Note: I don't have my Model S yet, so I don't know if some of this is already possible.
What I was thinking, was that instead of showing just one "remaining miles" value on the dash, have more of a graph with min/max values depending on various conditions. (again I dont have my Model S yet so I'm not exactly sure what all the cool things are available to show range info).
For example, perhaps have graph showing 'minimum range', in other words "drive like a reckless idiot and you'll definitely get at least these many miles". This would show on the left side of some sort of graph. On the right, "max side", have a maximum range based on current conditions, e.g. weather + 55mph cruise control.
In the middle, have more of an "estimated range based on previous driving habits" which is what Tesla thinks you should get based on your driving habits. If they show you speed a lot, it will be lower. If it shows you drive like a snail, a bit more on the higher side.
As you drive, this graph would "contract" meaning that somehow the estimated range should get more and more accurate based on your driving patterns.
In addition to this, I would implement a new feature that would ask you where you were going when you get in the car, and it would let you know whether or not you have enough power to get you there on your current charge.
For example, as you get in the car, a voice would ask "Where are you going, Dave?" and you answer "to work" or "going home" or "don’t worry about it" (to shut it off), or some specific address. It would respond back with "you have plenty of charge to reach your destination", or "this destination is towards the upper end of your driving range, and the current weather conditions are not ideal, so don't drive like an idiot". (or some politically correct way of saying the same thing).
Lets say you drive like an idiot and gun it off every red light and mash the brakes every time you stop and are blasting your heat (by the way, the range should also change based on what options you have on and off e.g. heat, it should also suggest to you things you should turn off to maximize range, or to close your windows and the panoramic roof). If the software calculates that your maximum range is quickly depleteing and approaching the minimum value (idiot driving algorithm) which is no longer enough to reach your destination, the system should be integrated with a Recargo or Plugshare app and it should come on and say "we've calculated that due to your aggressive and idiotic driving patterns, you will no longer be able to reach your destination. You are not near any supercharger stations, but we have found several public charging stations nearby that you may charge at so you can continue your reckless driving." and then you would say "yes sure" and the map comes on showing clickable links to all the public charging stations, and you click one and then the gps guides to to the charger.
Eh? How's that sound? I think it would be pretty cool, kinda like Kit talking to you.
Also, if you park the car for a few hours towards the evening/night and leave it unplugged, if you are low on miles you could have the system text you "please remember to plug in and charge your car because I'm friggin freezing out here and need to keep myself warm".
Eh I'm sure this can be refined a bit but this is what I thought off the top of my head in the last 5 minutes. What do you think? I think they would be cool features
What I was thinking, was that instead of showing just one "remaining miles" value on the dash, have more of a graph with min/max values depending on various conditions. (again I dont have my Model S yet so I'm not exactly sure what all the cool things are available to show range info).
For example, perhaps have graph showing 'minimum range', in other words "drive like a reckless idiot and you'll definitely get at least these many miles". This would show on the left side of some sort of graph. On the right, "max side", have a maximum range based on current conditions, e.g. weather + 55mph cruise control.
In the middle, have more of an "estimated range based on previous driving habits" which is what Tesla thinks you should get based on your driving habits. If they show you speed a lot, it will be lower. If it shows you drive like a snail, a bit more on the higher side.
As you drive, this graph would "contract" meaning that somehow the estimated range should get more and more accurate based on your driving patterns.
In addition to this, I would implement a new feature that would ask you where you were going when you get in the car, and it would let you know whether or not you have enough power to get you there on your current charge.
For example, as you get in the car, a voice would ask "Where are you going, Dave?" and you answer "to work" or "going home" or "don’t worry about it" (to shut it off), or some specific address. It would respond back with "you have plenty of charge to reach your destination", or "this destination is towards the upper end of your driving range, and the current weather conditions are not ideal, so don't drive like an idiot". (or some politically correct way of saying the same thing).
Lets say you drive like an idiot and gun it off every red light and mash the brakes every time you stop and are blasting your heat (by the way, the range should also change based on what options you have on and off e.g. heat, it should also suggest to you things you should turn off to maximize range, or to close your windows and the panoramic roof). If the software calculates that your maximum range is quickly depleteing and approaching the minimum value (idiot driving algorithm) which is no longer enough to reach your destination, the system should be integrated with a Recargo or Plugshare app and it should come on and say "we've calculated that due to your aggressive and idiotic driving patterns, you will no longer be able to reach your destination. You are not near any supercharger stations, but we have found several public charging stations nearby that you may charge at so you can continue your reckless driving." and then you would say "yes sure" and the map comes on showing clickable links to all the public charging stations, and you click one and then the gps guides to to the charger.
Eh? How's that sound? I think it would be pretty cool, kinda like Kit talking to you.
Also, if you park the car for a few hours towards the evening/night and leave it unplugged, if you are low on miles you could have the system text you "please remember to plug in and charge your car because I'm friggin freezing out here and need to keep myself warm".
Eh I'm sure this can be refined a bit but this is what I thought off the top of my head in the last 5 minutes. What do you think? I think they would be cool features
