Comment Competitive Market (Score 1) 179
Tesla is coming into a competitive market where there are existing vehicles ready to provide clear product. Not only do they have to be competitive with an entrenched industry, but they also have to sponsor (and even provide, in many cases) the charging infrastructure to maintain these fleets. Their incentive? To join this market early, gain enough stalwart customers willing to risk their trades in favor of an all-electric fleet with reduced operating costs. I can see a few transportation services willing to sell this, especially if their clients want a carbon-offset selling point - such as fleets operating for grocery chains or regular retail delivery where lower operating costs can make a huge difference, while the higher capitol outlay can be written off against taxes. Add to this, they have to be competitive without any tax incentive offsets, as most markets have eliminated them. I wonder how long it would take for any of the current market leaders to come up with their own alternatives, up to and including an all-electric drive train with a diesel generator (aka diesel road locomotives)? All the benefits of the Tesla without the range penalties and being tied to a charging infrastructure. I'm pretty sure it could operate with a smaller battery to compensate for the weight of the diesel engine and generator. And - the diesel engine doesn't have to be big enough to drive the rig - just big enough to keep the battery charged. Diesels run fantastically when they run at a set RPM and don't have to rev up or down - just set it at it's sweet spot and keep the battery topped off.