Tesla Model 3

[baker5150]

The big issues we see with EV's is the range people get versus the range they think they're supposed to get. The cold weather puts a dent in range, as does the hot weather assuming you're using A/C. Basically anything you use that uses electric will decrease your range. There are things like pre-conditioning you can do in the winter time that will help, but you'll still take a hit.

We only have one, very un-popular fully electric vehicle. We have a few plug in hybrids though that have been very popular. I like the idea of the plug in hybrid a lot more than full EV. You're not limited by the range and you don't have to sit at a rest stop for 45 minutes while your vehicle charges with a plug in hybrid.  I have a customer who had 7k miles on his car the last time I saw it a few months ago. He is still running off of the same original tank of gas. He plugs in at home and plugs in at work. I think he's about 10 mile commute. He literally never uses gas, yet if he wants to drive it to Spokane or wherever, he doesn't have to worry about EV range.

Western Wa. is known for being a bad location for EV's. 
Wiper usage and extended low light hour driving times coupled with traffic conditions cause really low ranges for battery life. 

I worked with a guy who had a smart car type thing he drove to work, all electric 2 seater truck looking thing, he kept a honda generator in the bed for when he got stuck in traffic or needed a charge.

[huntnphool]

 How do they dispose of these batteries?

[baker5150]

What is the battery life span on these? I've heard one knock on electrics is that the batteries have to be replaced every 3-5yrs at a cost of several thousand dollars. Anybody dealt with this or have any first hand experience?

We've been working with hybrid vehicles for 10+ years and have never replaced one.
That's not entirely accurate. We did replace one in an electric focus but that car was a month and a half old. All hybrid battery/EV components have a 10 year/100k mile warranty through Ford. It's not a Tesla, but I assume the warranty is similar or the same.

My SIL just had her battery go out in her Prius.  4K replacement cost for re-man.  Ouch.

[CP]

How do they dispose of these batteries?

Lithium-ion batteries are recyclable - they can be dropped off at most recycling locations. 

[huntnphool]

 I'd really like to see the 5 year cost figure comparison to a similar size/$ vehicle. Gas vs power bill, licensing, maintenance, insurance etc.

 My guess is any potential cost savings is minimal.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

How do they dispose of these batteries?

https://www.teslamotors.com/blog/teslas-closed-loop-battery-recycling-program

[huntnphool]

How do they dispose of these batteries?

https://www.teslamotors.com/blog/teslas-closed-loop-battery-recycling-program

 That's cool.
 
 So the questions then are how much total energy is used and emissions created to produce these batteries and then recycle them, is it less than producing gasoline and the resulting car emissions?

[JimmyHoffa]

How do they dispose of these batteries?

https://www.teslamotors.com/blog/teslas-closed-loop-battery-recycling-program

 That's cool.
 
 So the questions then are how much total energy is used and emissions created to produce these batteries and then recycle them, is it less than producing gasoline and the resulting car emissions?

I'd guess only if from hydroelectric.

[jackelope]

I'd really like to see the 5 year cost figure comparison to a similar size/$ vehicle. Gas vs power bill, licensing, maintenance, insurance etc.

 My guess is any potential cost savings is minimal.

There is a $7500 rebate right off the bat on the purchase of an EV. That puts that new Tesla sub $30k.

[huntnphool]

I'd really like to see the 5 year cost figure comparison to a similar size/$ vehicle. Gas vs power bill, licensing, maintenance, insurance etc.

 My guess is any potential cost savings is minimal.

There is a $7500 rebate right off the bat on the purchase of an EV. That puts that new Tesla sub $30k.

 Do you know what the licensing increase is for vehicle like this, since the owners use the roads but do not pay fuel taxes?

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

How do they dispose of these batteries?

https://www.teslamotors.com/blog/teslas-closed-loop-battery-recycling-program

 That's cool.
 
 So the questions then are how much total energy is used and emissions created to produce these batteries and then recycle them, is it less than producing gasoline and the resulting car emissions?

https://www.teslamotors.com/gigafactory

I have read horror stories about the production of electric motors and batteries in Asia and the environmental side effects because there is no regulation for the disposal of by products.  These guys seem to be taking matters into their own hands by building this facility. Of course its not supposed to be fully operational until 2017 so time will tell if their goals can be attained. 

I cant imagine the capital required to take on this type of venture, which is my biggest concern with the future of the company.  Will they go broke before these cars can hit the market and start generating a return?

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

I'd really like to see the 5 year cost figure comparison to a similar size/$ vehicle. Gas vs power bill, licensing, maintenance, insurance etc.

 My guess is any potential cost savings is minimal.

There is a $7500 rebate right off the bat on the purchase of an EV. That puts that new Tesla sub $30k.

 Do you know what the licensing increase is for vehicle like this, since the owners use the roads but do not pay fuel taxes?

No idea.  Ive only seen one Model S here in Coeur d Alene.  I wonder if the state government has even considered this?  I know here that sales tax and licensing fees do get used to support road construction as well as gas tax.  Since the dealership is in Seattle, maybe someone from that side of the state can chime in if they have any experience?  Id venture to guess there are a few more cars on the road over there.

I guarantee if these things take off and there are a lot more on the road, state and local governments will find a way to recoup the lost revenue

[Special T]

Cost benifit would point to some kind of used gas commuter car. If you were comparing new car to new car it might be different.

[lamrith]

Good luck putting your deposit down and ever getting the chance to buy one.  There were lines around the block at all the dealerships on the day they started taking pre-orders, and as mentioned, 200k+ deposits put out.  THat is more units than most vehicles produced currently I believe?

The way to make one of these EV really way off is if you have Solar power/off the grid setup.  Then you are not paying an electric bill to charge up with.  Obviously other side of the mtns that is much more of an option than wet side.. 

[jackelope]

Cost benifit would point to some kind of used gas commuter car. If you were comparing new car to new car it might be different.

So drive a brand new, modern, comfy, reliable car or a little beater commuter car for the same price?

Good luck putting your deposit down and ever getting the chance to buy one.  There were lines around the block at all the dealerships on the day they started taking pre-orders, and as mentioned, 200k+ deposits put out.  THat is more units than most vehicles produced currently I believe?

The way to make one of these EV really way off is if you have Solar power/off the grid setup.  Then you are not paying an electric bill to charge up with.  Obviously other side of the mtns that is much more of an option than wet side.. 

Orders have now hit 325k. Crazy talk... $14B in sales is what that will amount to.