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I agree, it cant be done with the infrastructure we have today.
The same no doubt was said of the first motor car. 'Where are the roads', 'if everyone has one where is all that petrol going to come from', 'the cost of petrol is prohibitive'.
And yet today in the west we have almost one car per adult.
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For sure, the same was said about computers, or any tech. The point I'm trying to highlight is that people know they have to fill their cars with petrol, it's a conscious act that reminds them it consumes resources and is doing environmental harm (if they care about such things), but the problem with electricity is that people have an existing relationship with it...they flip a switch and get light. There's more of a conception that electricity is "free", it comes from thin air almost. I think it makes people think less about the dangers that are there and it can also possibly cause people to trumpet electric cars more than they possibly should.
Until there is a massive renewable energy revolution, nuclear revolution, or massive improvements in inductive charging then the future of electric cars for all isn't quite here yet.
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Oh yes, the environmental impact is of course hidden. In fact many people actually think electric cars are 'green'.
The usefulness of renewables depends on a few things:
i) Pollution in the street. Well, we got rid of lead. Diesel particulates are still a problem.
ii) Pollution at the power station. If we assume CO2 isnt a pollutant, then for example gas is very clean. Coal not bad (compared to wood chip) and can be scrubbed at the power station. Nuclear? It is of course very clean. Provided the plant doesnt blow up, and the waste can be entombed in concrete for a few million years.
The problem with renewables is they are so unreliable. It isnt even the cost, as horrendous as it is, thats the problem, it is the fact it is never there when you need it.
One day I am sure we will find a solution. Geothermal is the most obvious to me. Always on, available globally, 'infinite' heat source, technically quite simple to get to.
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I can see there are a lot of haters here!!
Me think, whether Tesla itself succeed or not, that electric cars is the future.
If I ever need to buy a car it will be electric.
I'd rather be phishing!
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Someone who finally gets the point!
Previous electric cars were utilitarian, cheap, crappy, like the ones in Paris. Tesla has shown how good an electric car can be, and the result is stunningly good.
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I wish Tesla the best - I really do. However, I live in Canada, and last winter we've had a few weeks straight of -30C days. I work from home, and I sometimes have no need for my car for weeks at a time. My car stays outdoors, exposed to the elements.
Put all of these together, and there's just no way I'm part of the target demographics.
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There you have a point, electric motors produce less heat than normal gas engines, so they will need an electric heater I think, which consumes lots of precious electricity
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They could use batteries to power the electric heater.
(where's the sarcasm emoticon?)
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Around these parts, garages can easily drop below zero during Winter unless they're heated.
Also - have you seen how many people actually have a garage, but still leave their car outdoors because it's filled with so much junk they couldn't park their car in it even if they wanted to?
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Well that is the situation today, and clearly the Tesla isnt ideal for all people, in deed its price already excludes it, however the point is that it represents the future of cars.
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Munchies_Matt wrote: it represents the future of cars.
Only if they can bring down their prices by a significant margin, otherwise "the future of cars" means only very few well-off people will be able to drive them.
Not being a naysayer. I'm actually a fan of what they're trying to do.
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Munchies_Matt wrote: the doors (push button, electric)
So if the battery is dead how do you get in to pop the cover (probably also electric) to open the cover for the charge unit? Or put it in neutral to have it towed?
I'm pretty sure I would not like to live in a world in which I would never be offended.
I am absolutely certain I don't want to live in a world in which you would never be offended.
Freedom doesn't mean the absence of things you don't like.
Dave
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It's got windows all around. This is nothing that can't be solved with a brick.
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Wow, you dont suppose people who can put rockets in space thought of that and put a limit on how low the battery can go or a mechanical override?
I mean, there you are, a computer nerd at his desk, and you, because you are so sure of your own incredible contribution to the world, can out think huge teams of mechanical engineers!
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"Huge teams of mechanical engineers" still aren't beyond collectively making stupid mistakes. Ask NASA about some of the probes they've lost.
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I like Tesla, even I can't afford one
It does not solve my Problem, but it answers my question
modified 19-Jan-21 21:04pm.
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Out of curiosity I priced up the X in AUD, entry level $146k, top of the range with all the bits $283k, ouch!
I like the looks of the X, the entry level would suit me very nicely but as I bought a Mazda CX5 for $26k (admittedly it was 2nd hand but less than 10k on the speedo) I think I'll just hang on to the extra $120k.
Never underestimate the power of human stupidity
RAH
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It is very expensive, and definitely not worth it, but it is showing us the future of the car. That was my point.
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Are you considering buying one ?
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Is irony the opposite of wrinkly?
Bad command or file name. Bad, bad command! Sit! Stay! Staaaay...
AntiTwitter: @DalekDave is now a follower!
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I steams like it's time to press the issue and really test your metal (the rust of you can watch).
Ravings en masse^ |
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"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Albert Einstein | "If you are searching for perfection in others, then you seek disappointment. If you are seek perfection in yourself, then you will find failure." - Balboos HaGadol Mar 2010 |
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methinks that one has fallen flat
Signature ready for installation. Please Reboot now.
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Reminds me of a quote from a Spider Robinson novel. It sort of goes …
"If Felons commit Felonies, God is an Iron."
Spider Robinson
"Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana."
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