In the third quarter of 2012, Tesla lost $110.8 million on $50.1 million in revenue. With production humming along, Tesla should finally be able to realize its first quarterly profit this year, Musk told Automotive News. Of course, Musk didn't say which quarter.
As I wrote last week when the computer trouble started, I meant to research Tesla Motors. Let's get to it, shall we?
One thing that I suspected is that it would weigh too much. Or, if it didn't, he found a way to reduce the weight of the car so that it wouldn't be too heavy. The Model S ( base pic ) is designed to compete with the BMW 5 series ( specs ). So, I compared the weight of the two and the Model S ( specs ) does weigh several hundred pounds more. But that's not too, too bad.
He is using aluminum rather liberally. That can cut the weight, but aluminum probably costs more than steel. I think the drive train was built with weight minimization in mind. For example, the motor seemed to be light weight in comparison with other electric motors. This may also add to costs while reducing weight.
As far as other design concerns that I have, such as the lithium-ion battery's tendency to catch fire, the only thing I know is what I read several years ago. That he had some sort of system designed to keep the battery from getting overheated.
Elon Musk is quite ambitious with plans to make an entry level car as well as a pickup truck. Is his ambition justified? There are several problems that have to be solved. Has Tesla solved at least one of them? That would be the range problem. Until they can compete with conventional vehicles, electric cars will be a hard sell.
Musk has a strategy to do this, which is ironic as hell with respect to the name for the strategy. It is called trickle down. Very funny, that. Trickle down in this instance means the rich will help the poor improve their lot in life. Yet, the concept of trickle down economics is frowned upon in certain circles. ( ahem )
Bluestar may work after all is said and done. If it does, that another triumph for Elon Musk. But, before we know the outcome of that, it will take a few more years. But Musk has a real plan and a lot of credibility.
I still think a fuel cell is a better idea. But that idea has no champions like Elon Musk.
Update:
I've added a few links without changing the text of the post. It may be worth it to you to click through the links, if you've got the time.
1 comment:
I'd strongly suggest trying to swing a test drive if you can arrange one. It's an amazing vehicle to drive.
Yes, its a heavy car, but that only really matters in how it affects performance or efficiency.
Obviously it affects both in a negative way, but the Model S is still getting ~100mpge and it basically destroys the top German sedans in its class from 0-100mph.
The only clear "limitation" it has is that it doesn't have a transmission, which limits its top speed and performance above ~110mph. Obviously that's not an issue unless you are driving on the Autobahn.
In terms of cost, the top end performance version is a bargain compared to the BMW M5, Mercedes E63 AMG or Porsche Panamera that it competes against. It's initial cost is lower, and you'll literally save tens of thousands of dollars in fuel costs over the life of the car.
The lower end versions are fully competitive with equivalent cars in everything except range. The 40kWh car is a lot nicer than an entry level 5 series but only has a ~150 mile range which limits its appeal. But IMHO the 60kWh and above is fully competitive because you have a 200+ mile range and access to SuperChargers.
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