What is Tesla Motors' biggest flaw/challenge?

[gg_got_a_tesla]

...We might see newer betas this weekend...

There definitely are going to be atleast two new betas on display this weekend as per GeorgeB's post here. The 17" touchscreen slab should still be the same but, some of the other concerns could probably have been addressed; let's see...

 

[strider]

well a 2012 BMW 3-series does have 1" more rear headroom, but 1.5" less rear legroom. So it's by no means "much roomier" as this guy says. In the case of rear legroom, it's less roomy than a Model S. So to me he's already lost a bit of credibility.

I agree, that guy is an idiot, 6' 3" is not "normal". Average male height in the US is 5' 9.5" which happens to be my height and Model S (and the Roadster for that matter - I can see the speedometer!) fits just fine.

 

[shark2k]

I agree, that guy is an idiot, 6' 3" is not "normal". Average male height in the US is 5' 9.5" which happens to be my height and Model S (and the Roadster for that matter - I can see the speedometer!) fits just fine.

Not that it will change your opinion of his opinion and that I'm not trying to justify what he said, but "that guy" is currently the CEO of Renault and Nissan and was probably a big reason as to why the Leaf came out. Just saying.

-Shark2k

 

[Norbert]

Not that it will change your opinion of his opinion and that I'm not trying to justify what he said, but "that guy" is currently the CEO of Renault and Nissan and was probably a big reason as to why the Leaf came out. Just saying.

Carlos may be great but not 6'3".

 

[EVNow]

I agree, that guy is an idiot, 6' 3" is not "normal". Average male height in the US is 5' 9.5" which happens to be my height and Model S (and the Roadster for that matter - I can see the speedometer!) fits just fine.

Remember he is French (and probably not all that versed in English). I think when he says "normal" - he is talking about the girth, rather than the height.

BTW, calling EV advocates idiots is not a very good way to cultivate the blogosphere.

Anyway, to me the take away is that it is not good to show beta cars without the required fit and finish expected in car shows. Tesla should have invested in a couple of car show quality prototypes.

 

[EVNow]

Not that it will change your opinion of his opinion and that I'm not trying to justify what he said, but "that guy" is currently the CEO of Renault and Nissan and was probably a big reason as to why the Leaf came out. Just saying.

He is talking about the author - not Ghosn.

 

[EV_de]

^^^ right , was a litte to late ....

Carlos didn't say that or ? ... it's written By Laurent J. Masson · March 07, 2012 ....

 

[stopcrazypp]

Not that it will change your opinion of his opinion and that I'm not trying to justify what he said, but "that guy" is currently the CEO of Renault and Nissan and was probably a big reason as to why the Leaf came out. Just saying.

-Shark2k

I don't know what the heck you guys are talking about. The guy who wrote that review of the Model S was this guy:
http://www.plugincars.com/user/laurent-j-masson

From this article:
http://www.plugincars.com/carlos-ghosn-undisputed-electric-car-leader-113700.html

 

[AnOutsider]

I think few would argue that the Model S isn't stunning from the outside.

Call me argumentative, but I think the Model S is handsome, but wouldn't call it stunning. The interior has grown on me though. Looking forward to seeing an RC interior

 

[onlinespending]

I agree, that guy is an idiot, 6' 3" is not "normal". Average male height in the US is 5' 9.5" which happens to be my height and Model S (and the Roadster for that matter - I can see the speedometer!) fits just fine.

well I'm 6'5" and I still think he's making an issue out of nothing.

 

[shark2k]

I don't know what the heck you guys are talking about. The guy who wrote that review of the Model S was this guy:
http://www.plugincars.com/user/laurent-j-masson

From this article:
http://www.plugincars.com/carlos-ghosn-undisputed-electric-car-leader-113700.html

I didn't actually look at the article but the way it was linked and quoted made it seem like that quote came from Ghosn to me. Ignore my comment. Simple mistake.

-Shark2k

 

[onlinespending]

Call me argumentative, but I think the Model S is handsome, but wouldn't call it stunning. The interior has grown on me though. Looking forward to seeing an RC interior

No, but I'll call you the resident contrarian I'm kind of used to you taking the opposing viewpoint by now

 

[JRP3]

I don't know what the heck you guys are talking about. The guy who wrote that review of the Model S was this guy:
http://www.plugincars.com/user/laurent-j-masson

From this article:
http://www.plugincars.com/carlos-ghosn-undisputed-electric-car-leader-113700.html

Laurent Masson is one of the consistently worst EV writers I've ever encountered. Take anything he says with a large grain of rock salt.

 

[Tommy]

See Volker.Berlin's excellent write-up about the Geneva show and his discussions there with Tesla staff, over on the main boards.

Robert.Boston, if you could provide a link that would be helpful. I searched Tesla's forum and was unable to find Volker's post. I'm interested in what he has to say as I find his posts are thoughtful and provide a good perspective from the European point of view.

 

[Robert.Boston]

Robert.Boston, if you could provide a link that would be helpful. I searched Tesla's forum and was unable to find Volker's post. I'm interested in what he has to say as I find his posts are thoughtful and provide a good perspective from the European point of view.

It's HERE, but that thread is a members-only thread. If VB chooses to repost it here, I'll defer to his judgement.

 

[Tommy]

It's HERE, but that thread is a members-only thread. If VB chooses to repost it here, I'll defer to his judgement.

Thanks, I am a member and logged in but didn't see the private posts, time for me to look over TM's website again and learn the in's and out's.

 

[AnOutsider]

volker, forgive me for nibbling your post, but this has me happy:

Build quality: Steve made a bold point that the 5-series/A6/E-class level of finishing sets the absolutely lower bar for Tesla and they actually are targeting a build quality that comes close to 7-series/A8/S-class levels.

I was honestly worried the interior would disappoint me in the final version. I find the interiors on German sedans to be to my liking and preference, and am glad to hear that's what they're shooting for

 

[Kevin Sharpe]

I wouldn't expect it too look "exceptional" among the flashiness of dozens of concept cars in stylized exhibition setups.

you're deluding yourself if you think this is the issue... look at the PRODUCTION EV's at the show and then look inside the Model S... as I said before lots of lay people commented on this.

 

[Norbert]

you're deluding yourself if you think this is the issue... look at the PRODUCTION EV's at the show and then look inside the Model S... as I said before lots of lay people commented on this.

I guess it's more that I don't know what you are talking about. So far you seem to have mentioned only "other cars at the show". And you mentioned a "second issue for me", but I can't figure out what your first issue would be. Was perhaps one of your posts deleted?

EDIT: I found it (from 10 days ago): "lack of understanding of electricity distribution systems outside of the US"

 

[brianman]

Laurent Masson is one of the consistently worst EV writers I've ever encountered. Take anything he says with a large grain of rock salt.

Nitpicker's corner...

I thought the point of the grain of salt reference was that it should be considered inconsequential. A large grain... well "irregardless." I'll stop there.