Profiled in the WSJ, the Formula E series will be an interesting series this year. Besides the lack of internal combustion sound, the biggest difference will be the pit stops which will have the driver actually hop into another car rather than getting fueled up.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBEbv7OIQ_8]
This product looks like a great product for that last kilometer of travel like at airports, train stations to home, etc. It isn’t real yet (Kickstarter obv.) but it doesn’t look that hard to do. As always, the devil is in the details.
Movpak via Techcrunch
[tweet https://twitter.com/arthurandpuff/status/502199076478128128]
It’s a nice design but they will need a lot more surface area to be effective.
You don’t often trot out the word ‘Biblical’ when talking about a construction sites but a Reno developer saw fit:
“Building that pad in three and a half weeks was biblical,” Gilman said. “Work has not stopped. There’s still ongoing things, building catch basins, rerouting flood control, bank stabilization. But the pad is finished. It’s ready.”
There are some impressive new updates as part of Tesla’s long-anticipated OS 6.0 update shown in the above screenshots sent to us by a tipster. Maps/Navigation and Calendar app are probably the most important but the big surprise as you can see in slide 1 above is that Tesla will allow users to start and drive the Model S from the iPhone without a key. It appears that an Android version via app update will follow in the coming month.
Tesla V6 software upload coming soon. Need to make sure it is "awesome" – Lord Business
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 9, 2014
While the update is big, it does not include some of the bigger items that iPhone-using CEO Elon Musk has promised for the platform including Android Virtual Machine, Voice controlled song selection, additional suspension control and more.
Thanks Michael!
https://vine.co/v/M3d5KmUTzq2
More racing and less preaching. Who made that copy up anyway? Shell Oil?
A Chevy to compete with Tesla’s Model X and S? Maybe not. But Chevy is building a 200-mile range EV that will likely be pice competitive with the Tesla Model 3 when it comes out in 2017.
The Sonic-based EV will reportedly have a 200 mile range, which will presumably come from the new battery that LG Chem (battery supplier for the Volt) is working on right now. That will arrive in 2016, which suggests that the Sonic EV won’t be introduced until at least that date. The Sonic EV will also be built in Michigan, which will allow GM to gain regulatory credits for selling a pure EV that is also made in America. The Chevrolet Spark EV, which is built in Korea, is not eligible, and has a range of just 82 miles.
GM better start building some Superchargers pretty quick because 200 miles is nice but ability to travel anywhere is much much nicer.
The video shows the backside and not much more. We’ve already heard that the battery will be slightly bigger in capacity and perhaps lighter but not much else.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNY6VhGzfA0]
Steve Saleen previews the result of his newest partnership with the trend-setting electric vehicle manufacturer, Tesla. This high performance electric will run $150-grand and can be ordered now, arriving to customers in 6-8 weeks.
Personally, I’m not a fan of the outward appearance (inside isn’t bad) and he quotes 0-60 time of mid-4 seconds which seems like Saleen must’ve slowed the speed down a bit?
Gallery and press release below:
Saleen Automotive Inc. (OTCQB: SLNN) Monterey, CA – (August 17, 2014)
From the same automotive performance brand that brought the true American Supercar, the S7, Saleen has once again set precedence for a vehicle of epic proportions. The Tesla Model S based Saleen FOURSIXTEEN performance electric car was shown for the first time at the 2014 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
“Tesla has created an entirely new class of American automobile”, explained Steve Saleen. “There are many similarities to this and how Ford created the ‘pony car’ class in 1964 with the Mustang, which is how these vehicles stand out from the rest of the pack.”
Standing out from the pack is Saleen’s specialty. Whether it’s their winning racing pedigree, expertly engineered Saleen vehicles, or instantly recognizable design. The Saleen legacy is perfectly packaged into the FOURSIXTEEN Model S and hinges on the mantra for the performance luxury electric car that ‘status quo won’t do’.
Purposefully advanced design
From the outside, the FOURSIXTEEN is a harmonious blend of aerodynamic aggressiveness and subtle classiness. Applying the same championship Saleen DNA used over the last three decades, Saleen has created a car that can drive the streets of Monaco and set records at Laguna Seca. From the Saleen crafted front fascia to the carbon fiber rear diffuser, the FOURSIXTEEN aerodynamic design is as inspired as it is functional.
Front aero management vents helps ensure that the Saleen FOURSIXTEEN model maintains a low pressure field as air acceleration increases around the chassis. Assisting the lower aero management is the unique V-shaped hood architecture efficiently directing hot air away from the drivetrain cooling system all while generating valuable downforce across the front section.
The rear fascia design finalizes the aerodynamic system as air moves across the cabin and onto the Saleen designed high-downforce decklid mounted spoiler. Mid-chassis air is directed across the carbon fiber accents stretching between the taillights. Supplying rear wake diffusion is a Saleen diffuser design that boosts aerodynamic downforce capability.
Electrified Performance
Just like the rest of the Saleen lineup, this car is more than just an eye catching aerodynamic package. Propelling the new FOURSIXTEEN is the 3-phase, four pole AC induction motor and copper rotor with the upgraded Saleen drivetrain including an all-new 11.39:1 final gear ratio for quicker acceleration. Also new for the FOURSIXTEEN is a Saleen specific MAXGRIPTM locking differential that allows each wheel to efficiently apply rotational force and maximize traction and grip in performance environments. All of the Saleen engineered driveline components increase efficiencies in torque management, give a track capable throttle response, and provide faster acceleration. Overall the FOURSIXTEEN is a well-balanced vehicle and sounds great too!
Electric motor cooling has also been made more productive from the Saleen high-efficiency drivetrain cooling system. Comprising the system is a larger volume radiator, upsampled cooling fans, and a high-flow water pump to help maintain consistent temperatures in more stressful performance applications.
“Electric drivetrains are unique in that they can generate an incredible amount of torque at zero RPM”, detailed Sven Etzelsberger, VP Advanced Engineering. “Our challenge was really to find methods to manage the energy that is generated by the electric motor and rotor assembly. With the FOURSIXTEEN we have successfully found a comprehensive solution to increase performance and harness power in an efficient manner.”
Suspension
Saleen’s design and engineering teams worked together to ensure a functional suspension that doesn’t sacrifice ride quality. The Saleen specific S4 track-calibrated suspension includes a monotube coilover, which works in conjunction with an S4 sway bar setup to increase cornering agility without sacrificing ride quality. The FOURSIXTEEN suspension system can also be ordered in a fully adjustable configuration, allowing the driver to easily increase stiffness for a day at the track and revert to a more streetable setting with simple adjustments.
The Stability Control System has also undergone a track tested performance enhancement. A software change gives the FOURSIXTEEN better cornering response and drivability by allowing the driver to maintain power as traction and vehicle weight distribution change.
Working together with the stability control software, wheel, tire, and S4 suspension system are the Saleen-specific brakes. The standard brake package in the FOURSIXTEEN include 14” 2-piece aluminum hat vented rotors and multi-piston front calipers with performance brake pads. An optional upgrade is the carbon ceramic disc brake system for maximum braking, cooling, and weight reduction. Saleen designed wheels fill out the wheel openings and add an air of performance luxury. All of this combined with the ZR-spec tires make sure the car will hug the corners, accelerate true in the straights, and stop effortlessly when needed.
Supercar inspired interior
The interior refinements of the Saleen FOURSIXTEEN are abundant. From the handpicked leather palette to the carbon fiber dash accents, the cabin environment is as supercar stylish as it is functionally chic. Starting with the seating, black leather is contrasted by perforated leather accents and Alcantara suede inlays providing a true luxury atmosphere.
“Our theme of an electric four-seat supercar really comes to life with the interior of this car”, said Sean Smith, Design Director. “Our design team spent a lot of time evaluating different materials, fitments, and finishes to accomplish the refined interior design of the FOURSIXTEEN while still keeping the modern sports car inspiration intact. I think the result is appropriate for this new class of electric American performance cars.”
A new center console has also been integrated into the interior redesign. This functional aspect gives the driver and front passenger additional center storage, a personal electronic device pocket, and a much needed cupholder all within arm’s reach.
Continuing the track-inspired exterior enhancements, the front and rear seating have been remolded to produce four full bucket seats complete with added bolstering to create a discerning interior that is fittingly built around the driver and passengers. Marrying the seating design to the rest of the cockpit are the Saleen tailor-made door panels and a full leather-wrapped dash both artistically complimented with hand sewn contrast stitching. The final stroke of interior craftsmanship draws attention to the seat shells which have been color matched to the black leather, creating a dynamic modern feel in the rear cabin.
Availability, Pricing and Additional Information
MSRP for the FOURSIXTEEN model is set to start at $152,000 for the complete vehicle, which includes the base P85Model S sedan. This is priced before existing state and federal EV incentives which can range from $7,500 to $15,000 depending on the buyers state (i.e. A California resident would pay $142,000.00).
Warranties are also included on all new Saleen vehicles, components, and labor. Each newly purchased Saleen FOURSIXTEEN will include a 4-year / 50,000 mile warranty to match the manufacturer backed limited warranty.
Purchases for this all new electric vehicle can be placed by contacting Saleen directly for an expedited ordering process of the Saleen FOURSIXTEEN. Orders are now being taken for the FOURSIXTEEN with delivery 6-8 weeks following order confirmation and receipt.
Alternatively, individual FOURSIXTEEN components are also available for Model S owners that are looking to just add a touch of performance or styling to their current vehicle without the desire for a serialized version. Installation can be scheduled through the Saleen Performance Parts division. For more information visit www.saleen.com
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlUSgm3dA8o]
After the success of Tesla, I imagine there will be more than a few Silicon Valley companies that want to create supercars using the latest battery and electric engine technology.
The charging times lead me to believe the range on this will be limited, as is the seating capacity you can see above. But it does look like fun.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Retn7RDjYiw&feature=youtu.be
Elon Musk has accepted the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS from Bill Gates and in the process challenged Minecraft creator Notch, Johnny Depp and Tony Hawk. Musk posted the video above earlier today to the SpaceX YouTube channel.
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Tesla just announced that it’s extending its Model S drivetrain warranty to 8-years and infinite miles to match the vehicle’s battery pack warranty. Tesla also confirmed that the new warranty will apply retroactively to all Model S vehicles and have no limit on the number of owners. The previous drive unit warranty included a 4-year, 50,000 mile limited warranty with the option to pay for an upgraded 8-year, 100,000 mile warranty.
Elon Musk warned investors in the company’s statement that the change “will have a moderately negative effect on Tesla earnings in the short term, as our warranty reserves will necessarily have to increase above current levels. This is amplified by the fact that we are doing so retroactively, not just for new customers.”
In hindsight, this should have been our policy from the beginning of the Model S program. If we truly believe that electric motors are fundamentally more reliable than gasoline engines, with far fewer moving parts and no oily residue or combustion byproducts to gum up the works, then our warranty policy should reflect that.
The full statement is below:
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[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XS6ysDFTbLU&feature=youtu.be]
Maybe Musk can one-up Gates with a rocket-powered icebucket landing on his head.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsAy7FMhozY&feature=youtu.be]
I like this idea a lot.
Interesting move. Juniper makes large scale networking equipment that runs on the backbone of the Internet and at ISPs as well as larger corporations. Denholm began her career in Australia serving at Toyota Motor Corporation for seven years and at Arthur Andersen and Company for five years in various finance assignments.
PALO ALTO, CA, August 6, 2014 – Tesla today announced that Robyn Denholm, Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Operations Officer at Juniper Networks, Inc., has been appointed to its board of directors, effective August 11, 2014.
Denholm has also been appointed to chair the company’s Audit Committee and be a member of the Compensation and Nominating and Corporate Governance committees. These roles were previously filled by Brad Buss, who is vacating his committee positions upon joining SolarCity as its Chief Financial Officer. Buss will remain a member of Tesla’s board and will provide valuable continuity from his experience since joining the board in 2009.
Denholm joined Juniper in 2007 and has helped the company achieve record revenues while delivering breakthrough innovations to customers. In 2011, Denholm was a Bay Area CFO of the Year finalist and she was recently named on Silicon Valley Business Journal’s Women of Influence List. She joined Juniper from Sun Microsystems, where she served as Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategic Planning.
Denholm began her career in Australia, serving in various finance assignments for Toyota Motor Corporation and Arthur Andersen and Company. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Sydney and a master’s degree in commerce from the University of New South Wales. At Juniper, she is responsible for company’s finance, administration and business operations, including planning, IT, real estate, investor relations, internal audit, and manufacturing operations.
Media Contact:
Tesla Motors
press@teslamotors.com
Tel: +1650-833 8456
The analysts at Morgan Stanley (PDF) think that Tesla and solar utilities like Solar City could join forces to create energy products that would allow Americans to drop off their energy carrier’s grid delivery system. The price of storage of electricity and solar will soon cost less than hooking homes up to the grid and Americans and Europeans will start dropping off not just to be green but also to save money.
Energy storage, when combined with solar power, could disrupt utilities in the US and Europe to the extent customers move to an off-grid approach. We believe Tesla’s energy storage product will be economically viable in parts of the US and Europe, and at a fraction of the cost of current storage alternatives.
Energy storage, specifically Tesla’s product, could be
disruptive in the US and Europe, but is less likely to be
economic in the rest of the world. Given the relatively high
cost of the power grid, we think that customers in parts of the
US and Europe may seek to avoid utility grid fees by going
“off-grid” through a combination of solar power and energy
storage. We believe there is not sufficient appreciation of the
magnitude of energy storage cost reduction that Tesla has
already achieved, nor of the further cost reduction magnitude
that Tesla might be able to achieve once the company has
constructed its “Gigafactory,” targeted for completion later in
the decade. While “off-grid” applications are the most
disruptive use of energy storage, we note that there are also
less disruptive applications such as strengthening the grid to
compensate for the variability of solar output.
Even at the Base/Bear cost of $10,000 for 25+ years of power, it seems like a no brainer for most households. With solar companies already financing the upfront costs, it would seem like cost reductions against a increasing grid market will flip the switch soon. Add in the cost of auto fuel savings when using electric cars and it is even more enticing.
TSLA shares are up today in early trading.
It looks like Tesla is indeed breaking ground on a Gigafactory site near Reno if this image/story from Bob Tregilus is true:
Yesterday, our unnamed source (Bob Tregilus) hiked a few high-desert ridges in Storey County, Nevada to take pictures of 50 earthmovers moving earth at a site that Tregilus estimated to be large enough to accommodate the proposed 10-million-square-foot factory. Tregilus has also heard whispers about a secret project from construction industry folks and locals.
The site is located at the Reno Tahoe Industrial Center at 2641 Portofino Drive.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9N4gAKdKr4o&feature=share]
But does the Lamborghini seat 7 with a frunk?
With a price tag close to $300,000, this Lamborghini is named after the Super Trofeo Racing Series and is equipped and modeled after the Lamborghini race cars. The STS is Lamborghini’s lightest Gallardo at just 3,400 pounds (real world weight) and is powered by a 5.2L V10 making 570 horsepower through a 6 speed e-gear automated transmission with all wheel drive. We tested the STS earlier in the year and ran 11.2 @ 126.5 MPHwhich was the quickest time for any Gallardo down the drag strip.
The $95,000 Tesla Model S P 85 is powered by an electric motor that is about the size of a small office trash can and makes 415 horsepower. With no transmission and a weight of 4,700 pounds, we tested this Model S earlier this year as well running a 12.3 @ 110.8 MPH.
Read more:Via Dragtimes
Update: Tesla tells us that the slide in question was an error, likely a leftover from the Roadster spec sheet.
I noticed an interesting slide in Tesla’s Director of Product Design and Project Management Javier Verdura‘s recent presentation (Above). Everything up there jibes with Tesla’s original Model S specs which can be seen on its front page (and below) except the 0-60 has moved from 4.2 seconds to 3.7 seconds. That’s a full half second faster and pushing the Model S way into Supercar territory. How did it get so much faster?
At first glance, I wasn’t sure if this wasn’t a misprint or a preliminary speed test from a 4-wheel drive version (also would be cool!). It is hard to imagine how Tesla could get from 4.2 to 3.7 seconds with the same car. However something said in the conference call yesterday might explain the extra speed, or at least some of it. The question was from Northland Capital Markets’ Colin Rush:
PANASONIC AND TESLA SIGN AGREEMENT FOR THE GIGAFACTORY
THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2014
OSAKA, Japan / PALO ALTO, USA, July 31, 2014 – Panasonic Corporation and Tesla Motors, Inc. have signed an agreement that lays out their cooperation on the construction of a large-scale battery manufacturing plant in the United States, known as the Gigafactory.
According to the agreement, Tesla will prepare, provide and manage the land, buildings and utilities. Panasonic will manufacture and supply cylindrical lithium-ion cells and invest in the associated equipment, machinery, and other manufacturing tools based on their mutual approval. A network of supplier partners is planned to produce the required precursor materials. Tesla will take the cells and other components to assemble battery modules and packs. To meet the projected demand for cells, Tesla will continue to purchase battery cells produced in Panasonic’s factories in Japan. Tesla and Panasonic will continue to discuss the details of implementation including sales, operations and investment.
The Gigafactory is being created to enable a continuous reduction in the cost of long range battery packs in parallel with manufacturing at the volumes required to enable Tesla to meet its goal of advancing mass market electric vehicles. The Gigafactory will be managed by Tesla with Panasonic joining as the principle partner responsible for lithium-ion battery cells and occupying approximately half of the planned manufacturing space; key suppliers combined with Tesla’s module and pack assembly will comprise the other half of this fully integrated industrial complex.
JB Straubel, Chief Technical Officer and Co-founder of Tesla Motors said: “the Gigafactory represents a fundamental change in the way large scale battery production can be realized. Not only does the Gigafactory enable capacity needed for the Model 3 but it sets the path for a dramatic reduction in the cost of energy storage across a broad range of applications.”
Yoshihiko Yamada, Executive Vice President of Panasonic, added, “We have already engaged in various collaborative projects with Tesla toward the popularization of electric vehicles. Panasonic’s lithium-ion battery cells combine the required features for electric vehicles such as high capacity, durability and cost performance. And I believe that once we are able to manufacture lithium-ion battery cells at the Gigafactory, we will be able to accelerate the expansion of the electric vehicle market.”
Cost reductions will be achieved through optimized manufacturing processes driven by economies of scale previously unobtainable in battery cell and pack production. Further price reductions are achieved by manufacturing cells that have been optimized for electric vehicle design, both in size and function, by co-locating suppliers on-site to eliminate packaging, transportation & duty costs and inventory carrying costs, and by manufacturing at a location with lower utility and operating expenses.
The Gigafactory will produce cells, modules and packs for Tesla’s electric vehicles and for the stationary storage market. The Gigafactory is planned to produce 35GWh of cells and 50GWh of packs per year by 2020. Tesla projects that the Gigafactory will employ about 6,500 people by 2020.
Panasonic
http://panasonic.net/
Tesla Motors
http://www.teslamotors.com/blog-and-press-releases
Media Contacts:
Panasonic Corporation
Tel: +81-(0)3-3574-5664
Fax: +81-(0)3-3574-5699
Tesla Motors
press@teslamotors.com
Tel: +1650-833 8456
Except probably with more Tesla/chargers. Via