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Author Topic: Electric Vehicles  (Read 46495 times)

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AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #450 on: August 13, 2018, 05:04:08 pm »
Tesla Model Y — How Should Tesla Proceed?

August 13th, 2018 by Zachary Shahan

As you may have heard, one of my questions for Tesla CEO Elon Musk on the last Tesla conference call concerned Tesla Model Y. Elon had previously tweeted that they’d unveil the Model Y on March 15. Given how the Model 3 reservations turned out (I’ll get to that in a moment), I was curious if Tesla was planning a significant departure from that with the Model Y. Elon’s response was that they didn’t know yet how they’d be handling the reservation process this time. Well, specifically, the following was my question and his response:

Me: “And regarding the Model Y, there’s been a lot of questioning if you’re going to have the same process as with Model 3 with reservations, if you’re going to shorten the reservation timeline or if you’re going to have a different process this time around.

Elon: “We haven’t made a final decision on that.”

OK, before we toss Elon some unsolicited suggestions, let’s just drop a handful of key pros and cons about the reservation system used for the Tesla Model 3.

Pros:

Hundreds of thousands of $1,000 reservations = quite a decent no-interest loan.
Customers feel more committed to a company and product when they’ve put money on the line (even refundable cash money).

This is a bumper sticker for good press — very good press. (At the beginning.)
A reservation list that involves money down helps Tesla to plan production for demand and also tells Tesla where its future customers live (and, thus, where Tesla should build more Superchargers, service centers, etc.).

The long reservation list proves to the world — including other automakers — that, yes, there’s a ton of demand for good electric cars.

Cons:

Separating dudes from their money for a long time can irritate a brother.

If you were #2 in line but ended up being #222,222 to get the car because you’re not as rich as the others (or simply don’t want to fork over $9,000 for battery capacity you don’t need), you might be p i s s e d. (On the other hand, the wait means that you’re more likely to get a high-quality build and you have more time to save up the cash for the car.)

The reservation list sort of doesn’t really matter — unless Tesla changes its production approach with the Model Y, which seems unlikely. (Yeah, you get in the front of the line for whatever variation of the vehicle you want, but unless you’re reserving a very specific version of the vehicle, production will probably be rolling so fast by the time Tesla gets to your variant that it doesn’t really matter.)

You have to manage not only all of the reservations but also all of the cancellations that come along due to impatience, bitterness, or just simply life. You also have to deal with the bad press that comes from such people complaining on social media or to major media outlets.

When it comes down to it, if the base price of the model isn’t actually available for 1½ years after higher-priced versions of the car, yikes, you’ve got a bit of a PR and customer happiness problem on your hands!

So, what to do❓

I didn’t have big pre-conceived notion of how Tesla should handle Model Y reservations and production, but I figured Elon Musk and team must have thought a lot about this, so I was curious to hear what improvements they were planning. But who needs them, #amiright? Without any word from the dude or his crew on probable changes, some members of the Tesla Motors Club forum just jumped in and threw some wonderful ideas in the hat. Perhaps Tesla should just adopt these fanboy/fangirl suggestions.

One forum member, “GaryW,” provided a handful of good ideas, questions, and commentary (as well as some compliments that I’ll leave in the quote for maximum CleanTechnica promotion):

Zach, thanks for all your work on Clean Technica and all your other sites.

He was clear in the Tom Randall interview that Model Y is top of mind after Model 3.

I would appreciate any thoughts about the model Y ‘dilemma’.

Mid-sized SUV’s are among the hottest vehicles in the US, while mid-sized sedans are among the weakest.

I really think the Tesla team was surprised by the number of Model 3 reservations. The demand may have caused them to push Model 3 production harder than they would have otherwise. This push was not all positive.

What if they recreated this with the Model Y? Since the size of the market is so much bigger, is it possible they get 1,000,000–2,000,000 reservations? Or even more? I’m thinking they don’t want another trip to Hell, either with money or manufacturing.

So maybe they are mulling over their options, and don’t have a plan yet? Here are a few changes I could see them contemplating:

1) Announce the car after they are farther along? If the care is closer to production, this could reduce a number of risks.

2) Announce a higher end Model Y first? They could always bring out a lower end model whenever it makes sense. They get a lot of unwanted press about the lack of the $35K availability for the Model 3.

3) Ask for a higher deposit? This could reduce the craziness of many people getting in line to get in line.

Great points, eh?

Point #1 is something I actually assumed would be the case, until Elon tweeted about showing the car in March, which seems like a similar timeframe in the development process as with the Model 3. But maybe Elon could walk that back and delay the Model Y showing. (Or maybe March 15 is indeed the perfect date for that.)

As far as #2, I totally agree — don’t even mention the expected eventual base price until you’re close to producing it. It’s not worth the headaches and it can actually be deceiving to some customers who don’t follow Tesla obsessively.

I think I prefer #3 — asking for reservations of $5,000, for example — over $1,000 reservations or not asking for reservations at all. It helps to get a sense of how many people will really buy the vehicle and where they live, and if people are able and willing to put down $5,000 for an indefinite period of time, they better understand the risks and they will almost certainly be ready to buy the car when it becomes available.

“Words of HABIT” took some of those questions and suggestions a step further, contributing the following (note that “MY” = “Model Y” and “M3” = “Model 3,” not “BMW M3,” which is obviously old and boring news):

My thoughts on MY:

֍ No refundable reservations in favour of non-refundable deposits, and only accept for premium orders to start (refer to next point).

֍ Acknowledge upfront LR and Dual Motor and Premium Package and Performance to be produced first. (it will happen anyway.)

֍ Once the worldwide demand has been sustained for premium MY orders — say, 3 years after start of production — only then offer the base version SR MY to keep ramping production higher.

֍ Tesla should not even comment on SR MY base price as this traps them into a potentially far lower price that what the market is willing to pay, which is what is now happening with the M3 SR base model.

While I never though M3 would bite into MS or MX sales (we now know the opposite to be true, M3 increasing MS & MX sales due to cross selling), I do believe MY will bite into M3 sales. I for one would have preferred small SUV over a Sedan type and would have changed my order in a heartbeat had MY been available now. If Tesla follows the above points, they can ensure continued increase in M3 sales for the foreseeable future and keep MY as a premium product, which is really no different than MS is to the MX now. IMHO anyone hoping for a $35k base price for SR MY will be sadly mistaken. Law of supply and demand, and demand will outstrip supply for the foreseeable future.

I love these ideas, especially the suggestion to take reservations/deposits for certain trims in order of planned production. I also think Tesla should limit such reservations/deposits to whichever continent(s) the car will first be available on. (In other words, if the Model Y won’t be shipped to Antarctica until 2025, don’t let people or intellectually gifted penguins living there reserve the car until closer to that time.)

It has been a painfully long wait for people in Europe (I was living there) who are sitting with their Model 3 reservations unfulfilled while cars roll into tens of thousands of American and Canadian homes, and I imagine it’s even worse in places like Australia and Antarctica. Overall, I just figure the upfront cash isn’t worth the hard feelings that inevitably develop. (Also, I’m a little sick of reading gripes from Europeans and Australians waiting on their cars — no offense, eager customers. :p)

Any other thoughts on how Tesla should proceed with Model Y reservations, demonstrations, and communications?

Check out more Tesla Model Y stories to dive further into Tesla’s next big thing.

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/08/13/tesla-model-y-how-should-tesla-proceed/

Agelbert COMMENT: I have some food for thought in regard to the Model Y.

The SUV is a marketing invention of the automotive industry to get around the environmental requirements imposed, believe or not (one of the few things Reagan did right), by the U.S.  Government around 1988 to clean up exhaust and improve mileage. Passenger cars were regulated and trucks, heavy or light, were not. SO, the bright bulbs at Ford and othe car makers put their clever, scheming heads together 😈 and came up with "sport" utility vehicle in the (of course 😉) "light truck" category.

Ford Bronco (first SUV) gasoline  🦕 guzzler 🐷 with trailer

The result was that Americans used MORE gasoline to move a heavier vehicle and pollute the air even MORE than before.  🤬

There is absolutely nothing "sporty" about a truck with some branding, but most people bought into it because they actually believed they would be safer in an SUV, never mind the fact that the people in the car that the SUV hits, or is hit by, will be more severely injured, if not killed outright. 👎

Tesla, stop with the SEXY branding baloney already. We-the-people want a Model Y that is an E-van 🌟, not an E-suv 🐷.

You can use E-van chassis to make the E-pickup truck too.

Elon, put a passenger E-van 🌟 out there. Make windowless models for businesses as well. Think about what SUVs were invented for. It was a bad idea from the point of the environment and continues to be a bad idea.

For that matter, an E-van with an E-trailer (no motor but addtional batteries in the trailer) attachment option  would take care of ALL pickup truck requirements. A plus of having a trailer with batteries is that you only use it when you need it, saving a lot of energy and, if the  need arose for the E-van to make a long range trip, use the empty attached trailer as a range extender.
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #451 on: August 14, 2018, 09:06:46 pm »
Hyundai Kona ⚡ Electric review part 2

46,268 views


Bjørn Nyland

Published on Jul 24, 2018

01:00 Charging ⚡ with Tesla UMC (Schuko and 32 A)
03:56 Tires on test car
04:27 Two large suitcases in trunk
06:51 Fob to open all windows
07:45 Ground clearance
08:44 Adjust charging power
11:05 Banana 🍌🍌box test 😀
14:00 Charging ⚡ on 175 kW fast charger
20:08 Charging ⚡ on 50 kW fast charger
21:10 Steering wheel, sun visors, front seats
23:57 Back seats, interior materials
27:39 Front passenger space and legroom
30:57 Charging ⚡ at another 50 kW fast charger to 75 %
31:20 Short summary of Kona
36:05 Entering address in navigation
38:11 Android Auto
39:42 Active cooling of battery
40:40 48 kW charging ⚡ speed at 65 % SoC
41:40 35 kW charging ⚡ speed at 74 % SoC
42:28 93 kW regen at high speed
43:48 End
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #452 on: August 15, 2018, 11:55:23 am »
August 15th, 2018 by Kyle Field

Tropos Motors Extends Range Of Its Low Speed Electric ⚡ Vehicles With New Lithium-Ion Packs




 https://cleantechnica.com/2018/08/15/tropos-motors-extends-range-of-its-low-speed-electric-vehicles-with-new-lithium-ion-packs/
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #453 on: August 18, 2018, 09:35:03 pm »


Shipbuilding Contract Signed for Unmanned, Zero-Emission Container Ship ‘Yara Birkeland

August 15, 2018 by Mike Schuler


Unmanned operation of the ‘YARA Birkeland’ is planned to start in 2022.

The world’s first autonomous and electric container ship is one step closer to reality with a shipbuilding contract now in signed and sealed for the vessel.

Norwegian technology firm Kongsberg, who is partnering with Yara on the project, announced today that Yara has signed a deal worth NOK 250 million ($25.9 million) with VARD to build the vessel with launch scheduled for early 2020.

The vessel will initially start out with manned operation but quickly move to fully autonomous operation by 2022.

In May 2017, YARA and Kongsberg announced a partnership to build the world’s first autonomous, ⚡ electric containership.

The vessel, named Yara Birkeland, will replace 40,000 truckloads per year, reducing NOx and CO2 emissions in the process. With the shipyard, selected, construction is now set to begin.
 
A vessel like Yara Birkeland has never been built before, and we rely on teaming up with partners with an entrepreneurial mindset and cutting edge expertise. VARD combines experience in customized ship building with leading innovation, and will deliver a game-changing vessel which will help us lower our emissions, and contribute to feeding the world while protecting the planet, says Svein Tore Holsether, President and CEO of YARA.



VARD is a leading global shipbuilder of specialized vessels.

Yara Birkeland is scheduled to be delivered from Vard Brevik in Norway in Q1 2020. The hull will be delivered from Vard Braila in Romania.

Roy Reite, CEO and Executive Director of VARD, commented: “We are honored to be chosen as Yara’s partner in this innovative and exciting project. With a longstanding experience in building state-of-the-art and tailor-made specialized vessels, we are excited to be given the opportunity to build the world’s first autonomous and electric-driven container vessel. It is a pleasure to welcome Yara and Kongsberg to VARD, and we look forward to working closely with all parties involved.”

The project has received NOK 133.6 million in support from the Norwegian government enterprise ENOVA. Prime Minister Erna Solberg was present for the signing at the shipyard in Brevik, Norway.

“This is a good example of how Norwegian industry can collaborate to create new solutions and green jobs. YARA, KONGSBERG and VARD have built on their knowledge about technology, logistics and ship building with an ambition to create sustainable innovation together. The result is exciting pioneer projects like this one. I am proud that the Government has supported the development of Yara Birkeland through ENOVA and send my best wishes for the construction,” says Prime Minister Solberg.

Kongsberg is a key partner in the project, responsible for providing the technology including the sensors and integration that will enable remote and autonomous operation.

Yara Birkeland represents an important next step for the entire maritime industry, representing a major technological and sustainable advancement. The Norwegian maritime cluster has taken a leading position within technology, design, legislation, testing and all other aspects of the development,” says Geir Håøy, CEO of KONGSBERG.

The project was initiated in an effort to improve the logistics at Yara’s Porsgrunn fertilizer plant. Each day, more than 100 diesel truck journeys are needed to transport products from Yara’s Porsgrunn plant to ports in Brevik and Larvik where the company ships products to customers around the world.

With this new autonomous battery-driven ⚡ containership, YARA moves transport from road to sea, thereby reducing noise and dust, improving the safety of local roads, and reducing NOx and CO2 emissions.

http://gcaptain.com/shipbuilding-contract-signed-for-unmanned-zero-emission-container-ship-yara-birkeland/
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #454 on: August 19, 2018, 07:21:09 pm »
Microlino ⚡ modern Isetta already has 7,200 orders

By  Viknesh Vijayenthiran

6 Aug 17, 2018

Two brothers from Switzerland in 2016 presented an electric city car whose design was inspired by the iconic Isetta—right down to the front-mounted door.

Called the Microlino, the car is the result of Oliver and Merlin Ouboter's desire to free up space in cities and promote environmentally friendly mobility in a way that's “fun and cool.”

It seems a lot of people share this vision as the company behind the Microlino, Micro Mobility Systems, a specialist in kickboards and micro scooters, has already racked up 7,200 orders for its electric car, Reuters reported on Thursday.

The Ouboter brothers are currently testing prototypes for the two-seat Microlino and plan to start production this year. Handling the production will be Italian firm Tazzari which has a 50 percent stake in the project.


Right now the Microlino has only been confirmed for Europe, where it is priced from $13,600. 👀 🧐 Many subcompact cars can be had for similar money and the rival Smart ForTwo only costs slightly more. The Microlino will also have to stay on city streets as its 20-horsepower electric motor, borrowed from a forklift  :D, will only see it reach a top speed of 55 mph.

Two battery sizes are offered, both lithium-ion units. The standard battery is an 8.0-kilowatt-hour unit good for 74 miles of range.  An available 14.4-kwh battery offers 133 miles. Charging takes about four hours. The figures may change once production starts, however.

What's impressive about the Microlino is that it is only about 8.0 feet in length. It means you could fit three of them parked nose to curb in the space normally taken up by one car. The Microlino also has a handy 10.6 cubic feet of space in the trunk. 👍👍👍

Just 100 examples are scheduled for production this year but the goal is to quickly ramp this up to 5,000 annually. Tazzari has the capacity to build up to 10,000 annually if demand is sufficient.

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1118287_microlino-modern-isetta-already-has-7200-orders#image=100666371
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #455 on: August 20, 2018, 04:47:53 pm »
Musk Talks Tesla & Automaker’s $25,000 Future Car With MKBHD

AUG 18 2018

BY STEVEN LOVEDAY

Project Loveday winner and king of tech reviews talks Tesla and tech with Elon.



Who better to partake in a new, exclusive interview with Tesla CEO Elon Musk than tech-reviewer extraordinaire, Tesla owner, and Project Loveday winner Marques Brownlee . Many of you may also know him as MKBHD. We had a chance to meet Marques at the Model 3 handover event last year and we’re here to say he’s kind, eloquent, and crazy smart. If you watch his tech reviews, this probably comes as no surprise.

Fast forward to recent days and Brownlee took a trip to the Fremont factory to sit down with the busy CEO. Despite Musk’s crazy schedule and the mounting situation in the media, he was able to give MKBHD a good chunk of his time to talk about tech and the future, among other things. Brownlee also notes that he was also able to tour the Fremont facility with Musk. He’ll be releasing a video of that in the near future. As soon as that happens, we’ll share it with our readers.

Without further ado, enjoy the interview. But be warned, there’s a shocker within. Musk hints at a future $25,000 Tesla. Zing! 🧐
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #456 on: September 15, 2018, 11:45:05 am »
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100% Electric Autonomous Shuttle Project For Quebec

September 15th, 2018 by Jake Richardson

A 100% electric autonomous shuttle will be used on roads in Candiac, Quebec, in a long-term demonstration project. It is a collaboration between the shuttle’s manufacturer, NAVYA, Keolis Canada, the Quebec government, and Propulsion Quebec. From fall to winter, the shuttle will provide free service between the park-and-ride lot and André-J.Côté Park.


There will be a person onboard to answer rider questions and to take over the shuttle if necessary. When winter conditions become rougher, there will be a phase with no riders to continue testing operations.

Autonomous cars are in the works and some Teslas have autopilot assistance, though it seems to be debatable at this point how trustworthy it is, depending upon who you ask. Uber has been experimenting with self-driving cars as well.

A shuttle carrying multiple riders seems to be something different, though. Is the point to eliminate drivers of these types of vehicles permanently? What if a passenger was having a medical emergency like a stroke or heart attack? How would the shuttle be stopped to allow medical personnel to board and help the person?

There’s a self-driving truck startup, but hauling cargo without human drivers seems more feasible, because at least there would not be any human passengers to be harmed by glitches or gaps in the technology’s coverage. However, huge, driverless trucks could still cause accidents if something went wrong.

Naturally, driverless shuttles would transport humans, which means there could be a variety of contingencies, like the medical ones mentioned previously. What do you think about the potential advantages of having self-driving shuttles?

Image Credit: P199,Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/09/15/100-electric-autonomous-shuttle-project-for-quebec/

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #457 on: September 18, 2018, 05:44:00 pm »
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Chrysler Schedules Portal Electric Minivan For Production

September 18th, 2018 by Steve Hanley

The Portal, an all new fully electric minivan, scheduled for production beginning in 2020


Article with above video:

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/09/18/chrysler-schedules-portal-electric-minivan-for-production/
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #458 on: September 19, 2018, 04:33:49 pm »
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Electric For All Campaign From Volkswagen — 10 Million EVs Based On MEB Platform

September 19th, 2018 by Steve Hanley

Volkswagen officially launched its “Electric For All” campaign this week with the official introduction of its MEB platform. The platform system is the heart and soul of modern automobile manufacturing. The platform is where the powertrain, suspension, brakes, and other vital components all come together.

Volkswagen MEB platform

Regardless of what bodywork the manufacture chooses to wrap around it — sedan, hatchback, SUV, or minivan — the platform is the same for all of them, which leads to substantially lower manufacturing costs. On electric cars, the platform is often referred to as a skateboard. It consists of a battery mounted low in the chassis between the wheels. Companies can make it longer or shorter as market demands require, but the basic architecture remains the same.

At a press presentation in Dresden this week, VW gave members of the press an opportunity to see the MEB skateboard without the bodywork that will surround it in a completed automobile. The company says it expects this platform to be the basis for 27 electric models from all its divisions by 2025. In total, it says 10 million vehicles will use the MEB architecture in the years to come. Production of the first ID branded electric cars will begin at the factory in Zwickau about a year from now.

The MEB is an important development for Volkswagen, as it seeks to make electric cars for millions of mainstream drivers. VW board member Thomas Ulbrich told the press, “We will make electric vehicles popular and get as many people as possible excited about electric cars. The MEB is one of the most important projects in the history of Volkswagen — a technological milestone, similar to the transition from the Beetle to the Golf.”

“We are making optimal use of the possibilities the electric car has to offer and creating massive economies of scale at the same time. Some 10 million vehicles across the Group will be based on this platform in the first wave alone. The MEB is the economic and technological backbone of the electric car for all,” Ulbrich added.

Building electric cars is one thing. Providing a way to recharge their batteries quite another thing entirely. The MEB platform incorporates fast charging technology developed by Volkswagen that will allow for an 80% charge in just 30 minutes. “The use of a new generation of high-performance batteries begins with the ID models. Thanks to their modular design and the multi-cell format, these batteries can be installed in smaller or larger ID. models,” said Christian Senger, head of e-mobility for Volkswagen. “The ID will be a milestone in technological development. It will be the first fully connected electric car with full everyday utility that millions of people will be able to afford.”

Just when all 10 million electric Volkswagens will be built is left unspecified. The company does say it expects 100,000 ID branded cars to be on the road by the end of 2020, with another 50,000 plug-in hybrid electrics made by Volkswagen joining them. The company says its 10 million vehicle goal is just the “first wave” of its electric vehicle plans without providing specifics about its plans for a potential second wave. But we all have to walk before we run. Volkswagen at least is focusing on doing what it does best — selling lots of cars to lots of people. The more of those cars that are electric, the better for all concerned.

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/09/19/electric-for-all-campaign-from-volkswagen-10-million-evs-based-on-meb-platform/
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #459 on: September 24, 2018, 02:24:48 pm »


September 24, 2018

German luxury carmaker Porsche quits diesel, aims to boost e-mobility

Luxury carmaker Porsche will no longer produce cars with diesel engines and will instead focus on expanding its product range with electric or hybrid vehicles, the German company has said in a press release. Porsche said it did not want to “demonise” diesel engines ;)  :D and that it would continue to care for the diesel cars it had already sold, but that it had “come to the conclusion that we would like our future to be diesel-free.” 

Porsche said it has not had a diesel in its portfolio since February of 2018.

The company added that it will introduce its first fully electric car in 2019, and that by 2025 half of its products could be e-cars.
👍

https://newsroom.porsche.com/en/company/porsche-electromobility-hybrid-technology-six-billion-investment-diesel-exit-16134.html

Agelbert NOTE: Better late than never, I suppose.

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #460 on: September 25, 2018, 05:56:58 pm »
Rich Rebuilds flooded Tesla Model S, via YouTube



Very informative article that accompanied the above video:

What happens to electric cars that have been flooded?

 Eric C. Evarts

5 Comments Sep 25, 2018

https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1118889_what-happens-to-electric-cars-that-have-been-flooded

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #461 on: October 01, 2018, 06:19:43 pm »
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Mercedes-Benz Starts Trials Of Fully Electric ⚡ Heavy Duty Trucks

October 1st, 2018 by Kyle Field

Mercedes-Benz Trucks has launched a 2-year customer trial that will see its new eActros trucks put into the daily rotation with key customers.


The first batch of the fully electric Mercedes-Benz eActros trucks will go to a long-time Mercedes-Benz partner, logistics provider Hermes, as the first of 20 customers that will put the trucks into use in a variety of applications and industries over 2 years.

“The practical trials with the eActros are an important milestone on the way to series production,” noted Stefan Buchner, Head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks. “We want to use the comprehensive findings to realise electric trucks for inner-city distribution from 2021.”

The trial is increasingly timely as many cities, states and countries establish zero-emission targets. Cities across Europe, like Stuttgart in Germany, have already implemented selective bans on older diesel vehicles that restrict entry into the heart of the city. Switching to fully electric vehicles like the eActros would allow logistics providers to continue to operate without being impacted by the new restrictions.


The trial will cycle 18- and 25-ton versions of Mercedes-Benz’s eActros into normal operations for a full year to assess the potential and drawbacks of the vehicles in the real world. The trials will last 1 year each, with 10 customers in the first year and 10 customers participating in the second year of trials, to maximize the exposure the vehicles get to different industries and the customers get to the vehicles.

The new eActros electric truck comes with a 200-kilometer range per charge, which should allow it to meet many daily driving activities for the customers in the trial. Local deliveries are an easy win as are regional point-to-point deliveries where charging can be arranged at or near the end of the route. Most providers will look to utilize the trucks on routes where charging can take place overnight at the depot, with more routes tested as they get familiar with its capabilities, especially with different load profiles.


Hermes, for example, is looking to test one of the 25-ton eActros trucks along one of its usual 50-kilometer routes from a critical logistics center in Friedewald. It’s a hilly route that they run 6 or 8 times per day, which will really put the range and charging capabilities of the eActros to the test. Load hauling capabilities are also of particular interest as trucking companies explore the impact of different types of loads on different terrain.

Hermes’ head of central procurement in Germany, Oliver Lanka, shared that, “Electromobility is an essential component of our sustainability strategy. We have set ourselves the ambitious goal of making our deliveries in all urban centres in Germany emission-free by 2025. Alongside the use of battery-electric vans over the last mile, the gradual electrification of heavy-duty distribution and feeder transport is an important topic for us. We are working together closely with Mercedes-Benz Trucks in this area. Both the technological concept of the eActros and the end-to-end service approach plus the level of advice have impressed us.”

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/10/01/mercedes-benz-starts-trials-of-fully-electric-heavy-duty-trucks/
He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #462 on: October 06, 2018, 03:45:46 pm »
Oil's march toward $100 is just what electric ⚡ cars need

October 6, 2018

By Jeremy Hodges, Oliver Sachgau and Ania Nussbaum

SNIPPET:

Fuel prices reached a four-year high last month, concentrating consumers’ minds on the relative costs of internal combustion versus electric motors. For companies preparing to bring a record number of electric and hybrid models to market in 2019, oil’s rally could turbocharge demand.

“The higher the price of oil the more tailwind we’re going to have behind electric ⚡ cars,”   Carlos Ghosn, chairman of Renault SA and Nissan Motor Co., said at the Paris Motor Show on Wednesday.

Article with video:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/oils-march-toward-dollar100-is-just-what-electric-cars-need/ar-BBNTKlZ


He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #463 on: October 14, 2018, 02:22:05 pm »
CleanTechnica
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Tesla: Let’s All Calm Down

October 14th, 2018 by Frugal Moogal

SNIPPET:

I own eight shares of Tesla stock.  When I started writing this article a month ago, I had four shares.  I have since doubled my position to a whopping eight. I feel like Tesla is in a position similar to where Amazon was about 15 years ago. There were real questions then if Amazon would ever make money to justify its valuation. Amazon could have gone bankrupt and an investor back then would have lost it all. Instead, a $1,000 investment in Amazon would be worth $40,000 today.

I bought my eight shares assuming there is a chance they will continue to skyrocket in the future, and if so, a potential $80,000 value in the future would be worth what was about a $2,000 risk today.

When I started writing this, I had a Model 3 on order.  I now have that Model 3. Simply put, as someone who used to do a lot of accounting, I have grown to hate the volatility of gas prices and auto repairs on monthly budgeting. At the same time, my previous car was quite clearly in need of replacement.

At this point, the Model 3 is the only electric car that has the ability to solve my gas price volatility problems while being able to serve as our primary long range car. If another manufacturer had a nationwide charging network, I’d be all ears.  None do.

I’d like the company to continue, but I don’t think I’ll be materially affected in either way if it doesn’t. If I lose the price I paid for the stock, I’ll be okay. If suddenly the company went bankrupt, enough Model 3s have been sold and enough demand exists that I believe they will be maintained. I might not get software updates, but that’s fine.

Now, having said that, we are in that period between Q3 and the Q3 call where we tend to have a flood of articles written about Tesla. Here are some handy things to remember:

Full article:

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/10/14/tesla-lets-all-calm-down/#comment-4144611778

Agelbert Comments:

I think it is time for intelligent people to start discussing the high probability that Tesla willl soon buy Ford. Yes, that may seem ridiculous to some. However, it is far more rational when you look at automotive manufacturer history in the USA (Hudson, DeSoto,  etc.).

Also, model names within large manufacturers (e.g. Ford's Edsel, GM's LaSalle) have gone the way of the Dodo Bird, so what people call "Ford" or "GM" today is NOT what they have always been.

It is quite feasable and rational to picture Tesla absorbing Ford, who's stock continues to plummet with massive layoffs now proposed. Tesla could then set up a hybrid option on ALL Ford models (running exclusively on E100 hydrous ethanol ONLY, NOT GASOLINE), which would seal the fate of Big Oil good and proper. 😀

Within a decade, all those models would be pure electric, while forcing a law change in the USA. What do I mean by that? 🤔

You see, even though flex-fuel cars in Brazil have run on E100 (NO GASOLINE CONTENT 🌞 WHATSOEVER) quite well for DECADES now, Big Oil continues to publish baloney propaganda about ethanol "engine damage, water absorption issues" and other assorted (convenient to Big Oil profits 😈) scaremongering. They are all half truths at most.. The most corrosive, engine harming liquid fuel out there is GASOLINE (that polluting witches brew of long and short chained hydrocarbons mixed with a bunch of stabilizer chemicals Big Oil doesn't doesn't want to talk about).   

Pure ethanol has ALWAYS been a far better fuel for ICE vehicles than gasoline. Big Oil knows that, so they have been pro-active in doing all they can to make sure we don't AND keeping E100 out of reach of Americans. How so⁉️

Decades ago,  Big Oil 🦖 made SURE that E100 (hydrous AND anhydrous) cannot be manufactured as fuel in the USA by getting our corrupted government to pass a law to that effect (the "fuel grade" BULLSHIT).

That's right, folks. We need GASOLINE for Internal combustion engines like a dog needs ticks. However, Big Oil goes bankrupt if they cannot sell gasoline.

Tesla will soon be in the position to absorb Ford. They will get millions of Ford fans when they buy Ford for a song. The added brand will help accelerate Tesla product sales all around. ✨ 👍 😎

It's a better strategy than waiting for Ford to go bankrupt and have Trump 🦀 force we-the-people to keep them alive for a while longer.👎 😠

Think about that, Tesla fans. Successful car manufacturers have always absorbed unsuccessful car manufactures in the past. Tesla's future is to absorb those who make polluting cars.

As to why ethanol is the REAL bridge fuel to the future AND the ONLY Renewable Energy based fuel for hybrids, learn the truth at the following well documented recent post by yours truly: 🧐👨‍🔬

Is ethanol a sensible, efficient power source for any vehicle?



A “Rebot” B 🦕 > agelbert
How would Tesla buy Ford with no money?


agelbert > A “Rebot” B 🦕
How did Chrysler survive when it was bankrupt?

As long as Tesla is making a superior product, they will increase their Good Will (i.e. the term used in financial accounting statements)  among bankers, who consequently would be willing to loan Tesla the money to buy Ford.

If you are trying to make a case that Tesla's Debt to Equity ratio will prevent banks from providing a massive loan to buy Ford, then I think you need to study Citigroup, General Electric, Chrysler, AIG, etc. ALL of them were nearly or totally insolvent. Yet ,they are still there, aren't they?

Why then, do you see Tesla, a company that actually DOES know how to increase company worth with a great product (by investing revenue back into plant and equipment instead of stock buybacks and huge CEO salaries and golden parachutes), unlike the financial funny farms like Citigroup and AIG (never mind GE and GM wanting to make money from loans instead of quality products!)?

If there is one corporation out there that actually KNOWS what Socially Responsible Successful Corporate Behavior (a contradiction in terms for "fiduciary responsibility requirement" BULLSHIT Wall Street Fascist/Capitalists) IS, it is Tesla.

Any large bank that understands how doomed polluting vehicles are knows that EVs are the future and Tesla is the leading edge of that future. Loaning Tesla money to buy Ford is an EXCELLENT investment opportunity for any Bank.


GO TESLA!


 

Richard
This is exactly why seeking alpha is such a bogus site . It is so easily manipulated by dark forces.

This site is completely discredited by the crap it has spewed on Tesla over the years. What other crap has it been spewing?

Seeking Alpha is a total waste of internet space. I think most people have come to that conclusion.


Chris O > Richard
To be fair a even publication like the New York Times has been an anti Tesla FUD leader ever since John Broder's infamous 2012 review of the Model S.

Not sure what it is about Tesla that rubs NYT the wrong way or maybe it's just the popularity of anti-Tesla hit pieces that sets the tone but when it comes to Tesla you will find that NYT and SA suddenly have remarkably similar journalistic standards. In fact NYT actually quotes SA anti-Tesla FUD specialists.


Agelbert > Chris O
I'm sure what it is about Tesla that rubs NYT "wrong". Big Oil goes bankrupt if EVs become mainstream in the USA (and the world). The NYT has always defended Big Oil interests, otherwise known in our corrupted country as "national security", including wars for oil everywhere.

Big Oil cannnot make a profit from refining crude oil unless they sell the lion's share of the refined product (gasoline, diesel and gas). If Big Oil had to rely exclusively on making money from selling lubricants and feed stock for plastics, fertilizers, etc., they would go bankrupt because those products are less that 15% of what comes out of the cracking towers in a refinery.

Big Oil is out to get Tesla because Tesla is a MASSIVE THREAT to Big Oil's profit over people and planet business model.

THAT is why the NYT in particular AND WALL STREET (in general) continue to publish hit pieces (See Zero Hedge fecal coliform bolus 😉 throwing monkeys 🐒👹) packed with scaremongering and outright lies bad mouthing Tesla.

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

AGelbert

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Re: Electric Vehicles
« Reply #464 on: October 15, 2018, 02:02:37 pm »
INSIDEEVs

October 15, 2018

MONTHLY PLUG-IN ⚡ SALES SCORECARD  :o 👀

September 2018 EV SALES will be reported on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, beginning with GM’s quarterly report, Toyota Prius Prime, and Nissan LEAF sales at 6:30-7:30 AM PT (9:30-10:30 AM ET) and continuing with Ford and other automakers into the remainder of the week.


If you’d like to access any of our previous monthly report cards, click here for the full archive.

Every month InsideEVs tracks all the plug-in EV sales/deliveries for the United States by automaker and brand. Below, readers can find all the historical EV sales charts for the “current generation” of electric vehicles. Keep in mind that the words sales and deliveries are synonymous. In order for a car to count as SOLD, it has to be paid in full or leased and be in the possession of the consumer.

Also, here’s a deep dive into our estimates and methodology.

The current year/month chart and graph are included below, followed by historical charts by year, from 2017 back to 2010.


Agelbert NOTE: The Tesla Model 3 sold 22,250, JUST IN SEPTEMBER!  :



https://insideevs.com/monthly-plug-in-sales-scorecard/

He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Matt 10:37

 

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