Elon Musk & Tesla EVs

[Smokin]

2 hours ago, brabus said:

It will be cool when someone (probably Tesla) makes a truck that’s worth a shit for those who need a “real” truck. If Elon can catch a rocket with chopsticks, I’m sure in time he’ll do that. Of course the catch is the infrastructure in said “market areas” is woefully behind being able to support such a product. I wonder if Elon can get involved in that.

Totally agree.  Until battery tech gets way better, a full electric truck just isn't realistic where I live.  But I would be interested in a good plug-in hybrid.  One that could drive a to/from town on electric only, but then still be able to drive 500+ miles without stopping to charge/gas up.  I briefly considered the Lightning and planned to use a gas generator as a mileage extender until I did the math on how many additional miles I would get on a night of charging from a portable generator.  I don't remember the exact math, but it was something like 15 miles for 8 hours on a 100lb generator.

[arg]

13 minutes ago, Smokin said:

I know the vast majority of truck owners use about 10% of the capability of the truck.  But, if you're one of those 10% and use it off road at all, take a look at the clearance.  A cybertruck parked next to my truck the other day and I was floored at the difference.  The cybertruck looked like it has 33" tires from the factory and somehow has the ground clearance of an Accord.  If you don't take your truck off road, then this is irrelevant.

Wonder if it has an "off road" mode and raises up. My wifes GLS450 does that.

[nunya]

49 minutes ago, arg said:

Wonder if it has an "off road" mode and raises up. My wifes GLS450 does that.

Sounds fancy.

[arg]

2 minutes ago, nunya said:

Sounds fancy.

It is fancy. She don't like it much.

[Sua Sponte]

7 hours ago, Smokin said:

Totally agree.  Until battery tech gets way better, a full electric truck just isn't realistic where I live.  But I would be interested in a good plug-in hybrid.  One that could drive a to/from town on electric only, but then still be able to drive 500+ miles without stopping to charge/gas up.  I briefly considered the Lightning and planned to use a gas generator as a mileage extender until I did the math on how many additional miles I would get on a night of charging from a portable generator.  I don't remember the exact math, but it was something like 15 miles for 8 hours on a 100lb generator.

My girlfriend has a Volvo XC60 Recharge plug-in hybrid and loves it. You can even recharge the EV battery off the engine. 

[ClearedHot]

8 hours ago, Smokin said:

I know the vast majority of truck owners use about 10% of the capability of the truck.  But, if you're one of those 10% and use it off road at all, take a look at the clearance.  A cybertruck parked next to my truck the other day and I was floored at the difference.  The cybertruck looked like it has 33" tires from the factory and somehow has the ground clearance of an Accord.  If you don't take your truck off road, then this is irrelevant.

I probably would not do a lot of off-roading.  Mostly running errands, things from Lowes, hauling stuff back and forth to my hangar.  Likely building a barndominiumn and compound soon with enough solar/wind/batteries to be off grid.  Solar fuel cells have come WAY down so really want a system that powers the entire house for extended periods of time.  Being able to charge an EV for free is a bonus.  I need to go drive one and see what storage/hauling it allows.

[sputnik]

On 11/26/2024 at 8:19 PM, BashiChuni said:

getting a new car anyways. commuting <75 nm to a reserve gig and wanna also use it as an airport car. live in the south.

I have a model Y and love that thing.  I was driving 2k a month between commute to work and two kids in travel sports and the nearly zero Mx costs was nice. 

It’s odd how some people loathe Teslas, and feel the need to tell me (uninvited) how awful they are.

Objectively I think the 3 is better than the Y, but I just liked sitting in the Y more.

[Smokin]

44 minutes ago, ClearedHot said:

I probably would not do a lot of off-roading.  Mostly running errands, things from Lowes, hauling stuff back and forth to my hangar.  Likely building a barndominiumn and compound soon with enough solar/wind/batteries to be off grid.  Solar fuel cells have come WAY down so really want a system that powers the entire house for extended periods of time.  Being able to charge an EV for free is a bonus.  I need to go drive one and see what storage/hauling it allows.

Nice, I'm looking at a similar project next summer before the tax rebates expire, minus the EV.  Just not practical for my part of the country and lifestyle.  Are you doing both wind and solar?  I haven't gotten into the detailed planning yet, but I'm thinking the combo would be helpful when the weather is bad (dark clouds often equal lots of wind).

The EVs would have been great living on base as an LT.  Free "gas" for all of UPT.

[ClearedHot]

9 hours ago, Smokin said:

Nice, I'm looking at a similar project next summer before the tax rebates expire, minus the EV.  Just not practical for my part of the country and lifestyle.  Are you doing both wind and solar?  I haven't gotten into the detailed planning yet, but I'm thinking the combo would be helpful when the weather is bad (dark clouds often equal lots of wind).

The EVs would have been great living on base as an LT.  Free "gas" for all of UPT.

I like the combo for redundancy and the newer vertical axis wind generators are far less obtrusive and take up little room.  

Don't want to derail this thread but doubt there is enough interest for a new thread.  There is a guy int he North East who built an solar hydrogen offgrid system that powered his entire house and provided for all of his transportation almost 20 years ago.  Cool video on his set up.  Tech has changed and prices dropped and it can be done for far less today.

[SurelySerious]

Tesla, a Darling of Clean Energy, Has a Pollution Problem:

https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/elon-musk-tesla-environment-1263cd60?st=8NTdpG&reflink=article_copyURL_share

Oops! Their website didn’t factor that in when it advertised how green the car is, last I checked.

[Smokin]

I doubt there is a much dirtier energy than lithium ion batteries from materials mined and largely assembled in countries that either only pretend to follow environmental agreements or don't even pretend to try.  And that's not even starting with the slave labor problem.

[mightymighty]

Anyone buying EVs or anything with batteries who says they're doing it for the environment or "social responsibility" is living in a fantasy world. 

Edited November 29 by mightymighty

[SurelySerious]

Anyone buying EVs or anything with batteries who says they're doing it for the environment or "social responsibility" is living in a fantasy world. 

I would buy an economic argument or one from a hobbyist that wants to charge from their own solar panels as real arguments for it.

[brabus]

There are totally valid reasons to have an EV, but being environmentally friendly isn’t one of them. 

[Longhorn15]

I would buy an economic argument or one from a hobbyist that wants to charge from their own solar panels as real arguments for it.

Notice none of us that like our Teslas said anything about “green” aspects of them. I drive them for the same reason I fly to warm places in the winter: I like it. They’re faster, a better overall experience, very little maintenance and I don’t spend hundreds a month on fuel.

I don’t know why so many Americans are anti-Tesla, especially when a US car company is leading the world. When was the last time that happened?

[Sua Sponte]

6 hours ago, Longhorn15 said:

Notice none of us that like our Teslas said anything about “green” aspects of them. I drive them for the same reason I fly to warm places in the winter: I like it. They’re faster, a better overall experience, very little maintenance and I don’t spend hundreds a month on fuel.

I don’t know why so many Americans are anti-Tesla, especially when a US car company is leading the world. When was the last time that happened?

I’ve noticed that people without Teslas REALLY give a shit on what I drive when I could care less what they drive. They have a feeling like 95% of EV owners want every ICE vehicle banned and forced to drive an EV.

I echo the same about why I like my Tesla. I’ll only say that the lack of maintenance and fuel costs is offset by the 2-3X insurance increase of a similar ICE vehicle.

[brabus]

8 hours ago, Longhorn15 said:

I don’t know why so many Americans are anti-Tesla

I can’t imagine that many people are truly anti-Tesla, or even EV in general. I bet the vast majority of the anti-“E” attitudes are simply pushback against progressive bullshit ideas like banning gas car sales by 2030, banning gas ovens, telling people they MUST go all electric or else, etc. I think EVs, solar, etc. are great ventures and I’m excited to see the tech progress. I also think they are not the panacea many leftist think they are and there is a LONG way to go before they are reasonable for many people in this country. Bottom line - progress the tech and people will naturally come to them as it makes sense for their life situations/desires (and to the leftist: WGAF if someone doesn’t share your EV love), or try to shove it down their throats and human nature says they’ll respond with a big “fuck you!”

Edited November 30 by brabus

[disgruntledemployee]

2 hours ago, brabus said:

I can’t imagine that many people are truly anti-Tesla, or even EV in general. I bet the vast majority of the anti-“E” attitudes are simply pushback against progressive bullshit ideas like banning gas car sales by 2030, banning gas ovens, telling people they MUST go all electric or else, etc. I think EVs, solar, etc. are great ventures and I’m excited to see the tech progress. I also think they are not the panacea many leftist think they are and there is a LONG way to go before they are reasonable for many people in this country. Bottom line - progress the tech and people will naturally come to them as it makes sense for their life situations/desires (and to the leftist: WGAF if someone doesn’t share your EV love), or try to shove it down their throats and human nature says they’ll respond with a big “fuck you!”

You're theory probably applies to most anti-EVers.*  But there are issues that need addressing like car fires and accident risks.  I know a dude who lost his house due to the Tesla starting a fire in the garage.

I rode in a Tesla, it was neat.  Extended fam in Cali has some.  But they're not really a fit for me where I may leave a car at the airport for a few weeks and it gets cold and chargers are shared between spots.  I love that 'Merica is making them, I love that the effort is generating tech advances in batteries, safety, etc., but don't like the self driving push as it needs more maturity.  Also, I love that it's advancing other industries.  For example, Arkansas is sitting on an underground lithium brine goldmine that can flip the US from an importer to world exporter.  The green argument is a back and forth between the sides and I don't think either side is right.  I want my 93 octane til I die.

* The Cyber truck is just awkward, just like Elon, who should just shut up and make cars.

[herkbum]

I’m not anti-EV, I’m just very pro ICE. I’m glad folks have an option. That’s what makes this country so great-options.


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[Smokin]

I think there is also a large group like me that is solid middle of the road.  Have an EV, don't have one, I don't care.  Just don't make me subsidize your car purchase and charging.  Also, don't try to convince me that they're the greatest invention ever, that there are zero downsides to them, and any potential problem is simply that not enough people are buying them which causes production issues.  That is a one sentence summary of multiple conversations I've had with Tesla owners.  It's BS and any rational person would see it.  I drive an F-150 and I like it in general, but just like any other vehicle, there are significant pluses and minuses to it.  For example, Tesla's autopilot makes Ford's Bluecruise (autopilot-ish) look like the code was written by a bunch of jr high kids for a science project.  But I can drive 750 miles without stopping for gas, and when I do, I have another 750 range 5 minutes later.  Or a 5 gallon jerry can in the bed gives me another 100 miles in an area where I can't depend on finding a gas station.

I'm happy that Musk is doing what he's doing and pushing technology development.  Once battery advances make an EV reasonable for me, I'll be happy to read a book as my car drives me to the airport.

[Duck]

Here’s my perspective. Airline pilot and commute to my base which is about 3ish hours away. I picked up a Tesla Model 3 RWD for the range. I can get up there with about 30% left. I am able to plug in at the employee lot and by the time I’m back from a 3-4 day trip it is good enough to get home.

For me the autopilot and Full Self Driving has been a game changer. I fly PMs so I can commute up and back without losing a day or spending money on a hotel. I get to work not mentally fatigued from driving 3 hours.

It’s not for everyone, but I like the car. I couldn’t care less about if it’s good for the environment or if it isn’t. It just seemed practical to me. I am interested in how well it will do sitting out in the cold if and when it gets really cold in the employee lot. If it looks bad I may just bite the bullet and park it at one of the local airport parking places that will park it inside and charge it. According to my app, I’m saving somewhere around $300 a month on gas, so dropping $50 a couple times a year isn’t the end of the world.


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[ClearedHot]

On 11/30/2024 at 5:29 PM, Smokin said:

I think there is also a large group like me that is solid middle of the road.  Have an EV, don't have one, I don't care.  . Just don't make me subsidize your car purchase and charging Also, don't try to convince me that they're the greatest invention ever, that there are zero downsides to them, and any potential problem is simply that not enough people are buying them which causes production issues. 

This!

[M2]

1 hour ago, Duck said:

Here’s my perspective. Airline pilot and commute to my base which is about 3ish hours away. I picked up a Tesla Model 3 RWD for the range. I can get up there with about 30% left. I am able to plug in at the employee lot and by the time I’m back from a 3-4 day trip it is good enough to get home.

For me the autopilot and Full Self Driving has been a game changer. I fly PMs so I can commute up and back without losing a day or spending money on a hotel. I get to work not mentally fatigued from driving 3 hours.

It’s not for everyone, but I like the car. I couldn’t care less about if it’s good for the environment or if it isn’t. It just seemed practical to me. I am interested in how well it will do sitting out in the cold if and when it gets really cold in the employee lot. If it looks bad I may just bite the bullet and park it at one of the local airport parking places that will park it inside and charge it. According to my app, I’m saving somewhere around $300 a month on gas, so dropping $50 a couple times a year isn’t the end of the world.


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Cyber Trucks are perfect for airport parking!! 🤣🤣🤣

[Smokin]

To be fair, I'm pretty sure my truck would be sticking out past the white hashes...  Small parking garages are a pain, just one of the MANY reasons I try to avoid going to big cities.

@Duck's commuter car use, that sounds pretty nice.  But even saving $300 a month, there's no way I ever actually save money buying a commuter car since I'll still need a truck.  Maybe I'll need to look more carefully to see about chargers in the commuter lot because auto-drive to/from would be pretty sweet.

[HerkPerfMan]

On 11/27/2024 at 9:43 PM, brabus said:

That is awesome. How long does it take if you have a solid 1/4” thick ice shield in the morning?

To clarify, my ID4 has both traditional defrost (forced air) and electric defrost that can be operated together or separate. Electric defrost works way faster and heats every inch of the windshield without the massive power demand of the heater. It typically melts thick ice or slush snow enough in 5 minutes to wipe away with wipers. And I can sit in my warm car if it takes longer rather than scraping and cursing in the cold.

Being "environmentally friendly" is low on the list of reasons to choose an EV. There are also many more American-made options besides Tesla to fit different usage requirements.