Tesla Model ≡ Thread - Page 6

JST · 03-30-2016, 11:08 PM

800 miles in a day is a lot different than 300 miles without stopping for anything. Even a short walk can really refresh you.

For a 300 mile trip in a Tesla, the question is "is there a supercharger en route?" If so, the trip ain't no thing. Is it as fast as doing it in a gas car? No, probably not. But the actual charging you need to do for a trip like that is pretty minimal. Park car, plug it in, go to the bathroom, get a cup of coffee, check Facebook or 'mudgeons. Then you're on your way. I do a roughly 300 mile trip to NYC 'burbs quite frequently, and it takes me about the same amount of time in the Tesla as it does in the VW. The difference is well within the traffic margin of error.

As for other trips, you just have to plan a bit more than you otherwise would. Is there a supercharger near your route? Is there a charger at your destination? I will say I've literally never encountered "range anxiety," in the sense that I've been worried about running out of juice before reaching a place to charge. Has not happened in 2.5 years of owning the car. Once you know where you're going, you go there. Physics is what it is, and it's easy enough to track your consumption. No surprises.

Like I said above, it's not going to work for everyone, and it does require some changes in behavior. But overall I've been pleasantly surprised by just how little I've had to change how I drive, and on a day to day basis it's actually awesome. Car's always full and ready to go in the morning. At least 350+ days out of the year, the Tesla is a hell of a lot more convenient to refuel than the VW is.

ZBB · 03-31-2016, 12:32 AM

We did an 850 mile day in the Tesla a couple summers ago -- from Cannon Beach, OR to San Jose, CA. All driving was at ~5 over the limit. There were 6 supercharging stops -- but 3 were at meal times, and the car was ready before we were so didn't add any extra time to the trip. The other 3 stops were a exactly like JST described -- plug in, grab a drink and/or snack, hit the restroom, sit down and browse the web for a bit, or go for a short walk. Then get back on the road. Still made for a long day -- about 17 hours hotel to hotel, but neither my wife or I felt tired (although I drove all but 1 stretch)...

We've driven to Disneyland a few times over the years, with the last 2 in the Tesla. It takes about 45 min longer in the Tesla due to charging stops compared to taking an ICE -- from a bit under 7.5 hours to a bit over 8 hours, which is hardly noticabe. We actually stop the same number of times -- but the Tesla stops are a bit longer on average.

It is a change -- but not significant.

John V · 03-31-2016, 05:46 AM

It's not a significant change... for you.

JST · 03-31-2016, 06:34 AM

Right. Some people should not buy EVs. They aren't the right fit.

zach · 03-31-2016, 08:07 AM

There is a ridiculous line outside the Tesla location in the Prudential mall across from my office. Maybe it'll dissipate later in the day so I can go put down my deposit.

bren · 03-31-2016, 10:40 AM

This is far too much like the original iphone launches. :/

People do realize that at some point they are supposed to be buying a car right?

GM execs must be eating their hats today.

John V · 03-31-2016, 10:52 AM

Someone on another board pointed out it would have been glorious if Apple had chosen this morning to introduce a new iKoolAid product.

bren · 03-31-2016, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John V

Someone on another board pointed out it would have been glorious if Apple had chosen this morning to introduce a new iKoolAid product.

ZBB · 03-31-2016, 10:58 AM

Somebody created a spreadsheet to track the lines (and a form to input length)...

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing

Longest reported line is 600 people... Scottsdale apparently is over 130...

ZBB · 03-31-2016, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JST

Right. Some people should not buy EVs. They aren't the right fit.

I agree with that statement, but with a relatively minor caveat..

They aren't the right fit based on their current perception of what a car should do. A shift in perception could mean that they can become the right fit.

For some people, that may be a small shift in perception. Others, it might take more.

If someone never does road trips, there is no perception shift needed.
If someone does occasional road trips on major interstates only, a small perception shift is needed -- basically understanding that Superchargers work, but do take a bit longer than a gas 'n go fill up...
If someone does long trips to remote areas, a much bigger shift may be needed -- understanding charging options and how long it could take. Or looking to rent a car for this trips

03-31-2016, 12:32 AM	#52
ZBB Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: A very fast golf cart Location: The Valley of the Sun Posts: 12,821	We did an 850 mile day in the Tesla a couple summers ago -- from Cannon Beach, OR to San Jose, CA. All driving was at ~5 over the limit. There were 6 supercharging stops -- but 3 were at meal times, and the car was ready before we were so didn't add any extra time to the trip. The other 3 stops were a exactly like JST described -- plug in, grab a drink and/or snack, hit the restroom, sit down and browse the web for a bit, or go for a short walk. Then get back on the road. Still made for a long day -- about 17 hours hotel to hotel, but neither my wife or I felt tired (although I drove all but 1 stretch)... We've driven to Disneyland a few times over the years, with the last 2 in the Tesla. It takes about 45 min longer in the Tesla due to charging stops compared to taking an ICE -- from a bit under 7.5 hours to a bit over 8 hours, which is hardly noticabe. We actually stop the same number of times -- but the Tesla stops are a bit longer on average. It is a change -- but not significant. __________________ ZBB

03-31-2016, 10:58 AM	#59
ZBB Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: A very fast golf cart Location: The Valley of the Sun Posts: 12,821	Somebody created a spreadsheet to track the lines (and a form to input length)... https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...it?usp=sharing Longest reported line is 600 people... Scottsdale apparently is over 130... __________________ ZBB

03-30-2016, 11:08 PM	#51
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,607	800 miles in a day is a lot different than 300 miles without stopping for anything. Even a short walk can really refresh you. For a 300 mile trip in a Tesla, the question is "is there a supercharger en route?" If so, the trip ain't no thing. Is it as fast as doing it in a gas car? No, probably not. But the actual charging you need to do for a trip like that is pretty minimal. Park car, plug it in, go to the bathroom, get a cup of coffee, check Facebook or 'mudgeons. Then you're on your way. I do a roughly 300 mile trip to NYC 'burbs quite frequently, and it takes me about the same amount of time in the Tesla as it does in the VW. The difference is well within the traffic margin of error. As for other trips, you just have to plan a bit more than you otherwise would. Is there a supercharger near your route? Is there a charger at your destination? I will say I've literally never encountered "range anxiety," in the sense that I've been worried about running out of juice before reaching a place to charge. Has not happened in 2.5 years of owning the car. Once you know where you're going, you go there. Physics is what it is, and it's easy enough to track your consumption. No surprises. Like I said above, it's not going to work for everyone, and it does require some changes in behavior. But overall I've been pleasantly surprised by just how little I've had to change how I drive, and on a day to day basis it's actually awesome. Car's always full and ready to go in the morning. At least 350+ days out of the year, the Tesla is a hell of a lot more convenient to refuel than the VW is.

03-31-2016, 05:46 AM	#53
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	It's not a significant change... for you.

03-31-2016, 06:34 AM	#54
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,607	Right. Some people should not buy EVs. They aren't the right fit.

03-31-2016, 08:07 AM	#55
zach swinging for the fences Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: 987, X7 M60i, e36 M3 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5,034	There is a ridiculous line outside the Tesla location in the Prudential mall across from my office. Maybe it'll dissipate later in the day so I can go put down my deposit.

03-31-2016, 10:40 AM	#56
bren lawn boy Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer Location: Maryland Posts: 14,029	This is far too much like the original iphone launches. :/ People do realize that at some point they are supposed to be buying a car right? GM execs must be eating their hats today.

03-31-2016, 10:52 AM	#57
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	Someone on another board pointed out it would have been glorious if Apple had chosen this morning to introduce a new iKoolAid product.