Testing of Tesla Model S

Re:Testing of Tesla Model S by fossuser on Tuesday January 18, 2011 @11:10PM (#2118560)

I don't understand it either, people seem to have an irrational hatred towards them. The company has been doing really cool things and the roadster is an awesome car (I know somebody who has one). It's quite possible that Tesla influenced the Nissan Leaf or Chevy volt, but even if they didn't they're doing the right thing. Pushing technology forward in an area where it's been stagnant for a while, getting attention and attempting to change things. I would've thought this type of thing would be embraced rather than discarded.

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Re:Testing of Tesla Model S by brc on Tuesday January 18, 2011 @11:39PM (#2118632)

There's no doubt the Roadster changed things, probably forever, even if they disappear within a few years (or get swallowed up into something bigger).

Within 12 months of the Roadster actually being sold, both Audi and Mercedes showed all-electric sports car concepts. Neither had ever mentioned such a thing beforehand. A few manufacturers were dabbling with hybrid tech in some of their cars, but an all-electric sports car was not on the radar at all. Now every motor show has a major manufacturer either displaying an all-electric or hybrid-drive system. The gas turbine hybrid Jag was an awesome concept car. It's just great to see new thinking, and I give Tesla the credit for kicking the baggage of electric cars to the kerb. Building a sports car first was inspired just for the PR value.

BMW and Mercedes are scrambling to catch up with their electric tech. Being the engineering giants that both companies are, they will arrive later to the party, but what they produce will be properly good. I've read up on some of the tech BMW is researching for electric vehicles, and it's very promising. I believe the first models will be out in 2013, albeit in a small car format rather than a sports car. I guess we'll find out.

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Re:Testing of Tesla Model S by bane on Tuesday January 18, 2011 @11:34PM (#2118619)

Maybe car enthusiasts are more concerned with the testosterone of cars than the tech (all the techy sounding talk comparing component performance is really just a red herring). If the tech can make the engine louder and the car faster, that's hot. Tesla is not offering that exactly.

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Re:Testing of Tesla Model S by brc on Tuesday January 18, 2011 @11:45PM (#2118641)

I understand your argument, and it might be true for a certain type who saw the pipes off their Camaro just to make it noisier, but in general, most car people are genuinely interested in new tech. Besides, the only non-testosterone thing about the Tesla is the lack of engine noise.

From this, I would argue that the noise is a pavlovian response - the noise accompanies the acceleration and so eventually the noise excites us, even if we're not in the car. Given time, the right sound of electric car noise will tingle the bones of the enthusiast.

My basis for this is the response initially given to Rotary engines - purists thought they were too buzzy. However, after anyone has lived with a powerful Rotary engine for a while, the sound of a tuned Rotary immediately pricks the ears. Noise is going to be one of the by-products of a powerful electric engine - witness electric trains like the TGV for that - so I can see the high-powered whine becoming the mark of a high-powered electric, and young enthusiasts will come up with kits to increase the sound, just as they have with V8's, Rotaries, Turbos and every other type of engine tech.

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Re:Testing of Tesla Model S by hugh3 on Tuesday January 18, 2011 @11:55PM (#2118673)

I think it's more to do with vapourware-wariness. Any company which comes out promising to revolutionise the way we do everything will (and should) always encounter a bunch of skepticism.

They have, after all, been promising big things for many years now, and so far delivered nothing other than an overpriced sports car for the rich and impractical.

They've also been soaking up a lot of government subsidies at all levels to produce their rich-bastard sports car, which ought to bother folks.

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Re:Testing of Tesla Model S by fossuser on Wednesday January 19, 2011 @12:18AM (#2118732)

Good point with the vapourware-wariness, but as far as government subsidies go electric vehicles is where some money should be going. Especially when compared to the billions given to companies like GM who were either unable or unwilling to adapt even when facing bankruptcy

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