating my 911.
Originally Posted by yvesvidal
Tesla may be losing money but they are visionaries which are changing the order of things and making the Oil and traditional car maker fat pigs shake in their leather chairs. And this is for the best.
Originally Posted by HOUSE Motorsports
That said - it's an amazing feat of engineering, and definitely makes the case as the first real glimpse of the future of passenger automobiles. It is the Anti-Prius for those who love cars.
Some of the most intelligent statements I have read about Tesla lately.
tesla's website says pull into a charging staion and go get a coffee and a snack. don't know if that is what they project or current actuality.
It will like take quite some time to re-charge at those stations ( 20-30 min?). Those quick charge stations also damage the batteries every time you use them, resulting in shorter lifespan and reduced range.
I think the max charge you can achieve is 170 miles worth of driving in 30 minutes at one of Tesla's charging stations. The battery shouldn't degrade so long as you don't charge more than 20% of the time at those quick charge stations.
I have battery anxiety when my cell phone is below 50%. I couldn't deal with an electric car. I prefer GM's approach to electric vehicles. Attempt to satisfy a majority of people's commute on electricity only then start burning gasoline with the ability to refuel like a conventional vehicle.
Tesla is also losing $4k a car. How long can they sustain that? They are trying to raise equity in the stock mkt cause they are burning through cash at an alarming rate. I think in the medium term they get bought for technology by a major manufacturer -or- slowly become irrelevant as Porsche Audi, MB, BMW and Lexus all get into then full-electric sedan game and the it is game over for Tesla.
The problem for Tesla is the car business is all about scale and volume. All about amortizing huge engineering and development costs over a large volume of cars/trucks sold. They simply won't be able to compete.
PS: the Porsche all-electric concept is said to lap the Ring in under 8 minutes. Engineered properly as expected.
Yes Audi and Porsche (VW group) are finally realizing that the future is fully electric (as was the first car to be invented, the French "Jamais Contente").
The Audi and Porsche concept cars are stunning (especially the E-Porsche). However, contrary to Tesla who will try to place on the market products that are more appealing than its concept cars, Porsche and Audi will probably give us a subdued and less aesthetic variant. Somehow, they can never improve over the concept.
In the meantime, regall your eyes on the following:
