Archive for the ‘Hybrids, Electrics and other “Green” Technology’ Category

Tesla Readies the Model S

Posted: August 4, 2011 in Hybrids, Electrics and other "Green" Technology, Tesla Motors
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Tesla Motors, the Silicon Valley electric vehicle start up company, is working feverishly to bring its “affordable” (base MSRP $49,900) Model S family-sized sedan to market.  Tesla needs the money.  You know, a public company can only lose money for so long before the Wall Street overlords demand to see some signs of a profitable business.

The Tesla Model S sure looks great -- and it's BIG. Photo: Tesla

The interior of the Model S is futuristic and functional. Large LCD high-def screens replace the dash gauges as well as most center console functions like infotainment and HVAC. Photo: Tesla

Tesla is winding down production of its iconic Roadster (base MSRP $109,000), the company’s first BEV (battery electric vehicle) based on a Lotus platform.  Accordingly, it’s time for a new car.

2011 Tesla Roadster 2.5 Photo: Tesla

The sweet interior of the Tesla Roadster. It should look good for more than $100,000! Photo: Tesla

Production of the Model S will be at the shuttered Toyota-GM joint venture, New United Motor Manufacturing, Inc. (NUMMI), in Freemont, California, that Tesla bought in May 2010. Production of the Model S is projected to begin in mid-2012 and Tesla says it will create 1,000 new California jobs.

In 2010, Toyota and Tesla announced a $100 million joint venture deal to build the 2012 Toyota RAV4 EV at Tesla’s Freemont plant.  However, on August 5, 2011, Toyota said that it will build the RAV4 EV at its Woodstock, Ontario (Canada) plant.  Toyota will pay Tesla $100 million for an electric powertrain that includes the RAV4’s battery module, electric motor, gear box and electronic components. Those parts will be shipped to Ontario for assembly.  Tesla will manufacture these components in its smaller facility in Palo Alto (used for the Roadster) rather than the Freemont plant.

2012 Toyota RAV4 EV, electrified by Tesla Motors Photo: Toyota

According to Tesla, the Model S can seat 7 people:  Five adults and two children.  The Model S features two front seats, a rear bench seat for three adults, and optional rear facing jump seats designed for two children. The jump seats will be similar to those available in some station wagons (like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class wagon).  The rear hatchback design endows the Model S with class-leading cargo capacity.

The open hatchback of the Tesla Model S Photo: EVAuthority.com and Jalopnik.com

Tesla Model S Prototype, front and rear. Photo: Tesla

The most important issue for most EV buyers is range and their own range anxiety. Tesla says that the standard-issue battery is good for 160 miles – nearly double the range of a Nissan Leaf. For a whopping $10,000 extra, you can get a 230-mile battery pack and for a mind-numbing $20,000, Tesla crams the 300-mile battery pack into the Model S.  Suddenly that $50,000 car becomes $70,000 – without any other options. Who do they think they are – Porsche?

The Tesla Model S almost looks like a Maserati from this angle. Very sporty! Photo: Tesla

Check out the Tesla-produced videos below.  You get a good idea of just how much time, energy, high-tech components and sheer brainpower goes into producing a pure electric vehicle from a clean sheet of paper.  It’s really impressive to see what is happening right here in California.

Tesla Vehicle Engineering – Part 1 from Tesla Motors on Vimeo.

Tesla Vehicle Engineering – Part 2 from Tesla Motors on Vimeo.

Tesla Vehicle Engineering – Part 3 from Tesla Motors on Vimeo.

This video is a bit boring, but it’s short and it really gives you a sense of what the Model S will look and sound like on the road. Almost all of the “sound” is road noise.  In the “biz” this is referred to as NVH – noise, vibration and harshness.  There are small armies of engineers (at every auto manufacturer) who spend their waking hours worrying about NVH and fine tuning the suspension, wheels, tires and chassis to minimize these problems.

Model S Alpha Hits the Road from Tesla Motors on Vimeo.

Tesla teases us with the actual Model S road testing in thin disguise. I think the test area is somewhere near Tesla’s Headquarters in Palo Alto, CA.  With the 300 mile battery pack, I think I could live with one. Now if I could just afford one.

Tesla Model S Sneak Peek: Alpha Drives from Tesla Motors on Vimeo.

If you want to know more about the Model S, here are the FAQs from Tesla Motor’s website.

North American Model S

How will I service my Model S?

Tesla operates stores and service centers across North America and plans to open additional locations. In addition, the “Tesla Service Ranger” program sends mobile technicians to customers’ homes in remote areas. Read more about the Service Ranger program.

Reservations

What is the difference between Model S and Model S Signature?

The first 1,000 Model S vehicles delivered in the United States and the first 200 in Canada will be Signatures. Similar to other ‘limited edition’ offerings, Model S Signature will come very well-equipped, potentially with colors and options not available for Model S. Model S Signature will come with the 300-mile range battery pack. Reservation payments vary by country of use:

Model S Model S Signature
US $5,000 USD $40,000 USD
Canada $5,000 CAD $40,000 CAD
Is the reservation payment refundable?

The reservation payment is 100% refundable. All reservation holders receive a one-page reservation agreement, including refund details, during the reservation process.

Ownership and Pricing

When will features, options, and pricing be announced?

Options and pricing for Model S are in development and will be announced when finalized. Tesla will invite reservation holders to configure their Model S approximately three months before their car is produced.

What are the prices of the different battery pack options?

Three battery options are offered: 160-, 230-, or 300-mile range. Model S comes standard with the 160-mile range battery at the quoted $49,900 base price (after the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit). The 230-mile and 300-mile range batteries are optional upgrades. The 230-mile range option is priced at about $10,000 more than the base and the 300-mile option at about $20,000 more than the base.

May I delay production of my Model S?

Yes. You will be contacted by Tesla approximately three months before production of your vehicle to select your options. At that time, you will have a one-time right of deferral. This means, should your life circumstances dictate a delay or a desired option is yet not available, you may relinquish your reservation sequence number and defer to a later position.

Is the $7500 United States Federal Tax Credit likely to be available in 2012?

The $7500 federal tax credit is expected to remain available for many years. The community of EV owners and general enthusiasts can contact government officials to encourage the longevity of the credit. Read more about the current Plug-In Electric Drive Motor Vehicles tax credit.

Are financing and leasing available?

Yes. A full suite of payment options will be offered. Further details will be announced closer to launch.

How does electric vehicle ownership compare to that of combustion vehicles?

Electric vehicle ownership is extremely advantageous compared to typical premium sedan ownership – gasoline is not needed and routine maintenance is minimal. We calculate that fuel cost reductions alone will save Model S owners approximately $8,000 USD over a 5 year ownership period versus comparable vehicles like the BMW 535i.

Can I import a Model S into a market not supported by Tesla Motors?

Tesla vehicles are designed and built to meet the unique requirements of each market and are physically different country to country as required by law. Customers should reserve Model S in the market they intend to register and drive their vehicle. Exporting cars into different markets is not supported by Tesla Motors.

Development Plan and Production

When will Model S be available for a test drive?

Reservation holders will be invited to test drive in early 2012. The Model S Design Prototype will be on tour in some markets in 2011. It is not available for test drives. The production-intent Beta vehicles, produced at the Tesla Factory, will start to be available in late 2011.

When will Model S production begin?

Model S production is scheduled to begin in mid-2012 with the Signature Series. After the Model S Signature Series, production for North America will continue with the 300-mile batteries, followed by 230-mile and 160-mile battery options later in 2012.

How many Model S units will Tesla produce each year?

Tesla plans to produce 20,000 Model S units annually. In 2012, Tesla expects to produce around 5,000 to 7,000 vehicles as the Tesla Factory reaches its planned production capacity.

When will a Canadian version of Model S become available?

Production of Canadian Model S vehicles will begin approximately three months after the US start of production.

Performance

Has Model S been tested for crash safety?

Model S is engineered with the intent to achieve 2012 five-star NHTSA safety ratings. Final safety data is not yet available.

How fast is Model S?

Model S accelerates from 0-60 mph in approximately 5.6 seconds. Model S has a top speed of approximately 125 mph.

How does Model S perform in extreme temperatures?

Model S is engineered to perform in extreme hot and cold weather.  The sophisticated Tesla battery management system uses re-circulating propylene glycol to either heat or cool the battery as necessary.

Is the Model S front, rear, or all wheel drive?

The Model S is a rear wheel drive vehicle. Tesla traction control technology provides excellent grip, even in low-traction conditions.

Range and the Battery

Do Tesla battery packs suffer from “memory effect?” Is it necessary to completely discharge the battery to maintain its capacity?

No. Tesla uses lithium ion cells, which do not suffer from memory effect.

If Model S is parked and not charging, will the battery lose its charge?

Loss of charge at rest is minimal. For example, Model S owners can park at the airport for extended vacations without plugging in.

How does accessory use (radio, climate control, headlights) affect driving range?

Accessory use does not have a dramatic impact on driving range. Exact range fluctuates based on vehicle speed, driving style, road conditions, and weather. Holding these factors constant, using higher consumption accessories like climate control will reduce range approximately five to ten percent. Read a broad discussion about range.

Will Model S use regenerative braking to recharge the battery?

Yes.

How many years will the battery last?

Based on testing, Tesla expects the battery to retain approximately 70% of its initial capacity after seven years or 100,000 miles.

How much does a battery replacement cost?

Given rapidly changing battery technology, it is impossible to accurately forecast the cost of future battery replacements.

How far can Model S travel on one charge?

Three battery options are offered: 160-, 230-, or 300-mile range. Model S comes standard with the 160-mile range battery at the quoted $49,900 base price (after the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit). The 230-mile and 300-mile range batteries are optional upgrades. The 230-mile range option is priced at about $10,000 more than the base and the 300-mile option at about $20,000 more than the base.

Features and Options

What options and features will be available?

We are finalizing the list of features and options. As production nears, Tesla will release exact specifications, options, and associated prices. Tesla expects the 17” infotainment touchscreen to be standard on every Model S. The panoramic glass roof and rear-facing child seats are planned optional upgrades.

I’m very tall – will I fit?

Yes. Model S is a premium, full-size sedan slightly larger than BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class, or Audi A6. Tesla’s unique powertrain packaging frees up space for passengers and cargo.

Approximately how much will it cost to insure Model S?

Model S is expected to have insurance premiums consistent with other cars in its class.

How does Model S seat seven people?

Model S seats five adults and two children. Model S features two front seats, a rear bench seat for three adults, and optional rear facing jump seats designed for two children. The jump seats will be similar to those available in some station wagons.

Will Model S fit in my garage?

Model S has approximately the following dimensions:

Overall length 16’4″ (4973 mm)
Overall height 4’8″ (1426 mm)
Overall width with mirrors 7’2″ (2189 mm)
Ground Clearance 4.46″ (113 mm)

Charging

How does Model S charge?

Model S can be charged by plugging into any regular 110 volt wall outlet. Typical 220 volt outlets (like the ones used for kitchen stoves and clothes dryers) charge Model S more quickly.

What charging infrastructure will I need in my home?

Model S plugs into any standard outlet. No additional infrastructure is needed.

How long does it take to recharge Model S?

Charging times are based on battery size and the combined voltage and amperage of the power source. Regular wall outlets carry an electrical feed of 110 volts at either 12 or 15 Amps and charge slowly. A 220 volt outlet, such as your clothes dryer outlet, can charge Model S from empty to full overnight. Model S is capable of recharging in 45 minutes using a fast charging station.

When should I plan to charge my Model S?

To maintain optimum driving utility and long-term battery health, Tesla recommends plugging your Model S in each night or when convenient.

Is it possible to install solar panels on the hood to increase range?

Model S is not currently designed to incorporate the use of solar panels.

How can I charge my Model S using solar power?

The best way to charge Model S using solar power is to install a solar panel system on your home. When planning the system, you can estimate your daily vehicle power consumption with the following equation.

Assume average energy usage per mile is approximately 300Wh/mile (188Wh/km)(based on actual Roadster driving data). Multiply 300Wh/mile (188Wh/km) by your daily driving distance to estimate your daily vehicle energy consumption. A trusted local solar installer can use this figure to develop and install a system to support your total daily energy demand.

TrueCar.com – A Valuable Resource

Posted: July 18, 2011 in BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, General Motors, Hybrids, Electrics and other "Green" Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Ram
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One online resource I use frequently is TrueCar.com.  TrueCar’s stated mission is to “bring transparency to car buying in America.” You can research any make/model you’re interested in and see a chart of the transaction prices for that make/model in your area (by zip code or city).  You have instant access to the (1) average prices paid, (2) recent sales data (broken down into local, regional and national trends), (3) Price Trend (monthly, graphed), and (4) Vehicle Pricing Details.  The data includes the actual number of sales/transactions on which the results are based.

I love the Vehicle Pricing Details.  It shows the dealer cost, factory invoice, average price paid and sticker price. Then it details any holdback (see below), dealer incentives, options, regional ad fees, destination fees and customer incentives.  It arms you with plenty of salient information that is usually not disclosed when you’re negotiating a vehicle purchase.

A dealer  holdback is a percentage of either the MSRP or invoice price of a new vehicle (depending on the manufacturer) that is repaid to the dealer by the manufacturer after the vehicle is sold. In other words, when the dealer says they are selling you the car at “invoice” and they aren’t making a dime, you can call their bluff and tell them you know about the $$ holdback.

When I want to see which manufacturers are giving heavy discounts and/or what models they are pushing – usually because sales are slow or there is excess inventory of a less-than-desirable model – I check TrueCar’s research. Did you know that Mercedes-Benz has the highest discount rate of any manufacturer – 14.2% – for 2011? It’s higher than Chrysler’s Ram brand at 14%.  Good to know next time you’re in the market for a new Mercedes.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-class is a nice, big SUV but it's not selling well right now.

Here’s another pearl.  The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 750Li, with a  base MSRP of $101,000, has $7,500 customer cash back – the highest for any vehicle currently.

For 100 grand, you get West Side/Entertainment Industry bragging rights to being “green” with a BMW “hybrid.”  Now this is not your standard Prius-like hybrid system.  You get a 4.4 liter 32 valve, 400 hp V8 engine with TwinTurbo technology, direct gasoline injection, 4 overhead cam shafts and Double-VANOS variable valve timing.  (So far, I’m not hearing “green.”)

2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 750Li. It's a nice ride, for sure.

BMW adds a super sophisticated ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with Hybrid Start/Stop function, Automatic and Manual shift modes, and fully synchronized electronic gear changes in both.  There’s an electric motor sandwiched between the gas engine and the torque converter in the 8-speed transmission.  It contributes an additional 20 hp and 155 lb-ft—combined powertrain output is 455 hp and 515 lb-ft.  In other words, it’s a very fast hybrid.  When you come to a stop, the engine switches off and the battery powers the accessories. The slightest nudge to the gas pedal restarts the engine and you’re seamlessly, almost imperceptibly, on your way.

The ActiveHybrid 7 system. I have no doubt the German's over-engineered it.

Add to that, Brake Energy Regeneration to convert kinetic energy into usable electrical power and a 120-volt lithium-ion battery with boost function.  All that fancy-schmancy hybrid-electric tech adds a sobering $12,800 over the base 750Li (with the same 400 hp V8 engine).

But hey, it’s a hybrid, right? So the fuel economy must get a big boost, right? Not so much. The base 4.4 liter turbo V8 750Li is EPA rated a disappointing, but expected 14 mpg City, 22 Highway, Combined 17 mpg on premium fuel.  The ActiveHybrid 750Li, also running on premium, is rated at 17 mpg City, 24 Highway, Combined 20.  Be still, my green-beating heart.

On a percentage basis, the bump is around 16%.  Not bad; but when the numbers are so low to begin with, an extra 3 mpg doesn’t impress, does it? So far it hasn’t impressed well-heeled “green” customers either. I guess the good news is that the “standard” 750Li gets socked with a $1,000 gas guzzler tax while  the ActiveHybrid 7Li doesn’t.

The BMW factory to customer cash of $7,500 helps reduce the $12,800 hybrid premium and puts more cars on the street.  So if you’re in the market to drop $100k on an ActiveHybrid 7,  don’t be too impressed when the salesman offers you a 7.5% discount before you even start negotiating.  I’m betting that dealers may sweeten the pot further,  probably enough to almost erase the $12,800 Hybrid premium.  You know, it takes real muscle to move 4,800 pounds of high-quality German steel.

Here is TrueCar’s Blog of  July 18, 2011 listing the top five  Models with Largest Total Incentives:

Models with Largest Total Incentives
Rank Make/Model Customer Cash Rebate Dealer Cash
1 2011 BMW 7 Series Hybrid $7,500 $0
2 2011 Cadillac DTS $7,000 $0
3 2011 Chevrolet Silverado $4,505 $0
4 2011 Ram Dakota $0 $4,500
5 2011 Volkswagen Routan $0 $4,500

Here’s TrueCar’s latest list of Top Discounts (by Vehicle Category).  They have them for 2012 models as well.

2011 Top Discounts (by Vehicle Category)
Vehicle Category Model % Below MSRP
Large Car Chevrolet Impala 25.0%
Large Truck Chevrolet Silverado 1500 22.4%
Midsize Car Mitsubishi Galant 19.7%
Luxury Car Cadillac DTS 18.9%
Subcompact Car Chevrolet Aveo 18.5%
Minivan Volkswagen Routan 17.9%
Large SUV Nissan Armada 17.0%
Luxury Sport Car Chevrolet Corvette 17.0%
Small Truck Nissan Frontier 16.8%
Luxury SUV Mercedes-Benz GL-Class 16.2%
Small SUV Dodge Nitro 15.8%
Van Chevrolet Express Cargo Van 15.6%
Midsize SUV Nissan Pathfinder 14.3%
Small Car Ford Focus 12.9%
Sport Car Ford Mustang 11.0%
Luxury Sport Car Jaguar XK 10.6%

Some of what you see here makes sense; however, some may surprise.  It’s easy to dismiss the Chevy Impala or the Dodge Nitro. No one wants either one, so they are sold mostly to fleets. It’s the car you don’t want at the rental counter and it’s going to take some serious discounts to get retail sales.  I think Dodge has killed the Nitro and the old fleet soldier, the Chevy Impala, is due for a complete refresh next year.

2011 Chevrolet Impala LS Sedan. It screams dull, rental car. It's definitely a product of the "Old GM."

The Ford Mustang is popular, but it’s losing the sales battle with its arch rival, the Chevy Camaro.  Through June 30, 2011, Camaro outsold Mustang by 9,720 units.  Ford and its dealers are discounting the Mustang to at least keep pace with the new kid on the block.  Ford needs the volume to keep the Mustang affordable and in production. There isn’t a car enthusiast on the planet that would want Ford to kill the Mustang. And it won’t as long as we keep buying them.

2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Convertible. There is a reason to live and breathe.

So what about America’s Sports Car, the Chevrolet Corvette?  In my humble opinion, the Corvette is the best car made by General Motors – bar none. But it’s expensive (easily over $60,000) and it’s ancient in car years. The 6th generation Corvette was introduced in 2005 and we probably won’t see the C7 until late next year (2012) as a 2013 model.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette. It's my favorite GM car. The drive is intoxicating even if the interior is sub-par for its price and class. Time for a C7!

Sales of Corvettes are down substantially.  In 2010, Chevy sold only 12,624 units, down 9.4% from 2009.  As recently as 2006, Chevy sold 36,518 Corvettes.  So far, sales for the first six months of 2011 are up by about 8.5% (6,896 compared to 6,355 in 2010); but that comes at the cost of $3,000 customer cash or 1.9% financing for 60 months.

Did you even know that Mitsubishi still made the Galant? I had forgotten about it and so has everyone else.  Hell, I can’t even find a Mitsubishi dealer in Metro LA.   Mercifully, Cadillac has euthanized the DTS, it’s large front-drive former flagship. It is actually fairly reliable, according to Consumer Reports, but it hasn’t felt modern in years. R.I.P.

The 2011 Mitsubishi Galant. Does anyone care anymore?

The 2011 Cadillac DTS is a symbol of a bygone era that won't be missed at Cadillac.

As far as the Chevy Silverado, there is so much profit in each one that even a 20% haircut won’t hurt either GM or its dealers. This is a solid, popular pickup truck that you can get at a bargain.

So when you are researching a new car, I’d add TrueCar.com to the list below:

The only pay site above is Consumer Reports. Support it if you can.

Also, do a Google search for blogs dedicated to the car(s) you’re interested in. Often time you’ll find comments, complaints and likes that directly answer questions or issues you may have. These people own the vehicle you’re checking out and their experiences in daily driving can illuminate things about the vehicle that you didn’t even think of.  Join a user group and ask a question. The answer may be more helpful than anything you get at a dealer. This is what Web 2.0 is about. Use it to your advantage!

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