Tesla 3 Series Fighter

So there's some speculation floating around that Tesla might consider building a BMW 3 series competitor.

Supposedly the Model S may be getting some sort of super charging station thing with robotic arms, or something, that hot swap batteries in addition to chargers. If it really is 30k, will do 200 miles, and hopefully looks as fantastic as the Model S does I'd consider it.

I'd really like one of those Fisker Karmas with an LSx and no batteries though since their value is spiraling down the drain if we're going to be totally honest.

There's a surprising number of Teslas showing up in my neighborhood lately.

I saw two taking the LA->Vegas trip last time I went to socal. I hope there is a charging station in between that trip, lol

kanaric wrote: I saw two taking the LA->Vegas trip last time I went to socal. I hope there is a charging station in between that trip, lol

There is, that's one of their first supercharging stations.

The0retical wrote: super charging station thing with robotic arms

In.

I see them all the time around here in rich-people commuter-ville...

They do look nice. But I drove 270 miles today in my DD to pick up a project car, so can't have a car that will only go 200 :)

I'd really like one of those Fisker Karmas with an LSx and no batteries though since their value is spiraling down the drain if we're going to be totally honest.

I would pick something that cost less than $50k and weighed less than 5300 lbs to put a cheap motor swap into. And if im going to be totally honest id actually be looking way under $5k and way under 4k lbs.

One of the guys at work just ordered his 4th Tesla. yes, his 4th. The first three is sold the order to somebody else and made a profit. This one he intends to keep.

He spends a lot of time with his other business running up and down the east coast from DC to Boston, and the way he figures it, the savings in gas (he spends around a $1000 a month in gas in his Mini) would equal out to the payment he would spend on the tesla.

irish44j wrote: I see them all the time around here in rich-people commuter-ville... They do look nice. But I drove 270 miles today in my DD to pick up a project car, so can't have a car that will only go 200 :)

You wouldn't use a Telsa for towing anyway, so how is that relevant?

Vigo wrote:

I'd really like one of those Fisker Karmas with an LSx and no batteries though since their value is spiraling down the drain if we're going to be totally honest.

I would pick something that cost less than $50k and weighed less than 5300 lbs to put a cheap motor swap into. And if im going to be totally honest id actually be looking way under $5k and way under 4k lbs.

Didn't realized that they were that heavy. Seems like the battery pack weighs in at 600lbs even removing that would put about 2000 lbs on the wrong side of light.

I had the opportunity to see one in person in a Kroger parking lot and talk with the owner a bit about it. It's an astounding good looking car in person the pictures don't really do it justice, but yea that's pretty darn heavy. Though 430 HP would help to dry my tears.

irish44j wrote: They do look nice. But I drove 270 miles today in my DD to pick up a project car, so can't have a car that will only go 200 :)

"This one time I had to drive really far so I need every car I drive to have space for five jerry cans full of gas..."

My normal commute is 50 miles. A 200 mile range would be fine for my DD. Not so great for trip-use but then we have another car for teh wife anyway...

How much do these supercharging stations charge to fill up?

mr2peak wrote: How much do these supercharging stations charge to fill up?

$0, if you drive a Tesla

z31maniac wrote:

irish44j wrote: I see them all the time around here in rich-people commuter-ville... They do look nice. But I drove 270 miles today in my DD to pick up a project car, so can't have a car that will only go 200 :)

You wouldn't use a Telsa for towing anyway, so how is that relevant?

I don't use the WRX for towing either.....and it takes 200+ mile trips every couple of weeks at least. Long trips aren't much fun in the SUV....

I saw one on the Freeway yesterday. They are good looking!

The two batteries currently on offer for the Model S can manage 200 miles on a charge.

If you're in line for a Model X, you are supposed to be able to tow. On the other hand, if you want to tow long distances, VIA Motors has your plug-in truck.

and the supercharging stations can fill it up in 45 minutes.. so stop, get a burger, use the restroom, and drive off

I've only made one trip this year >270 miles in one of my cars. It was 227 miles one way, so the model with less range would still have made it there. Even if I needed to rent a car, the amount saved on gas so far this year would more than cover it.

I'd be all over a Tesla for a DD if they were cheaper. I'll be very interested in them when the charging network expands more and they start popping up used.

I had the opportunity to see one in person in a Kroger parking lot and talk with the owner a bit about it. It's an astounding good looking car in person the pictures don't really do it justice, but yea that's pretty darn heavy.

Once you see it in person you realize how HUGE it is. Granted, that's not ALL of why it's 5300 lbs but i do think most people dont realize how big one of those cars is.

Saw on at highway speeds and was interesting to see it "hunkered down"

I've been really impressed with how well the Model S' have been selling/leasing around here. For people who can have a dedicated commuter car, and are otherwise commuting in luxury cars and SUV's, I can see how even the Model S could absolutely become financially justifiable. A cheaper (and smaller) model from Tesla would bring that threshold even lower.

While electric cars certainly aren't ideal for every motorist, they actually appear to make complete sense for many. After doing the math on our needs, it appears that we may be able to lease a Nissan Leaf as a nearly free^ brand-spanking-new dedicated commuter car...At which point, unless I'm missing something, it seems almost dumb not to.

.

^ As compared to the vast majority of <10 year old cars after factoring in fuel, depreciation, maintenance, and insurance on both cars.

The Model S is a great looking car....outside. That huge computer screen inside totally turns me off. Wouldn't some simple manual controls make more sense?

If I'm going to spend that much on a car, I want it to be the one that I drive when I take a long trip.

Gearheadotaku wrote: The Model S is a great looking car....outside. That huge computer screen inside totally turns me off. Wouldn't some simple manual controls make more sense?

I think the people buying new cars in that price range do not share your opinion of simple manual controls.

If I end up with a new place a good bit further out from work than I am now, I'll be seriously looking at some form of electric/hybrid to use to commute. The parking garage here has a charging station that I see either a Leaf or Tesla parked at pretty much all the time. I love pretty much all of the Tesla designs, but would probably be more inclined doing an electric conversion on something myself than spending the money for a Tesla unless I win the lottery or something.