ddruz
Member
The solution to the console/concealed storage/cup holder problem which is probably preferred by almost everyone has remained largely unspoken because we have been led to believe it is not possible. That is to create typical storage beneath the armrests with flip up arm rests. This would solve virtually everything in one fell swoop.
We have been operating under the assumption that the area under the arm rests is sacrosanct, that there are electronics and ventilation ducts there that take up all the space. Other cars have rear vents and still plenty of beneath arm rest storage. Beneath arm rest storage doesn't need to be super deep. Perhaps the electronics can be reconfigured to take up a little less volume. Only a modest percentage reduction would be needed.
At this stage Tesla is hopefully acutely aware how important it is to get this right. What they previously have said is not possible may in fact be possible after all. These guys are brilliant and can do almost anything they put their minds to, and fast.
1. Create storage beneath the arm rests with flip up arm rests (ideally include a USB port).
2. Adopt prototype #3 for cup holders, but beef them up to reduce chance of spillage.
3. Make the under-display standard shelf optional for those who plan on beverage containers taller than ~8"--there is now ample beneath arm rest storage to take up the slack. (Better yet, if feasible recess the bottom of the cup holders a few inches below deck so the shelf does not restrict taller containers.)
Then there is plenty of concealed storage right where everyone expects it. The majority of the Tesla trade mark open space is preserved. Cup holders are functional and useable at the same time as the arm rests. Extensive Opportunity Console options are still possible for those who wish them.
All by creating beneath arm rest storage.
We have been operating under the assumption that the area under the arm rests is sacrosanct, that there are electronics and ventilation ducts there that take up all the space. Other cars have rear vents and still plenty of beneath arm rest storage. Beneath arm rest storage doesn't need to be super deep. Perhaps the electronics can be reconfigured to take up a little less volume. Only a modest percentage reduction would be needed.
At this stage Tesla is hopefully acutely aware how important it is to get this right. What they previously have said is not possible may in fact be possible after all. These guys are brilliant and can do almost anything they put their minds to, and fast.
1. Create storage beneath the arm rests with flip up arm rests (ideally include a USB port).
2. Adopt prototype #3 for cup holders, but beef them up to reduce chance of spillage.
3. Make the under-display standard shelf optional for those who plan on beverage containers taller than ~8"--there is now ample beneath arm rest storage to take up the slack. (Better yet, if feasible recess the bottom of the cup holders a few inches below deck so the shelf does not restrict taller containers.)
Then there is plenty of concealed storage right where everyone expects it. The majority of the Tesla trade mark open space is preserved. Cup holders are functional and useable at the same time as the arm rests. Extensive Opportunity Console options are still possible for those who wish them.
All by creating beneath arm rest storage.
Last edited: