Tesla electric truck

[Beachbummer]

Yes, the range is the very limiting factor at this time. Until battery prices go much lower (5-10 year timeline) the best option in my opinion is the range extender. You will have to pry my volt out of my dead hands. Since i bought it, 36000 miles 9000 on gas, the rest electric. That's a lot of fuel I don't pay for.

The genie is out of the bottle. Even if subsidies ended today, you can't stop electric except with 99c per gallon fuel, or cheaper. I don't think that's coming back.

As both price and weigh cone down technology will fix the remaining issues. Fast charging may not even be required... They could swap your battery in 2 minutes, so you don't wait on it.

One of the challenges is that electricity is so cheap compared to gas, it's hard to charge a premium for it when selling it for car charging. On my volt 40 miles= 90cents or less of electricity from home in Texas. If you can charge a big battery at home for 8 bucks, what margin will an "electric" pump have?

Don't sweat the small stuff, nobody will make you buy an electric before you want to. But as the technology matures, new options will appear that are economically viable.

Look at an older Nissan leaf. Very cheap and super reliable and fun to drive city car. Just keep an eye on the range. Very economical to buy and drive.

 

[bronze_10]

From an admittedly electric car novice I see two issues that need to be solved before the masses go electric. One is the tech... Gas cars can go non stop with just a quick refuel... Even if the range of an electric was 1000 miles, what sticks in everyone's head is.. Then what? 3 days to recharge to drive another 1000 miles? I will admit to the fact very few people need that range but people think they need that range so when you tell someone you can only go 200 miles then u r stuck it turns most people off.. Despite the actual facts, that makes it a no go for the masses. Better tech will greatly help that and over time maybe that hurtle will lessen.

The 2nd problem is politicians. When the initial electric car push was started and there was so much optimism in what this new tech would develop into, all the politicians saw was less revenue from gas taxes... I don't remember the specifics or if it passed or just flamed out but I remember a lot of talk about adding a large electric vehicle tax to cars bought and sold in nc. It more than negated any savings you would gain through saving on gas over the life of the vehicle. In my area of nc a lot of interest was lost during those discussions.

the 3rd we won't get into was the price tag when they first hit the market... Add the two issues above and you have small sells.


Me... I'll stick with my HEMI! MOPAR!

 

[adrianp89]

It is important to note electricity rates vary per area, along with gas prices which can be a big factor. I agree it is the future - but at this point they really are not worth it unless you have two cars. One can be everyday to work and back and the other towing/vacation vehicle.

Until they can get up to the 600-700 mile range I won't bother looking at one. If Ram offers their new eco-diesel with the 33 gallon tank, it should have a range around 950 miles. To me - the money saved is not worth the time given up to re-charge/fuel.

 

[swatski]

Then what? 3 days to recharge to drive another 1000 miles?

Nah, that is changing rapidly. Right now it is about 3-5hrs in your garage, but Tesla supercharger stations will do in about 45min, new tech from Swiss ABB - down to 8min.

--

 

[trace]

Tesla truck with one of these

https://newenergyandfuel.com/http:/newenergyandfuel/com/2010/01/27/a-jet-turbine-engine-for-your-hybrid-vehicle/

problem solved.

 

[2kwik4u]

The comment on electricity being cheaper than gas.......is 100% correct. I just like to question people about the why on that? THink to yourself for a second, where is the cost of fuel coming from?

Thought for a second?

Infrastructure. Transporting fuel from the deposit to the refinery, and then from the refinery to the pump makes up a substantial portion of the cost. Infrastructure for electricity is significantly less expensive. Infrastructure is also, somewhat ironically, a big challenge for electric vehicle technology. How do you find a recharge station, aside from your home and a few other places, they are not even close to as prevalent as gas technology. They will be, just not yet, and has to be built out, which takes time. We've got a century head start on gas stations, so electricity is coming from behind in a big way.

On the topic of range. For a daily driver, I could totally get away with an electric with about 120miles of range. Aside from a few road trips I've taken recently, I've been able to make all of my daily errands/tasks/entertainment on about 120 miles or so. Towing the boat, and road trips require a more versatile fuel source still. Made a 325mi (one way) trip for work the other day, then spent another 100 miles driving around once there. An electric would've needed a couple battery swaps to make that happen. This was also in rural northern ky where 4wd, ground clearance, and aggressive tires were needed that would have killed a little more of the EV's range.

If we had the cash, I would totally put the wife in a Model X or similar EV. The bolt is nice, and priced in our range, but we physically don't fit in it.

Another interesting thought. I've done the math on diesel and motorcycle daily driver replacements. Both are high mpg variants to attempt to save some cashola on the commute. The best payback I got was 6yrs of driving. That was a break even point as well. Not a profitable point. EV's can make that number sooner, but it's still a time measured in years. I've since stopped watching fuel economy as a criteria for what I buy. In the total cost of ownership, it's a small percentage of the cost. Insurance, purchase price, and maintenance have all exceeded fuel costs on all but one of my cars. Those are much better criteria to shop on IMO. Capability being first on the list of course.

 

[2kwik4u]

Tesla truck with one of these

https://newenergyandfuel.com/http:/newenergyandfuel/com/2010/01/27/a-jet-turbine-engine-for-your-hybrid-vehicle/

problem solved.

interesting. Mazda has suggested the use of a single engine rotary as a power source for a generator in it's cars in the past. Same concept.

 

[bronze_10]

Although battery tech seems to have come a long way it feels like a new method of storing electricity will be required to really make this happen. ... Just like if they could ever break that pesky artificial gravity problem in space we would already have giant space station casinos we could visit! That poster I saw back in the late 80s lied to me about what the year 2000 was gonna look like. !

 

[thefortunes]

Some real world experience (not mine, but I do drive a Tesla Roadster and my wife has a Tesla Model S so I am VERY familiar with the technology, charging, etc...)...

"Here's info on an actual 335 mile leg from Denver to Kansas with a Bowlus (3000# trailer with a larger profile than our boats - which has a greater impact on range).

X90D on 20" wheels. Starting with a full charge. Temps mid 70's. Average speed just under 55mph.

463 Wh/mi
6hr 25min driving
1hr 17min supercharging"
​

I do not know his route from Denver to Kansas (why he drove so slowly), but at 500 Wh/mi towing the typical Model X would give you close to 200 miles of range.

When I drove our S across the country, it took about 20% more time to stop and supercharge every couple hundred miles or so than just driving would have. (I.e. drive for 2-3 hours, charge for 25-35 minutes). While that sounds like a lot, it just meant that we timed our charging stops to coincide with meals or potty breaks. It really didn't add a significant amount of time. Now if you were to drive to a lake 300 miles from your home, you would need to stop and charge on the way there and on the way back, which is more inconvenient than stopping once for gas in a ICE.

I would be happy to answer any questions. By the way, I don't expect the Tesla truck to have more than 400 miles range (not towing) or 250 miles towing. Elon has consistently gone with the philosophy that putting a larger battery in a vehicle that you might only need a couple times a year is not necessary. Instead, Tesla has built out the Supercharge network to where they are everywhere (unless you are in the Dakotas/Montana).

 

[thefortunes]

It is important to note electricity rates vary per area, along with gas prices which can be a big factor. I agree it is the future - but at this point they really are not worth it unless you have two cars. One can be everyday to work and back and the other towing/vacation vehicle.

Until they can get up to the 600-700 mile range I won't bother looking at one. If Ram offers their new eco-diesel with the 33 gallon tank, it should have a range around 950 miles. To me - the money saved is not worth the time given up to re-charge/fuel.

Just curious how often you drive 600-700 miles without stopping? (And yes, I have done it with a gas car, but I have also driven the 1000 miles from Denver to Wisconsin with my Tesla and arrived much more refreshed having stopped every 2-3 hours for a 25-35 minute break). Took me about 16 hours to go the 1000 miles including all stops.

 

[Peelz]

Pretty sure I will own an electric bike and Motorcycle within the next few years. It is not feasible quite yet, to fully replace our ICE vehicles... but as a second car... Electric will make sense.

Something that makes sense in my brain, is the swappable battery systems being tested... Think like multiple forklifts in a warehouse. IF you had 200 mile range, but only had to stop quick to swap battery... that would be $.

The semi is rad. I would be excited to see a pickup truck. Maybe more stripped down-Sans alot of the traditional Tesla bells and whistles.

 

[bronze_10]

Maybe they will make an attachment for a longer trip with the truck or for when u want to tow. If its a truck you should have plenty of room. Add some kind of additional batteries when u expect to tow. . Just an idea.. When he asks tell elon to contact me about my check..

 

[2kwik4u]

I seem to remember reading awhile back someone towing a trailer with a ModelX only getting around 75-100 miles on a full charge with a 5k trailer in tow. I'll have to go digging to find out. 200mi range is much better than 75 mile range I had in my head.

*edit*

https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-x-range-impact-towing/

That guy used 575Wh/mi towing an AR230 in pancake flat Tampa. I suspect towing around any sort of hilly area will have a more significant impact.

 

[thefortunes]

Pretty sure I will own an electric bike and Motorcycle within the next few years. It is not feasible quite yet, to fully replace our ICE vehicles... but as a second car... Electric will make sense.

Something that makes sense in my brain, is the swappable battery systems being tested... Think like multiple forklifts in a warehouse. IF you had 200 mile range, but only had to stop quick to swap battery... that would be $.

The semi is rad. I would be excited to see a pickup truck. Maybe more stripped down-Sans alot of the traditional Tesla bells and whistles.

I tried out a Zero motorcycle - I liked it but didn't pull the trigger.

Electric can be your primary vehicle - we put in excess of 30k miles a year on our two, and about 2k a year on our SUV (probably should just bite the bullet and sell the Model S and the SUV and get a Model X).

Swappable batteries are really not necessary with the Supercharger network available, as if you are driving more than 300 miles at a time you typically want to stop for a bite/bathroom break anyway.

 

[thefortunes]

I seem to remember reading awhile back someone towing a trailer with a ModelX only getting around 75-100 miles on a full charge with a 5k trailer in tow. I'll have to go digging to find out. 200mi range is much better than 75 mile range I had in my head.

Possible, depending on the profile of the trailer, the battery pack he had in his X, his speed, altitude change, etc.... I would not buy an X with anything but the 100 kWh pack if I were going to tow.

 

[2kwik4u]

Possible, depending on the profile of the trailer, the battery pack he had in his X, his speed, altitude change, etc.... I would not buy an X with anything but the 100 kWh pack if I were going to tow.

Yea, see above. Found the guy towing the AR230 (google was easy this time.). Still gives 175mi of range.

 

[thefortunes]

Wonder what his range was

https://money.cnn.com/2018/05/15/technology/tesla-tows-boeing-dreamliner-video/index.html

 

[adrianp89]

Just curious how often you drive 600-700 miles without stopping? (And yes, I have done it with a gas car, but I have also driven the 1000 miles from Denver to Wisconsin with my Tesla and arrived much more refreshed having stopped every 2-3 hours for a 25-35 minute break). Took me about 16 hours to go the 1000 miles including all stops.

Not often - but it is nice to have that option. I might be the only one - but I would rather grind out a 6-7 hour drive without stopping then make it 8-9 hours by stopping. Our last big trip - we made it from Tampa to Lake Wissota,Wisconsin in 20 hours with a pair of skis. I think we stopped three times. At your rate, that would have cost us another 4 hours.

Hell right now - I am not sure if I could safely make it to Miami in an electric. I would def want to recharge before alligator alley (80 mile stretch of nothing). Or I could I make it round trip without stopping to refuel with my truck.

 

[Peelz]

I tried out a Zero motorcycle - I liked it but didn't pull the trigger.

Electric can be your primary vehicle - we put in excess of 30k miles a year on our two, and about 2k a year on our SUV (probably should just bite the bullet and sell the Model S and the SUV and get a Model X).

Swappable batteries are really not necessary with the Supercharger network available, as if you are driving more than 300 miles at a time you typically want to stop for a bite/bathroom break anyway.

Awesome, you are just solidifying how I feel about it. No need to feel like you have to talk me into it. I spent an afternoon in a tesla office near chicago. Most informative/least annoying dealership experience ever.

I just mean for US, it isn't feasible yet...financially. And our area.... charging isn't that common. (Its getting there though) Also, Neither Cars needs replaced...but when one does, THEN it will be electric.

Swapping batteries is not necessary, I agree. And it has nothing to do with my decision to buy one. But, for me...a guy who doesnt like stopping AT ALL...it would wash away a big electric concern for me, which is delay. Even though its minimal, and doesnt change my decision, it exists

 

[thefortunes]

Awesome, you are just solidifying how I feel about it. No need to feel like you have to talk me into it. I spent an afternoon in a tesla office near chicago. Most informative/least annoying dealership experience ever.

I just mean for US, it isn't feasible yet...financially. And our area.... charging isn't that common. (Its getting there though) Also, Neither Cars needs replaced...but when one does, THEN it will be electric.

Swapping batteries is not necessary, I agree. And it has nothing to do with my decision to buy one. But, for me...a guy who doesnt like stopping AT ALL...it would wash away a big electric concern for me, which is delay. Even though its minimal, and doesnt change my decision, it exists

Cool - you are welcome to PM me with any questions you might have.

I have charged away from home less than 5 times, other than using Superchargers when we travel. It really is a shift in thinking, that you NEVER have to stop for gas/electricity (other than when you travel) because you always wake up to a "full" car.