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The Tesla Motors Model S, seats five with comfort and style.
How can Tesla Motors talk about a 300 mile range when today's technology is not there yet? With a proprietary whooping 95KWh pack. This might be the clincher for many electric vehicle, EV would-be owners.
The gist is with all the tired and over-hyped "range anxiety" stories, would-be EV buyers are a little skittish about range. Strangely enough, most internal combustion engine, ICE cars barely get 400 miles on a full tank but consumers expect EVs to do at least 500 to 600. While we could point fingers at over-active marketing departments from threatened car makers, the truth of the matter is that a 100 miles is more than sufficient for almost anyone. Remember that 80% of the U.S. drives less than 40 miles a day. So, how about 300 and more?
The Model S. The Model S speaks for itself in terms of design beauty, while technically impressive, it is an all around appealing car. The first versions will come with two options, 165 or 230 mile range battery pack. The 165 mile range should be at around $57,000, and effectively $49,500 after government incentives. However the 300 miles option has raised concerned from the EV community. While 165 to 230 is feasible with today's technology, 300 miles does not seem possible.
Technically Speaking. In order to get a four door electric sedan to travel 300 miles or more, the lithium battery pack would virtually out-weigh any gains. Simply put, it would be too heavy to feasibly get the car that far. So how come Tesla Motors is touting a 300 mile version at some point? Simply put, because it is working on its very own battery pack and has broken a barrier. Tesla feels it can squeeze more energy from its lithium battery design. It would also mean that the cell weight would be less, which would improve performance and increase range.
At this stage of the game, nothing has been unconfirmed and all is straight form the rumor mill. Knowing Tesla Motors, it is easy to see why they are working on making a lighter, more potential lithium battery pack. According to J.B Straubel, Chief technical Officer: “It would be the biggest pack on the market, and we’re designing and building it ourselves.”, via the NY Times.
That Model S is looking better all the time.
Comments
I would be quite happy with one of the smaller packs. I just hope the AWD option doesn't add too much to that price tag.
Hi,
I am torn with 4WD. My wife has a Subaru and although I like it, I wonder how necessary it is for every day. Granted it offers better handling, especially in case of emergencies, but the extra transmission takes more energy to move. Maybe Tesla will give us energy consumption numbers for it?
Thanks for the comment, Nick
Wow. Get an editor. Seriously, the article's data are interesting, but you need to have someone do grammar checking. You basically sound really stupid saying things like, "the truth of the matter is that a 100 miles is more than sufficient for anyone."
Hi Chuck,
You're right, I should have said, most anyone.
Thanks for the nice comment, Nick
I agree that 300 miles is out of the range of necessary. If you are charging the thing every night all you really need is enough range for the driving of a single day. Who drives 300 miles a day? I don't think electric cars are currently geared toward long trips. If you take a long trip just rent a car. Probably more cost effective than buying a huge battery pack.
Hi James,
You are right about not too many people driving 300 miles a day. Maybe another point I should have made was that fast charging is becoming the preferred solution for the future. Once we are able to recharge 80% of the battery pack capacity in 15mn, then long distance driving will be a reality. On top of that, safety will be touted since we would be forced to stop every 200 to 300 miles.
As far as renting a car for longer trips, that's what current EV drivers do if they need.
Thanks for your intelligent comment. Nick
Tesla also boast a 45 min. quick charge. If I got 240ish miles out of an EV and a 45 min. charge, I don't see my road trips being any different than in an ICE. Considering that gas and food takes a small family around 45 min. anyways.
Even if charge time was an 1 1/2hr I say bring back the American road trip of road side attractions just add charging stations to them.
Great article.
Hi Lance,
You raise another good point, that of our fast paced, instant gratification society has lost much along the way, mainly enjoying and living life. We hurry, rush through things and everything needs to be delivered yesterday.
45mn is a great stop on a trip. As you say, you could once again be reacquainted with stopping at scenic spots, no withstanding eating properly and not guzzling down fast food.
Most of this "range anxiety" is blown out of proportion and used as scare tactics. Considering the latest tests show 80% recharge in 15mn with certain types of batteries, we are closer to see electric recharging challenging gas refueling.
p.s., what were you driving that gave you 240 miles on such little charge? A Roadster?
Thanks for you comment, Nick
A 300 mile range statement makes an attention getting headline, but that’s about all. Tesla has been consistent in overstating their product capabilities. So such range statements are very optimistic and are rarely, if ever, actually achieved. You should take any statement made by Tesla as the maximum you might be able to get out of the product under optimum conditions. Unless you have a brand new battery and are willing to drive at a constant speed not exceeding 50 MPH with no heat, A/C, lights, radio, or other accessories turned on, you aren’t going to get 300 miles on one charge.
Hi Rich, yes, a manufacturer's estimated mileage depends on many factors. However, two Tesla Roadsters got the 240 miles touted by the company while racing in the south of France, so who knows. I don't think they were using different battery packs.
I'm not convinced about the 50mph, no AC and stereo to get 300 miles. When I asked AC Propulsion's Joshua Allan see electricnick dot com, how many less miles would I get on the highway full speed, AC and stereo blaring, he said I would loose about 2 to 4 miles out of the 140. Not bad. If an EV is well designed, the AC compressor uses little energy. I don't know if the same holds true with the Roadster.
If people even get 290 miles, it will be more than sufficient. I don't know about you all but I get restless after a few hundred miles behind the wheel.
Thanks for the comment, Nick
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