Recent content by Chris L

For comparison purposes, here is the Model Y with the current squared-off nose. In a recent interview, Elon mentioned they were going to try to improve the Model Y's drag coefficient; probably the easiest way would be to move from the blunt nose to something sleeker and more aerodynamic (more...

You don't drive electric cars the same as you do fossil cars, but apparently that was what Pobst was trying to do. They should have used a race driver who knows how to drive an EV (with its single-pedal regen/magnetic braking) like Romain Dumas, and the result would have been more telling.

I wrote a three-page tutorial on single-pedal speed control which goes into everything about regenerative braking (I call it magnetic braking, because that is what it is). SinglePedalShort.pdf

Robert Llewellyn (fullycharged) recently tested the Tesla Model S 100D, and noted its regenerative braking was significantly stronger than that of his own Model S 85 RWD. It's true that magnetic braking power for the Model S was limited to 50 - 60 kW a few years ago, but there is now reason to...

With a dual-motor Model 3, it's not a question of FWD vs. RWD, but rather AWD versus RWD. Magnetic/regenerative braking with AWD gives you twice the potential braking power of either FWD or RWD before limits of adhesion are reached.

Some finesse required. The pedal controls the speed—push down some to go faster, let up some to go slower, or put your foot at a spot that maintains a constant speed. It’s seamless; there’s no shifting your foot from one pedal to another to inform you when you go from power to braking...

If black and white are the only options when my dual-motor reservation matures next year, I'll probably just wait until either cream/beige or light gray shows up. Hopefully not a long wait, or else other EV options will make the M3 color choices moot.

I am considering the current iPod Touch to operate the Model 3, assuming that works. It is an iOS device, runs the Tesla app, has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1. The base version costs $199 (32GB), likely cheaper than any optional fob that Tesla may eventually sell for the M3. You can get cases for...

That's certainly not obvious. Why should those "folks" buy a smartphone if they have no need for one? The functionality of the key card is unknown, other than if you slap it against the side of the car, it will unlock. How will it lock the car? What if you're bringing bags of groceries to...

Baffling logic! A quarter of Americans do not own smartphones, so Tesla should refuse to sell them a car because they are in a minority? Why not just offer a fob to lock and unlock doors, trunk, etc and turn on the car? Good enough for Model S. Some people just have no need for a smartphone...

I have a Model 3 reservation and own Tesla stock and do not own a smartphone. If Tesla sells 2 million Model 3s in two years, and 15% of those people do not own smart phones, that's 300,000 people you're telling have no business buying a Tesla. What car do you suggest they buy? You need to...

I don't think anyone is suggesting that standard paint should only be one color (except Tesla). Virtually every other manufacturer offers at least black and white, and most offer additional standard colors. And nobody is asking Tesla to make white pearl a standard color; a solid bright white...

They're all too busy enjoying their new Model 3s, and giving their family members, friends, and neighbors test drives. :)

Low/Normal/High options would be good. There may be hardware limitations as the A/C output from the motor has to be rectified to D/C to charge the battery — not a problem to do that, but they have to decide to do it. I think they (and other EV manufacturers) do not want EV drivers to get so...