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  1. abasile

    Big Bear CA

    Longtime mountain resident here. Really hoping to see lots of Supercharger stalls in Big Bear, given the number of Tesla visitors we see! But this will take time, given the site and infrastructure requirements. For what it’s worth, I regularly use FSD Beta on mountain roads, mainly when traffic...
  2. abasile

    Supercharger - Big Bear Lake, CA (LIVE 28 Oct 2023, 6 V3 stalls)

    Glad to see this thread. It’s probably premature to look for permits, as Tesla’s real challenge will be to find a good site. Given the large numbers of Tesla vehicles we see here in the mountains, mostly visitors, the Big Bear site should probably offer 20 stalls at minimum. Ideally, there will...
  3. abasile

    Tesla Lays Off Over 200 Autopilot Data-Labelling Employees

    The need for human labelers isn’t going away anytime soon, but it may be reduced. By all accounts, letting go of 13% of these workers is not a huge deal. (In the Bay Area, they’ll have no trouble finding other jobs.) Also, my experience is that Autopilot is improving. I am seeing fewer phantom...
  4. abasile

    Autopilot Stopped Working

    Driving on a rural Interstate earlier this week, we were passing a truck and I became worried about it prematurely merging into our lane. I sped up to get out of its way, and in so doing, exceeded the Auto Steer speed limit. As a result, Autopilot was disabled for the remainder of the drive. I...
  5. abasile

    Tesla, TSLA & the Investment World: the Perpetual Investors' Roundtable

    Premium unleaded has been selling for $7.09/gallon here. Not too far off! In recent months, we've gotten plenty of comments about the fact that we don't have to pay for gas. I usually respond with a sympathetic tone and mention that the high cost of fuel affects all of us via the increased cost...
  6. abasile

    We Spoke to a Former Tesla Engineer (feat. JT Stukes) | TMC Podcast #11

    I especially enjoyed hearing about JT‘s past experience at Tesla and his early interest in electric vehicles. We ourselves purchased a Nissan Leaf as soon as our reservation came up, and we later purchased a 2012 Model S (used, from Tesla). However, I am not on board with some of the negative...
  7. abasile

    Questions about purchasing a new model Y

    Leaving the car plugged in isn't going to reduce the overall battery cycle count enough to matter. It will, however, give the driver more available range for many drives. The term "battery life" is kind of ambiguous. Not sure if it means battery capacity or simply the amount of charge...
  8. abasile

    Tesla remove FSD capability even if it’s on window sticker?

    Tesla could have shipped the vehicle from the factory with FSD enabled and listed on the Monroney window sticker. Immediately prior to sale, Tesla could have removed FSD at the request of the customer. I highly doubt they would have printed a new window sticker, though.
  9. abasile

    Questions about purchasing a new model Y

    I think this is just Tesla encouraging new owners to establish a habit of charging regularly, for the best possible user experience. With a gasoline car, you normally don't bother filling up until most of the fuel is gone. It's enough of an inconvenience to go to the gas station that most...
  10. abasile

    Baker vs Needles

    Yes. 15 to 164 to 95/68 to 93 to Kingman.
  11. abasile

    Vendor Review: OEDRO floor mats

    We live high in the mountains not far from Big Bear Lake, California, and as we park outdoors, it's a given that we are going to be tracking mud, snow, and grime into our cars. As a result, we value having durable, rugged floor mats that are easy to clean while protecting the floor. We were...
  12. abasile

    SpaceX investor's thread

    I'm not convinced that a holding company is going to happen. Today, there's a great deal of collaboration and cross pollination between Tesla, SpaceX, and Boring, and this will continue regardless. To comply with US defense-related rules, SpaceX needs to be kept reasonably independent of Elon's...
  13. abasile

    A Digital Designer's POV on V11

    In addition to some of the issues mentioned here, it bothers me that the Bluetooth menu is now buried under Controls. As the driver, I sometimes need to switch whose phone is coupled to the car, and this has become more cumbersome. (The person in the passenger seat can’t always handle this, as...
  14. abasile

    Rivian Price Increase, Tesla Did Similar in 2009 - TMC Podcast #2

    Haven’t yet watched the podcast, but the Rivian truck is really more comparable to the early Model S, rather than the Roadster, relative to the history/lifecycle of the company. The volume of the Roadster was extremely limited, it was more of a proof of concept, and Tesla was not yet a public...
  15. abasile

    SpaceX’s Starlink Systems Are Being Sent to Ukraine’s Destroyed Cities

    Hopefully, Elon is not tipping their hand too far by publicly announcing that SpaceX is working around Russian jamming! It would be unfortunate if this attracts additional Russian attention toward Ukrainian Starlink users. I suppose the Russian leaders would eventually figure this out, anyway.
  16. abasile

    Elon Musk

    One thing is certain - the SEC has been unhelpful to TSLA shareholders. I feel sure that Elon regrets settling with the SEC over the 2018 "funding secured" tweet, which by the way was not at all inappropriate given the presence of willing funders. The reputation of the SEC is being harmed by...
  17. abasile

    Big Bear - where to charge?

    Totally agree, and at least during the warmer months, our choice of "lodging" is likely to be a campground with hiking and biking opportunities. We book campsites with electrical hookups when we can, but that's usually not an option at National Forest campgrounds, etc. We constantly see so many...
  18. abasile

    Tesla, TSLA & the Investment World: the Perpetual Investors' Roundtable

    In terms of production growth, 50% seems to be quite achievable at this time. Are you worried about demand? Are you considering that Tesla has yet to enter a number of large countries and that word of mouth is quite strong?
  19. abasile

    Tesla, TSLA & the Investment World: the Perpetual Investors' Roundtable

    I can appreciate the prioritization of Optimus, given labor shortages, and the emphasis of FSD, given that it's needed for Optimus. And as an FSD Beta user, and semi-longtime Autopilot user, I've been gratified to see Tesla's autonomy progress. However, it seems strange that Elon can believe...
  20. abasile

    Solar Glass Snow Avalanches

    We have solar panels that can sometimes shed a lot of snow at once. This is a good thing, because the snow falls from a side of the house with no walkways or sensitive vegetation. Having the show shedding abilities of a Solar Roof would be great (but I'm not going to rip off a perfectly good set...
  21. abasile

    Map stuck on satellite mode even at night

    I honestly thought it was a "feature" and not a "bug" that the satellite view started to be shown even at night. I think this is great, as I prefer always seeing the satellite map even when night mode is active. Just because it's night outside doesn't mean that I want to downgrade my map view...
  22. abasile

    CA DMV "revisiting" approach towards Tesla FSD

    If Tesla ends up having to disable FSD Beta on our Model Y due to our California location, I hope they'll make it easy to turn it back on whenever we leave California! I think the FSD Beta program is great because it allows Tesla to constantly gather data from a wider range of scenarios. For...
  23. abasile

    Supercharger Pricing Map?

    The last I was aware, Supercharging prices also vary by time of day, as this affects the electricity rate paid by Tesla and also the level of congestion. If you arrive at a Supercharger during the early evening peak period, expect to pay more than midday or late at night. I will try to pay...
  24. abasile

    Model Y Snow Chains

    Ditto here. We've had California R-2 chain requirements most of the week, meaning that AWD/4WD vehicles with snow-rated tires (includes our stock all season tires) are not required to chain up. We're still required to carry chains just in case, and law enforcement can ask to see one's chains in...
  25. abasile

    SpaceX Internet Satellite Network: Starlink

    If Tesla's recent experience in the auto market is any indication, Starlink will indeed run well ahead of the competition for years to come, at least in areas with lower population densities. There is still not a single non-Tesla EV on the market that's a great value proposition relative to...
  26. abasile

    SpaceX Internet Satellite Network: Starlink

    Glad that you mention "cable converts". We have cable-based Internet service at our primary residence in a semi-rural neighborhood. The service quality is lousy and the cable company doesn't seem eager to stay on top of maintenance. While we have Powerwalls and can keep running during power...
  27. abasile

    Supercharger - Lake Arrowhead, CA (LIVE 17 Nov 2021, 8 V3 stalls)

    Sure enough, the Lake Arrowhead Superchargers became quite busy over this past Thanksgiving weekend. Quite often over the weekend, most if not all of the stalls were occupied, a big change from days prior. Longer term, Tesla would do well to install Superchargers in each of the remaining, major...
  28. abasile

    Supercharger - Lake Arrowhead, CA (LIVE 17 Nov 2021, 8 V3 stalls)

    It's preferable to have Superchargers at places with public restrooms and restaurants or shops. Skypark, as currently configured, requires entrance fees to do anything. Lake Arrowhead Village is ideal in this respect. The overall area is also more of a destination than a through route, so...
  29. abasile

    Supercharger - Lake Arrowhead, CA (LIVE 17 Nov 2021, 8 V3 stalls)

    So far, on our cars' nav maps (Supercharger layer turned on), we've been noticing light usage at this Supercharger site. Meanwhile, when visiting nearby Skypark at Santa's Village (shameless plug: great mountain bike park, Christmas-themed family fun, and outdoor ice skating about to open)...
  30. abasile

    Tesla, TSLA & the Investment World: the Perpetual Investors' Roundtable

    Some of us have been busy with Tesla products! We took delivery of a new Model Y with FSD last week, thus doing our part for Q4 financials rather than waiting for a potential tax credit, and we have orders for Tesla Energy products on two properties. The old Nissan LEAF will be listed for sale...
  31. abasile

    Alternative Model Y Bike Rack: Tow Tuff Aluminum Cargo Carrier

    We have an aftermarket Torklift EcoHitch on our 2012 Model S, and Torklift rates its weight limit at 200 pounds. We routinely use a Saris platform rack to carry four mountain bikes. The rack plus four bikes, together, weigh roughly 175 pounds. With a Model Y factory hitch receiver, we'd be...
  32. abasile

    Tesla, TSLA & the Investment World: the Perpetual Investors' Roundtable

    I used to think that getting the legacy automakers on board with EVs was essential. Earlier in Tesla's history, it was thought that perhaps Tesla's primary contribution would be to stimulate the larger car companies to manufacture EVs. Indeed, the Roadster helped motivate the development of the...
  33. abasile

    Considering a Model Y

    Haha, we are up in the SoCal mountains, not far from ski areas 1.5 hours east of Los Angeles, and we have no garage, so cold is a real concern for our EVs. Tesla makes it easy, though; you can pre-warm the battery pack from the app. Also, both charging and pre-warming (both battery and cabin)...
  34. abasile

    Anyone carry an emergency 12V tire compressor to allow to drive to a garage station to get a flat repaired.

    I just keep a largish, manual bike pump in the car. It cost maybe $25 at Walmart, and we mostly use it for our mountain bike tires. Thanks to the larger barrel, it's not bad for inflating car tires, and it's what I routinely use to top off all cars at 45 psi. There's no need to worry about 12V...
  35. abasile

    Blog Lucid Air Dream Edition Rated at 520 Miles of Range

    Tesla is selling every car they can manufacture, with no "sales" or discounts, so it is great to have new companies like Lucid enter the EV space. For the good of our air quality, health, energy security, and climate, we need to replace as many ICEs as possible. Plus, competition is healthy for...
  36. abasile

    Tesla, TSLA & the Investment World: the Perpetual Investors' Roundtable

    Hmm, plenty of those cars seem to have chrome trim. Could they be secondhand vehicles? Or perhaps the video is old?
  37. abasile

    Tax discussion, strategies and questions

    As currently proposed, the "Build Back Better Act" would also prohibit the use of IRA funds for investments requiring accredited investor status, and require the divestment of such investments in existing IRAs. This would be a problem for those who've used IRAs to invest in private companies. In...
  38. abasile

    Blog Lucid Air Dream Edition Rated at 520 Miles of Range

    It can be a hassle to frequently stop for Supercharging with bicycles on a hitch-mount rack or on the roof, or when pulling a trailer. For those into camping at national parks, there clearly are limitations with the extent of electrical infrastructure and Supercharger locations. For instance...
  39. abasile

    Tesla, TSLA & the Investment World: the Perpetual Investors' Roundtable

    If Tesla can do a good job of assessing driver safety, that is generally bullish for Tesla Insurance. Even after FSD becomes Level 5, there will be cars without FSD and drivers who sometimes opt to drive manually. Imagine a future driver thinking, "I want to enjoy driving a mountain road; how...
  40. abasile

    Tesla, TSLA & the Investment World: the Perpetual Investors' Roundtable

    If the Tesla Insurance calculator wants us to use Autopilot as much as possible, then our family may have a challenge when we get The Button! Leaving home, we have to drive 16 miles of curvy mountain roads before reaching the freeway. Autopilot is not well suited for this drive, unless perhaps...
  41. abasile

    Supercharger - Lake Arrowhead, CA (LIVE 17 Nov 2021, 8 V3 stalls)

    Forgot to post this earlier, but we briefly stopped by Lake Arrowhead Village on Friday, Sept. 10, and I exchanged greetings with a construction worker. They were actively working on the power cabinets and the conduit. They hadn't yet started on installing the charging stalls themselves. The...
  42. abasile

    Supercharger - Highland, CA (LIVE 4 Sep 2021, 8 V3 stalls)

    Awesome! That’s not a bad location, right at the base of the mountain off CA-330, by a hotel, across from a shopping center with Walmart and Aldi. Glad to see the additional support for travelers to the San Bernardino Mountains.
  43. abasile

    How many will look into the F-150 Lightning?

    After getting used to Autopilot, and "Navigate on Autopilot", on our Model 3, I would not be able to bring myself to buy a non-Tesla vehicle. Ford is years behind on autonomy.
  44. abasile

    Blog Report: Apple Talking to Korean Suppliers for EV Project

    At least that's what some media outlets want the public perception to be. Russ Mitchell of the LA Times is one example of a "journalist" with a constant, anti-Tesla slant. Not paying off the media by buying lots of ads does come at a price! I expect Apple would do plenty of advertising if they...
  45. abasile

    Elon Musk Says Tesla Cybertruck Could Cost a Million Dollars

    I should have mentioned what the tow hitch is for! We have a Saris hitch-mount bike rack, for four bikes. We still want the Cybertruck for the additional cargo capacity, the long range (500 mile tri motor version), and the higher clearance for dirt roads and snow. But we can wait. The Model Y...
  46. abasile

    Blog Report: Apple Talking to Korean Suppliers for EV Project

    Tesla vehicles are very clean, elegant, and user friendly, and production quality seems to have improved, so I don't exactly see a big opening for Apple to beat Tesla on the vehicles themselves. Arguably, Tesla's biggest weakness has been in the area of customer communication, and Apple could...
  47. abasile

    Elon Musk Says Tesla Cybertruck Could Cost a Million Dollars

    Don't worry - the Cybertruck will be built. As will the Tesla Semi. Tesla has a long history of being ambitious, late, and ultimately coming through with great products. It can be frustrating if, as a consumer, you're expecting a promised product within a given timeframe. We reserved a...
  48. abasile

    Supercharger - Lake Arrowhead, CA (LIVE 17 Nov 2021, 8 V3 stalls)

    We went mountain biking at Skypark this evening, and stopped by Lake Arrowhead Village afterwards. As you enter the village from Highway 173, toward the lower level, there is a small parking lot off to the right. Tesla has cabinets and some heavy equipment stored here. Inside the parking...
  49. abasile

    How many will look into the F-150 Lightning?

    Yes. I just prefer controlling the wiper speed from a stalk instead of a touchscreen. That’s one thing I like about our classic Model S. If Tesla can further improve the auto wiper control, including in winter conditions, then this minor peeve will go away.
  50. abasile

    How many will look into the F-150 Lightning?

    I agree that touchscreen-based gear selection might be somewhat annoying. Similarly, on our Model 3, I'd prefer a stalk for the windshield wipers, since the auto wiper control has never been as good as hoped for. But I consider these issues to be minor. The yoke, however, is a selling point...