Tag Archives: Model S

Your “Electric” Bill…

Electric Car Charging Pavement Marking

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Practicalities aside, running an electric car, it appears, is full of various expenses. But is this really true? The thing, of course, with any electric car is that you are benefiting the planet, but is this a detriment to your wallet? Let’s break down the various costs essential to keeping an electric car running, and the upfront costs that you need, as well as the other pertinent aspects.

The Cost Of The Car

The first thing to notice is that these cars cost a lot more front than a standard vehicle. As far as average cost is concerned, the best-selling electric car in the United Kingdom, the Nissan LEAF, costs roughly £8,000 more than the most popular petrol car in the country, the Ford Fiesta. But the difference is bearable in some respects. The UK government will give grants towards the cost of electric cars, up to £4,500. The cost upfront is quite a dent in your savings. You could go for the cheaper models that are exempt from road tax, but with these ones you are looking at less than £40,000. As far as the impact on the environment is concerned, it is something worth considering, and based on your finances, you might start looking for the best place to get a personal loan, so you can make this upfront payment because you will recoup the costs in other ways…

The Running Costs

The one thing that is glaringly obvious is the lack of petrol costs, and so when you are looking at an electric vehicle battery, the charge for every 100 miles is between £2 and £4. So, straight away, if you can get roughly 300 miles out of a 1.2-litre tank, which costs roughly between £35 and £40, you’ve got a major saving! The most recent Tesla model offers 335 miles as a maximum range and the Nissan LEAF needs charging after 100 miles. As far the practicalities are concerned, as long as you have charging points dotted around your destinations, there is a major saving to be had. The other factors to consider in terms of getting the most mileage out of your electric car is what time of year you drive it, as well as if you like to listen to music in your car! The more in-car functions you use, the quicker it will drain the battery. It’s worth bearing this in mind.

The Other Concern

We all need to change the battery on occasion. This does depend on the model car that you buy. A Nissan LEAF, with a 30kWh battery, is covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever one you hit first. But will you look at the battery pack in the Tesla Model S, it only loses 8% of its battery life after 100,000 miles.

The Verdict

Overall, mathematics needs to be your strong point, and you need to calculate right now if it’s worth your expenditure. Apart from the benefits to the planet, and the value it can retain if you keep it safe, despite the government funding you can get right now, lots of people find that it’s too much of a dent in their wallet. However, petrol cars are going to be outlawed in 2040 in the United Kingdom, so it’s time to start saving!

Common Tesla Model S Questions Answered

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Since its release, the Tesla Model S has caused a lot of buzzes and even more debate than some of the most popular cars of the past century! No doubt this is due to its innovation, which makes it a whole different kettle of fish to the average car, which means that few of us really know too much about it.

Hopefully, we can change that by answering some of the most common Tesla Model S questions…

How Is It an Evo Car?

Many people are skeptical that the Model S could be described as an evo car, but anyone who’s driven the Model S P85+ will be able to tell you that this electric car can go from 0-60 mph in less than four seconds, which means it performs as fast as the average super saloon. It turns out you don’t need petrol or diesel for prompt torque delivery!

How Does She Handle?

Many people are curious what it feels like to drive a totally electric car – well in the case of the Tesla Model S, it feels pretty much like driving any over vehicle. If anything, it is perhaps a little smoother, and of course, it’s a lot quieter than your average vehicle.

How Often Does It Need Charging?

On average, you can expect to get 31 miles of travel from each hour of charging; So, if you’re planning to go on a long journey, you’re going to have to park up and charge for quite a while. This is perhaps the biggest downside of owning the vehicle, especially right now when places to charge are still few and far between. Once that issue is solved, the Tesla Model S will surely be one of the best vehicles out on the road.

Should I Book a Service?

Should I book a service? This is something that most car owners, not just those with a brand new electric car often ponder, but with the Tesla S, you don’t need to guess. The company say that you should have the vehicle serviced after every 12,5000 miles use or annually – it’s up to you which. Obviously, if you’re experiencing any issues sooner than that, you will need to have it checked out. It might be an amazing car, but it still needs to be looked after!

Will My Mechanic Know What to Do with It?

Another issue with the Tesla is that there are still far too few mechanics who know how to deal with what is basically a leap in the evolution of car technology. Unless your regular mechanic has been trained and certified as a Tesla mechanic, then chances are he won’t be able to help you if something goes wrong and you’ll have to look for someone who is certified, which might not be too easy depending on where you’re located.

I hope this helps you understand a little more about the pros and cons of owning a Tesla. If you’re interested though, it is probably a good idea to check out their official website for a more comprehensive guide to ownership, too.

Electric Dreams: How To Buy A Used Electric Car

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The revolution of the electric car is well and truly upon us, so much so that the electric vehicle isn’t exclusive to those who have infinite amounts of money or are only looking for a minuscule size car. Now, there are bigger cars, and different sizes to suit all people. From the small, through to the family vehicles, and beyond. But for those who are on the lookout to buy their first electric car, while it is a major investment, it can be a bit expensive up front. So, for those who are looking for a way to benefit the environment but not spend so much money is to invest in a used electric car. This is becoming more popular as time goes on, not just because of the cost, but as those first generation electric vehicle drivers are hoping to upgrade to the most modern of EV technology, it means there’s a whole collection of cars desperate for a new home. So, where do you begin, and does it actually matter if you buy used in comparison to new?

The Facts

When you are buying any sort of used car, there’s a lot of things to bear in mind. Of course, we all have our own ideas with regards to the look, the performance of the vehicle, as well as the brand itself. Practical issues are the main thing with electric vehicles. But for those who are buying the first electric car, there is a sense of trepidation because of the unknown. The first wave of electric vehicles arrived in the UK during 2011, and these cars such as the Citroen c-Zero, and, of course, the Nissan Leaf, are mainstays of the British roads now. The one thing that you can take comfort in buying these cars is that they still run as good as they did on the first day they were used, especially if you compare these two cars with internal combustion engines (ICEs). And, if you need any more convincing, electric vehicles are now being used as the standard car for various cab firms. People are doing this now because they are much more reliable than ICE vehicles. So, if you are venturing into the unknown, and know nothing about electric vehicles, the pros far outweigh the cons.

What To Look Out For

The main concerns with electric vehicles are the two main components, the battery pack and the motor. The one thing that you need to bear in mind with this is the battery, as long as it is recharged and discharged on a regular basis, it can be incredibly economical, and could last you at least 10 years. The problem with buying a used electric car is that you need to find out if the batteries have been charged. The irony is with electric vehicles is that the lack of use is a culprit in killing and electric vehicles battery more than anything else. There were issues in 2012 with the Tesla Roadster, and owners stating that the batteries were dying due to the lack of use. The problem with these batteries is that when they don’t get used for so long, they will refuse to charge. This is known as bricking. So, by investing in a car, especially a Roadster that is an earlier model than 2012, you may have this issue. However, in 2013, Tesla stated the 8-year battery warranty would be honored, regardless of the situation. Although, if you do need to replace the battery, there are ways around this so that it doesn’t cost the earth. So, for example, the battery pack of a Nissan Leaf consists of 192 cells. Instead of replacing the entire battery pack, you could replace each cell. Therefore it costs a very minimal amount in comparison to the battery pack as a whole. Although, sometimes the battery is leased, instead of it being purchased. So this reduces concerns about replacing the battery. There are models, such as the Renault Twizy, and if the battery drops below its 75% performance capacity, it will be replaced; this is as long as it’s under warranty.

How They Drive

For any new car comments always best to take a proper test drive. And what you need to remember when getting used to the contours of an electric vehicle, is that you need to monitor the dashboard to see how quickly the battery wears out, but also look at what you can get out of the car. The big thing to remember is that various issues can drain the battery, from driving fast, navigating hills, or even using the in-car features, such as air conditioning! So it’s important to remember that the car needs to suit your lifestyle, much like a small speedster, if you are using it for stop-start traffic rather than off road, you should think about exactly what you plan on using this car for. So, if you are considering an electric vehicle for lengthy journeys, it’s important to make sure that the car is in prime condition in the first place, and, of course, this means looking after things like the tires. It’s always important to remember that with every electric vehicle that you take it to a mechanic that is able to deal with the unique problems. And while a place like Telle Tire & Auto Center does the various aspects of a vehicle, it’s important to remember that some mechanics don’t. Looking after your car can be a bit more difficult when it’s an electric vehicle.

Owning An Electric Vehicle

Luckily, most electric vehicles are easier to drive than ones with an internal combustion engine. That’s, making the change means that there are some sticking points that might be difficult for you to get over. The one main thing to bear in mind is if there are enough electric charges where you live. It’s recommended that you get a charging point at home because it can take a few hours to charge up your vehicle properly, rather than the few minutes when filling up a typical gas tank. So, you need to get online and look at a few forums, such as Electric Forum, which means you can get opinions from other electric vehicle drivers so you can get an informed opinion.

For lots of people, the electric vehicle is the way forward, and for some, it can be quite a transition. So, while there are some fantastic models out there right now, from the Renault Fluence to the Nissan Leaf, as well as the Tesla Model S, remember, is your lifestyle able to keep up with it?

 

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!

Tesla Model S: The Classes and Options


Tesla has become world renown for their superior performance electric vehicles. The Roadster put them on the map as the first production electric car that was actually refined, cool, and exciting. The heir to the awesome electric car throne, the Model S, will finally be delivered in 2012. The Model S sedan is targeted at electric vehicle fans with funds and maybe a couple kids. Remarkably, the base model will remain under their original target price of $50,000, at $49,900 after the $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles purchased in or after 2010.

Tesla is providing a slew of classes and options for this electric sedan in hopes of capturing the absurdly rich and the upper middle class market share, so read closely.  There are four classes of Model S: the Model S (plain, vanilla), the Model S Performance, the Model S Signature, and the Model S Signature Performance. On top of that, the plain Model S version has three, liquid cooled, lithium ion battery options, at 40, 60, and 85kWh. The other three classes (Performance, Signature, Signature Performance) all have the 85 kWh battery, standard, which pushes their ranges to a whopping 300 miles per charge. The 40 kWh option gives 160 miles and a 0-60 of 6.5 seconds, the 60 kWh battery puts out 230 miles and 5.9 seconds. The 85 Kwh pack gives you a 0-60 in 5.6.  With the performance option that drops down to 4.4 seconds.  The Signature label  doesn’t necessarily enhance performance, but they are limited edition and available mid-2012, a few months earlier than the non-Signature class.  They also carry about a $30,000-$50,000 premium over the base model.

All of the Model S classes will feature a 17-inch touch screen monitor which will contain media, GPS, and communications.  The 200 watt stereo system will have radio, satellite radio, and USB ports.  No CD player though, that’s so 20th century.

If you opt for the Signature series, you get the Tech Package standard, which includes xenon lights, keyless entry, LED foglamps, turn by turn navigation, power rear liftgate, back camera, rear USB ports, homelink, and electrochromatic side mirrors.  A premium stereo system is also standard in the Signature class, and 1,000 bucks otherwise.

All Model S cars plug directly into 110 and 240 volt outlets with the Universal Mobile Connector and adapters. The High Power Wall Connector, which installs in your garage, enables cars equipped with Twin Chargers to charge twice as fast as cars equipped with a Single Charger.  Cars equipped with a 60 or 85 kWh battery can use Tesla’s network of Supercharger stations.

Hope this helps clarify the many options and models of the Model S.  For more information, visit Tesla’s Specifications page.