Category Archives: Tesla Motors

Tesla Reveals a Super Semi, 0-60 in Under 5 Seconds!

At an event in Los Angeles on November 16th, 2017, Tesla unveiled its new Semi electric truck, which is capable of traveling 800 kilometers (500 miles) on a single charge with a loaded trailer.

Powered by four independent Model 3 motors, the vehicle can go from 0-60 mph in just five seconds; it’ll take 20 seconds while paired with an 80,000 pound load. The idea with the Semi is to create a shipping solution that’s not only more environmentally friendly than a diesel truck, but also more economical to own and operate.

The interior features a central cockpit for greater visibility and two large displays for navigation and other controls on either side of the cabin. The shatter-proof windshield uses Tesla Armor Glass that the company says is far more durable than standard glass; that’s a big deal because a cracked windshield takes time to replace, and it’s illegal to drive with a damaged one in the US, which means downtime and money down the drain for trucking companies.

In addition, the Semi beams data to a mobile app that presents vital information about the vehicle, along with remote diagnostics, preventative maintenance, and fleet management information.

With the Semi, the big draw for logistics companies will likely be the lower cost of ownership. Tesla says that a diesel truck is 20 percent more expensive to run per mile, and that running an Autopilot-powered convoy of Semis is even more economical than transporting cargo by rail, while also being 10 times safer than having the vehicles manned by human drivers.

It’ll be interesting to see if that’s enough to convince shipping companies to make the switch to Tesla’s electric offering. The Semi will begin production in 2019, and you can reserve them now by wiring across $5,000 apiece.

SOURCE: TheNextWeb

Chevy Bolt Or Tesla Model S, Which Is The Best EV For A Road Trip?

Everyone loves a road trip: Driving through a region, discovering its magic, one mile at a time, while being as free as a bird to stop and sleep wherever you want to. It’s no wonder that road trips are an American symbol: They’re linked to a natural sense of freedom and exploration of vast landscapes that are so iconic of the US. But when it comes to road trips, it’s always the old Mustang or the long Cadillac that get in the picture of the perfect trip. Have you ever considered an electric car instead? We’re comparing the Tesla Model S and the Chevy Bolt to find out the best car for the exercise!

Chevy Bolt EV

The essentials on the road

Even though an electric car has a different fuelling system, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pack like for a standard road trip, namely a box of tools to be able to change a flat tyre and cables to revive the battery. Admittedly, there’s no need to worry in case you’ve forgotten a tool or you find yourself unable to move the car. The tow truck service is equally available to fuel-powered and electric vehicles! But, you’ll enjoy the road trip more if you don’t need it!

Planning ahead

If it’s your first long drive with an EV, make sure to check a map of charging stations in the area before you leave. These are more difficult to find than fuel stations!

Tesla Model S: Supercharged in 30min

The Tesla Model S has some serious bragging rights, as with any electric car that allows you to invest in the future. But what is really exciting about this model is that you can in only 30 minutes get the car charged to complete a 170-mile-long journey, assuming you are using a Tesla Supercharger charging station. Remember the EV charging map? That’s why you need it! Additionally, the Tesla S is a fast car that can even beat the Ferrari 458 in a race.

Chevy Bolt: 313 miles on a charge

In comparison, the Chevy Bolt offers an impressive driving range on one charge: Up to 238 miles, although drivers claim to have managed 313 miles on a single charge. Unfortunately the Chevy Bolt can’t use the Tesla Supercharger, but you can use DC fast-charging stations to deliver 90 miles in the first 30 min. If you’re stopping in a hotel, it will take a 240-volt Level 2 charging station 9 hours to fill a discharged battery pack.

The verdict

According to EPA estimates, the 259 miles range of the Tesla Model S beats the Chevy Bolt, especially if you take into account the time of charge. However, recent tests by Consumer Reports show otherwise: The Chevy Bolt surpasses expectations with a 235 miles range, vs the Tesla that only hits 250 miles. But charging time and comfort are in favor of the Tesla’s vehicle.

In conclusion, a long-distance road trip is better planned with a Tesla Model S, as you’ll be making the most of its supercharging abilities and comfy seats. However, if you’re driving only a few hundred miles, the Chevy Bolt is a great alternative that exceeds range expectations, as long as you remember to use DC fast-charging stations!

Why You Absolutely Need the Tesla Model S

Image via Wikimedia Commons

There are many benefits to getting an electric car, ranging from the simple cool-factor of driving in the vehicle of the future, to cutting down dramatically on fuel costs, and reducing your carbon footprint.

But for all those benefits which apply to electric cars across the board, there are certain key reasons why you might want to take the plunge and invest in a Tesla Model S.

Here are a few of those reasons.

Bragging rights

There’s no electric car quite as universally well known, and with quite the mythic aura surrounding it, as the Tesla. By owning a Tesla Model S you get the bragging rights that come with investing in Elon Musk’s vision for the future.

You also get to enjoy the instant recognition, interest, and curiosity of those you bring it up with in conversation. There’s a certain sense of being on the cutting edge with comes with the territory of driving a Tesla, and with that comes the bragging rights.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt that it’s a pretty car, available in a range of ceramic paint coatings.

Access to the world’s fastest charging stations

One of the key concerns among many new electric car buyers is the fear that they might find themselves running out of juice at a bad time, and either being stranded in the middle of nowhere, or having to wait for hours at a charging station before getting back on the road.

Fortunately for the Tesla Model S owner, they have the privilege of using the renowned Tesla Supercharger charging stations.

Not only are Tesla Superchargers the world’s fastest charging stations — boasting the ability to get your car ready for 170 miles of travel within as little as 30 minutes — but they are also positioned in convenient locations such as near shopping complexes or service stops.

Just be sure to check your map in advance to see where they are, as there are by no means an unlimited number of them around.

100% first year allowance

With a Tesla Model S, you’re able to claim a 100% year-one deduction on the car, assuming you use it as a company car.

For the self-employed, or entrepreneurs out there, this can be a great incentive for finally making the plunge and picking up one of these vaunted vehicles.

Feeding the need for speed

There are no two ways about it, the Tesla Model S is simply fast, with top speeds of 139.9-155.3mph. The internet abounds with videos of the Tesla Model S taking on cars such as the Ferrari 458 in head-to-head races, and coming out on top.

If you’ve been put off buying an electric car because you heard they were slow and clunky, you’re a few generations behind the curve. The Tesla Model S is more than able to put your reservations to bed.

Saving the environment

This is a predictable point to make about electric cars in general, but it’s still valid and worth making. In a time of ecological crisis, being a part of the solution rather than the problem is a good feeling.

What’s more, by purchasing a Tesla, you’re directly contributing to Elon Musk’s wider efforts to introduce sustainable, ecologically friendly transport, in all its various forms.

How to Make Sure Your Shiny New Tesla Model 3 Retains Its Value

If you’ve recently bought a Tesla Model 3 then you might be surprised to hear about the incredible resale values. While it might be tempting to sell your Tesla Model 3 early to rake in the premiums, it’s a bit pointless to own such a unique piece of technology only to sell it for the sake of money. It’s far better to actually put the vehicle to use in a number of different situations so you can experience the joys of electric driverless technology.

But with that said, it’s still not a bad idea to try and retain as much resale value as you can. Although consumer reports are pointing towards the Model 3 being the most reliable car from Tesla, it’s still a good idea to brush up on your resale value skills in order to keep the car looking and driving great after several years.

To get you started, we’ve put together a list of tips that will help you ensure that your Tesla Model 3 retains as much value as possible.

TESLA Model S_3

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Tinting the Windows

The interior of a Tesla Model 3 is beautiful and stunning to look at. Make sure you visit a company like Tint Factory to request a professional window tint. This will protect the interior from damage by the sun’s UV rays, thus extending the lifetime of the luxurious interior. The appearance of the Model 3 is often what can convince people to purchase it, which is why taking care of the interior can improve its resale value.

Maintaining the Battery

If it’s your first electric vehicle, then there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind about the battery. Managing an electric car battery is entirely different from traditional engines, so here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Mind the temperatures – Extreme temperatures can have adverse effects on the battery. The battery itself has thermal management systems, but it’s still important to keep the battery at a stable temperature. This means avoiding climates that are too hot or too cold. If you need to store the vehicle outside for a long period, then make sure it is covered. Alternatively, keep your Model 3 in a garage to shield it from the elements.
  • Don’t let the battery sit at 100% – Letting your battery sit at 100% is a bad idea. Charging your vehicle to 100% every day stresses the battery and eventually lowers the efficiency. Most electric vehicles, the Model 3 included, operate best when their batteries are at around 30 to 90%. Any more or less and the battery’s lifespan could shorten.
  • Deep discharging – If you don’t plan to use your Tesla for a while, then make sure you don’t allow to discharge for an extended period of time because it could cause issues with the battery. If your Model 3 is below 30%, then let it charge back up to 90%. An electric vehicle will typically use 1% of the battery every day even when not in use.

Tesla Model 3 First Impressions

Marques Brownlee, YouTube tech reviewer extraordinaire, had the chance to do a short test drive of the Tesla Model 3. He already owns a Tesla Model S, so he provides a pretty reserved review of Tesla’s new affordable option.

Marques praises Tesla for retaining the spirit of their brand in the minimalist Model 3, but expresses concerns about how everything is controlled on the 15 inch touchscreen, even the glove box. Judging by the top voted YouTube comments, this is a shared worry among the general population:

“Everything is simple” (Needs software to open the glove compartment)
That monitor goes out for any reason, I mean, it’s a single point of failure. Doesn’t seem safe at all. I could be wrong. Please tell me I’m wrong.
Putting everything on the touchscreen with no physical buttons and a speedometer in front of the driver is a big mistake IMHO.What happens when the screen fails for some reason,you are totally screwed!! You don’t know what the hell is going on ! Epic fail !
Even though Tesla has likely made plenty of safety measures to prevent any sort of problem with touchscreen malfunctions, popular perceptions can influence whether or not the Tesla Model 3 will be adopted by the masses.  So I hope Tesla shows more ride alongs and tutorials on navigating the touchscreen, as well as reassuring electric car novices that a car can be safely operated without physical buttons and a traditional dashboard.
Marques also talks about options like colors, wheels, and automation packages.  $5000 will get you semi automation with self parking, lane holding, and speed changing autopilot.  For $5000 more you can basically just tell your car where to go from point A to point B, which is full-automation.  The safety sensors will be on the base model with no extra charge.  This brings up an interesting issue as to why the software is so expensive when the hardware is standard, as it isn’t physical, but digital script that could be copied and distributed, or even pirated.  However, I’m not sure if anyone is daring or stupid enough to trust their lives to bootleg PirateBay Uber.
As a successful YouTuber who already owns a Model S, Marques Brownlee represents the middle class Tesla owner, whereas most of his viewers seem to be younger people, highschoolers and young adults.  To him, it seems the Model 3 is kind of meh, to his audience, the Model 3 is hardly “affordable”.  In fact it’s about the same price as a C class Mercedes, so many could consider Elon Musk’s idea of an affordable people’s car rather condescending.  So Tesla has to find a way to manage these views as the hype train slows down in the next couple years, though they have time to think about before their supply can match the unprecedented initial demand.

Tesla Model 3 Launch Event in 5 Minutes

On July 28th, 2017 Tesla CEO Elon Musk delivered the first 30 Tesla Model 3s at an emotional handover event. The $35,000 electric car delivers on the promise Elon Musk made 14 years ago, to deliver an affordable, mass production electric vehicle to the world.

The Tesla Model 3 has an interior like no car you’ve seen before. Tesla went for a simplified dashboard that focuses on the central display unit. This is better suited for autonomous drive mode, when people will be able to watch movies and other media.

Tesla’s Model 3 design takes aspects the company learned from the Model X to give more headroom to rear seat passengers. The high hatchback and large rear window give the space more room and visibility.

Tesla intends to make the Tesla Model 3 the safest in the world, as well as expand the Tesla charging network 3 fold by next year.

The major hangup with the Model 3 right now is production. If you order the compact electric vehicle today, you will have to wait until late 2018 at the earliest to receive your car. Elon Musk assures customers that his company is grateful for its early adopters and Tesla will continue to support Model S, X, and 3 buyers who took the risk to embrace their innovative company.