Test Driving the Tesla Roadster 665
stacybro writes "Wired has an article about the Tesla Roadster. It is similar to other electric cars that we have seen in that the electric engine's serious torque will allow it to do 0-60mph in about 3 seconds. Part of what is different about this is that they are using over 6,831 laptop-type lithium-ion batteries. They are claiming the range is about 250 miles. As the battery tech for laptops improves, so will the range of these cars. The car will run about $80,000, which is about par for an exotic two-seater. So who is doing the poll on which tech CEO will be seen driving one first? My guess is one of the Google or E-Bay guys, since they are investors. It is nice to see more companies serious about helping to getting rid of our oil dependency. It is odd that the big car companies aren't more on this track!"
Now that's a car (Score:4, Funny)
Now THAT's a car that'll hit the market with a bang! Not only do you have the instant response of electric motors and full torque from a dead stop, but you will also get rocket assist when you put a heavy load on the Li-ion batteries!
Over 6,831 batteries? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Exploding Batteries? (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Exploding Batteries? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Global "Dependencies" (Score:3, Funny)
George? Is that you?
Re:80K?+batteries once a year (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Recharging time? (Score:5, Funny)
Easy... just plug the car's charger into the cigarette lighter and charge as you go!
Re:Global "Dependencies" (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Exploding Batteries? (Score:4, Funny)
Don't you watch movies ? Cars explode as soon as all of their wheels are off the ground.
Re:Global "Dependencies" (Score:4, Funny)
It was planted there deliberately. I know how to spell nuclear -> I just giggle every time Dubya says nucular. No it isn't a regional thing, any more than ebonics is. It's an excuse to justify presidential stupidity.
It isn't a nuculus. Ergo it isn't nucular.
Re:Pricy, but.... (Score:3, Funny)
tesla coil nascar (Score:2, Funny)
a fuel-less nascar race....
little electric screammers....
Re:Range (Score:3, Funny)
My solution?
Baseball cards in the spokes.
Re:Electric Cost Per Mile is Cheaper (Score:3, Funny)
A great post, but as others have mentioned you seem to have made some assumptions that greatly affected the overall calculations. I almost spewed tea out my nose when I got to the point that said...
If we can assume that we're operating in a free market of sorts (meaning OPEC hasn't already set up a lithium cartel), then it's reasonable to assume that a surge in demand for lithium would trigger a surge in supply as well. Plus, as a previous reply mentioned, lithium makes up a very small part of a Li-On battery.
But the real thing to remember is that this car isn't claiming to be cheaper to operate than your typical gas guzzler. Cheaper to drive day-to-day? Yes. Cheaper over the life of the car? Probably not. But horseless carriages weren't the cheapest mode of transportation 100 years ago either.
(PS. How's this for ironic: the thought of a lithium cartel makes me slightly depressed!! Thank you, thank you... I"ll be here all week.)
Re:Global "Dependencies" (Score:2, Funny)