Tesla Motors

HurricaneHeather · 01-25-2010, 02:14 PM

Ya know those little electric cars. I saw one yesterday. My husband went on a rant for like 15 minutes about how dumb they are. Actually, I am not sure how long it is because I stopped listening approximately 2.5 seconds into it.

So, clearly y'all must have an opinion. What is it?

GO!

Homeslice · 01-25-2010, 02:20 PM

They are heavier and more expensive than a regular Lotus Elise, but according to the mags they sure as hell have a lot of instant torque when the light turns green. If someone really wants it and they don't mind its limited range, more power to them. Most people who own cars like that don't go on long trips anyway. From what I've heard, going the distance in a Lotus Elise isn't any more comfortable than doing it on a sportbike.

pauldun170 · 01-25-2010, 02:34 PM

Novelty toy for those with a lot of spare cash can go pose in.
As a commuter car it fails. 6 figure Lotus Elise sized package + suspension on prublic roads doesn't seem to be a good deal.
As a weekend toy...its ok.

I would rather a Lotus Exige\Elise for less money.

BobTheBiker · 01-25-2010, 03:40 PM

they fail as an environmentally friendly vehicle. those batteries they use WILL wear out, and I think they require special disposal methods, as opposed to conventional batteries, which means more pollution to produce said facilities, more money for NEW batteries, nevermind the polluting that went on to MAKE the batteries to begin with.

pretty much its like a motorcycle, its a novelty toy at best.

CasterTroy · 01-25-2010, 03:45 PM

Top gear did a segment on them....

conclusion, is you have to buy 2 so you can drive one while the other is charging (after a 30 min hard run)

but at 3x the cost of a regular Lotus...well, I'll just take the lotus

http://jalopnik.com/5110385/top-gear...tesla-roadster

101lifts2 · 01-25-2010, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobTheBiker

they fail as an environmentally friendly vehicle. those batteries they use WILL wear out, and I think they require special disposal methods, as opposed to conventional batteries, which means more pollution to produce said facilities, more money for NEW batteries, nevermind the polluting that went on to MAKE the batteries to begin with.

pretty much its like a motorcycle, its a novelty toy at best.

I know we are discussing the TESLA (full electric), but the new Hybrids coming from Japan have the battery and controller pack that weigh under 50lbs with the size of maybe 2 backpacks. The technology has come along way since the GM EV1.

pdog · 01-25-2010, 04:26 PM

I've ridden in one. It's a cool feeling to have so much torque instantly. It's very quiet and you sit very low to the ground like a go-kart. It didn't feel like it accelerated any harder than a sportbike but that's still impressive for a car. Unfortunately I didn't get a feel for its handling although I'm sure it suffers due to the heavy batteries.

smileyman · 01-25-2010, 05:02 PM

I am saving for a Fisker Karma. It's more practicle than the Tesla, 4 doors, 300 mile range, better than normal sedan handling acceleration.

goof2 · 01-25-2010, 07:02 PM

The Tesla Roadster isn't much more than an expensive toy. The car could be great but has some serious issues. Obviously the top of that list is the range/recharge issue. Until those issues are effectively dealt with it is a niche vehicle and the niche is pretty limited.

derf · 01-25-2010, 07:28 PM

Really cool concept, however the battery tech isnt up to what it needs to be

01-25-2010, 02:14 PM	#1
HurricaneHeather AMA Supersport Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Sydney Moto: '98 Honda Fireblade Posts: 3,696	Tesla Motors Ya know those little electric cars. I saw one yesterday. My husband went on a rant for like 15 minutes about how dumb they are. Actually, I am not sure how long it is because I stopped listening approximately 2.5 seconds into it. So, clearly y'all must have an opinion. What is it? GO!

01-25-2010, 03:45 PM	#5
CasterTroy ................ Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: NC Posts: 3,028	Top gear did a segment on them.... conclusion, is you have to buy 2 so you can drive one while the other is charging (after a 30 min hard run) but at 3x the cost of a regular Lotus...well, I'll just take the lotus http://jalopnik.com/5110385/top-gear...tesla-roadster __________________ “Being tolerant does not mean that I share another one’s belief. But it does mean that I acknowledge another one’s right to believe, and obey, his own conscience.” Viktor Frankl

01-25-2010, 05:02 PM	#8
smileyman White Trash Hero Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: NW Arkansas Moto: Buell 1125R Porco Rosso Edition Posts: 4,895	I am saving for a Fisker Karma. It's more practicle than the Tesla, 4 doors, 300 mile range, better than normal sedan handling acceleration. __________________ Arkriders.com To be the best you must first be willing to risk the worst!

01-25-2010, 07:28 PM	#10
derf token jewboy Join Date: Nov 2008 Moto: CBR 900, KLR ugly ass duckling, Gas Man Posts: 10,799	Really cool concept, however the battery tech isnt up to what it needs to be __________________

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01-25-2010, 02:20 PM	#2
Homeslice Elitist Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: SF Bay Area Moto: Gix 750 Posts: 11,351	They are heavier and more expensive than a regular Lotus Elise, but according to the mags they sure as hell have a lot of instant torque when the light turns green. If someone really wants it and they don't mind its limited range, more power to them. Most people who own cars like that don't go on long trips anyway. From what I've heard, going the distance in a Lotus Elise isn't any more comfortable than doing it on a sportbike.

01-25-2010, 03:40 PM	#4
BobTheBiker too much time on my hands Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: the northern district of god damn Moto: 01 ZX6R, looking for more now. Posts: 1,802	they fail as an environmentally friendly vehicle. those batteries they use WILL wear out, and I think they require special disposal methods, as opposed to conventional batteries, which means more pollution to produce said facilities, more money for NEW batteries, nevermind the polluting that went on to MAKE the batteries to begin with. pretty much its like a motorcycle, its a novelty toy at best.

01-25-2010, 04:26 PM	#7
pdog Refugee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Moto: Pimped 2005 SV650 Posts: 332	I've ridden in one. It's a cool feeling to have so much torque instantly. It's very quiet and you sit very low to the ground like a go-kart. It didn't feel like it accelerated any harder than a sportbike but that's still impressive for a car. Unfortunately I didn't get a feel for its handling although I'm sure it suffers due to the heavy batteries.

01-25-2010, 07:02 PM	#9
goof2 AMA Supersport Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 4,756	The Tesla Roadster isn't much more than an expensive toy. The car could be great but has some serious issues. Obviously the top of that list is the range/recharge issue. Until those issues are effectively dealt with it is a niche vehicle and the niche is pretty limited.