Comments for Tesla Planning Manufacturing Plant for Luxury Sedan at http://www.ecogeek.org , comment 1 to 8 out of 8 comments http://www.ecogeek.org Sun, 08 Nov 2009 13:35:01 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.ecogeek.org/automobiles/2138#comment-19086 I forgot to mention that Tesla is also getting in the business (or at least encouraging others to get in the business) of installing charging stations at various locations where people work, shop and visit. In the near future, there will be charging stations at shopping malls, restaurants, hotels/motels, and at workplaces. Remember that gas-powered cars have a limited range, also, but the infrastructure is in place to refuel them with ease so nobody gives much thought to how much range a gas-powered vehicle has. The same will eventually be true for electric cars. This idea that they are going to be inconvenient because they have a limited range will seem ridiculous soon enough. - Grant Sun, 21 Sep 2008 22:38:10 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/automobiles/2138#comment-19050 Since when is an electric can opener an innovation? My grandma had one of those in the early 60's. If you think that's forward thinking , I've got a lava lamp, transisitor radio, solar powered calculator, sleak pink princess phone, mood ring, 8 track, Selectric typewriter, pager, and a VCR, complete with a flashing clock that always flashes 00:00. That said, Tesla knows what they are doing. They have more plans to take this technology to the next level ith a sedan at half the cost of the Roadster and a mass market vehicle at half the cost of that. Samll steps Sparks, small steps. - Picky Mc Picky Fri, 19 Sep 2008 14:44:06 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/automobiles/2138#comment-19006 Who cares if it has 250 mile range. People buying Tesla cars already own at least two other cars and a boat. - jello5929 Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:29:52 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/automobiles/2138#comment-19002 Forgot to put in a title! :o :o - DennisSC Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:53:56 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/automobiles/2138#comment-19001 I'm sure the Ed Begley and George Clooneys and lots of others will go for this. What Steve is missing here is that, for trips of longer than 250 miles, people that wealthy have plenty of other travel options -- though with even first class air travel being such rough nowadays, I could be wrong about that. Heck, probably most of them have multiple cars anyway, so they'll use the Tesla for zipping around town and their luxury cruiser or what have you for longer trips. Still, a hybrid version might have more appeal for all I know, it's all up to the mechanical engineering folks at Tesla. - DennisSC Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:51:37 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/automobiles/2138#comment-18999 @Steve Lee: While some may find those electric "gadgets" wasteful, there are others of us who find them a necessity. I cannot use a manual can opener. My hands aren't strong enough. Similarly, I have an electric jar opener because I can't open jars manually, even with the assistance of manual gadgets (I have a drawer full of those). There are a lot of elderly folks and other who simply don't have strong hands who are in a similar position. Remote-controlled blinds would also be extremely useful for high windows or for those who are handicapped. So what is frivolous for you, may not be for someone else. This self-righteous attitude of some eco-folks is what turns off a lot of other people, who might otherwise be inclined to go green (or at least "green-er") in their daily lives. Telling people to walk or dismissing such things as electric bicycles because they have the audacity to use electricity is of no help to those who can't walk or who need the assistance such technologies and "gadgets" will give them. Be thankful you're young and healthy enough not to need this help, but don't look down your nose at those of us who do. Personally, I applaud anything that brings new, cleaner tech to the marketplace and to the attention of the public. Yes, it's sad that it takes such "flash" to gain the attention of the celebrity-crazed masses, but that's life. Denigrating things because they aren't perfect solutions doesn't help anyone. I'd much rather see incremental, imperfect solutions than nothing at all. - tula Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:40:20 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/automobiles/2138#comment-18993 Can you explain how a 250 mile range is inconvenient? How often do you drive more than 250 miles in one day? The vast majority of Americans (80%) drive less than 40 miles a day. They would only have to plug in the car once a week. That's about 10 seconds worth of effort--a lot better than driving to a gas station, pumping gas, breathing fumes, paying, and then going on your way. I would LOVE to have an electric car with a 250 mile range. I am planning on buying an electric (NOT hybrid) car in about 2-3 years from now. If they work as advertised, I think it will be MORE convenient (and potentially more environmentally friendly) than a gas-powered (or hybrid) car. - Grant Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:20:18 +0100 http://www.ecogeek.org/automobiles/2138#comment-18976 While I commend Tesla for attempting to address the alternative fuel issue, I do wonder about their market research here. As Hank says, these cars are aimed at the wealthy who hate inconvenience. Hate it with a passion so strong, they'll do buy anything to avoid actually having to lift a finger to do something themselves. Automation is their passion. Remote controled blinds, electric can openers, air fresheners with motion sensors... today's markets are bulging with gadgets that eat up electricity for no other reason than people can't be bothered getting off their fat butts to actually do something themselves. I can't see many people wanting a car that has only a 250 mile range. My God, they might have to walk somewhere if it runs out of juice. WALK! Are you crazy? Sorry, but until the batter technology is improved to give much greater ranges, I don't think vehicles like this are going to storm the markets. Steve N. Lee author of eco-blog http://www.lionsledbysheep.com and suspense thriller 'What if...?' - Steve N. Lee Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:55:54 +0100