Battery Swapping Event - Live Updates

[nspollution]

How does the math not work if you don't actually know the variables in the equation?

We have a good idea of what they are, and I have a hard time understanding how they result in breaking even, much less profit. In fact, the higher the demand, the more problematic this becomes.

 

[DSJ]

They got 7 minutes to get the demo video online. If they stay true to the 9:30 PST deadline.

Lets hope so, or I'm going to have an even rougher day at work tomorrow. The event seemed like it started a little late, so I wouldn't be surprised if the video goes up a tad later than expected too.

 

[jomo25]

Can you swap different size packs? I see this as a use case if possible. I.e. I have a 60. But the SCs are spaced making a 60 road trip tough. Switch to an 85 for the trip, then get yoru 60 back at the end of the trip. But because of other internal differences, I'm assuming this cant be done. Unless the software can tune the other differences...

 

[ShortSlaver]

hummmm I'm thinking more in the $40 range.. it needs to be compelling... less than gas

Give it time. With more volume and costs covered from the initial early adopter premium, swaps will be cheaper than gas I'm sure.

 

[bollar]

I think someone's scared. Half the tweets on my stream were promoted by competors.

 

[Bubba]

If you have the time, you will use the free Supercharger. If you are in a hurry and your time is valuable, you will pay the $99 so you can save a few minutes. I guess it really depends on how much of a charge do you need? Are you rolling in with 10% of your battery pack?

 

[Yuri_G]

We have a good idea of what they are, and I have a hard time understanding how they result in breaking even, much less profit. In fact, the higher the demand, the more problematic this becomes.

Just wait until the actual details are revealed, there's no point to wring your hands raw before anything concrete is known.

 

[DSJ]

Looks like we have to wait about 40 more minutes for the video.

https://twitter.com/TeslaMotors/status/347925866061385728?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

 

[captain_zap]

$99??? Holy crap. Count me out.

If you had a Porsche Panamera, with a 26.4 gal tank, and filled it with $4/gal premium, which it requires, it would cost you $105.60. So $99 doesn't seem too bad; it's just like driving the gasser.

 

[NuclearPowered]

Can you swap different size packs? I see this as a use case if possible. I.e. I have a 60. But the SCs are spaced making a 60 road trip tough. Switch to an 85 for the trip, then get yoru 60 back at the end of the trip. But because of other internal differences, I'm assuming this cant be done. Unless the software can tune the other differences...

From an engineering standpoint there isn't anything holding that back. I am sure the battery carriers a unique identifier and the software should be able to handle the difference with no problem if it is done well, which I am sure it is.

 

[nspollution]

Yay! The TMC website is coming of age. Haters are descending upon us, armed with their usual confusion, lack of knowledge, badly-thought-through points and complete absence of goodwill.

I know it's easy to dismiss criticism as being a "hater" rather than looking critically at an issue. For what it's worth, however, I drive a Tesla.

 

[DriverOne]

Incredible to think how much a gas fill-up costs, once you're out of the habit of paying for them.

 

[Banahogg]

This article mentions franchising: Tesla Model S battery pack swappable in 90 seconds or less says CEO Elon Musk - Fresno Car Buying | Examiner.com

 

[kenliles]

If you had a Porsche Panamera, with a 26.4 gal tank, and filled it with $4/gal premium, which it requires, it would cost you $105.60. So $99 doesn't seem too bad; it's just like driving the gasser.

Even in that best case example, that would buy you 500 miles in the Porsche and half that in the S making the cost double

 

[SFOTurtle]

Give it time. With more volume and costs covered from the initial early adopter premium, swaps will be cheaper than gas I'm sure.

If it truly costs $500K to build each of these swapping stations, I can't imagine how this would amount to anything other than a stunt or a huge loss of valuable resources. I just can't think of a reason why there would be any significant number of people who would go through with this. I am more than happy using the SCs for any long distance trip I may need to take a few times a year. How many others would need to forego the free SCs any pay anything, let alone $100, for the effort to swap a battery?

 

[riceuguy]

What makes anyone say it's $99? I don't see that number anywhere...

 

[uselesslogin]

Even in that best case example, that would buy you 500 miles in the Porsche and half that in the S making the cost double

My guess is that your original battery gets charged while you are away and obviously you aren't charged to pick up your battery. So in a way it is 2 swaps for $99 and thus the same price as the Panamera example. Funny though, with the choice between $99 and free I wonder how many people will choose $99.

 

[bollar]

What makes anyone say it's $99? I don't see that number anywhere...

Someone on Twitter used $99 as a proxy for "a tank of gas," which was apparently what was actually said.

 

[clmason]

Right, except the 500 mile battery pack should resolve this. I think sooner than most realize

Even in that best case example, that would buy you 500 miles in the Porsche and half that in the S making the cost double

 

[riceuguy]

Also, note that this is an investment largely for Gen III and Model X. Having this option generates demand by lowering hurdles. You can't take a short term view or it makes no sense.