Linda gets her Tesla - part 1.mov

Linda Nicholes accepts delivery of her long-promised Tesla Roadster at the Tesla showroom in Santa Monica.
The Tesla is essentially the third-generation EV1, developed and improved by Alan Cocconi and ACPropulsion dot com.
EV1: almost 100 kW power.
about 18 kWh of energy (lead-acid PSB batteries) or 26 kWh (ovonics NiMH)
Range 100 miles (lead) 140 miles (nimh)
Tesla: about 180 kW
about 56 kWh of energy (Lithium)
Range: over 200 miles

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• TESLA
• Roadster
• EV1
• RAV4-EV
• GM
• liar
• Lutz-liar
• Wagoner-liar

[liveoilfree]

The Tesla guarantee is 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first; because of the Lithium batteries, it will probably need a new pack after 50,000 miles or so. NiMH would not put out this kind of power (400A at 400V) but lasts 3 times as long--and has a scrap value. But they can't use NiMH, due to GM-Chevron.

[leored79]

hi..just watched the top gear review of the roadster..seems that there are a few kinks to be ironed out (soft springs at the back, break problems, overheating motor). i reckon it will take about 5 years to sort of these minor problems and, hopefully, get the price down to graduate-salary level ;) keep us updated with the tesla, niggling problems you may encounter etc., would be great, thanks!!

[liveoilfree]

There are NO problems with the Tesla, "top gear" lies, of course.

[leored79]

i sincerely hope not too, and i wish you lots of fun. but: would love to hear how the car stands up to everyday driving over 6 months etc. that's what i was getting at. so keep us posted!

[liveoilfree]

Hi, not averse to experience! But we know about the drivetrain, it's been in use for a decade, and the car body is a modified Lotus Elise (a bit bigger). So, really, this is a proven car, which is what I've been saying -- GM lies.

[ibpointless2]

Why does it need a cooling system?

[liveoilfree]

There is a cooling system for the Lithium batteries, but there's also a need for cooling when charging. But it's a high-tech heat pump, I assume.

[dbgtwill1]

god thats a beut i want one so bad

[beelerb]

The shop layout was interesting. Since there's no concern about exhaust fumes it looks like the work area is far way from the garage door and (most likely) more comfortable to work in than a standard repair bay. Also the floor looked grease-free.

After seeing "Who Killed The Electric Car" you really want to see companies like Tesla and Aptera thrive.

[supersonicboom1975]

Are you in contact with Linda? Since I saw the EV1 movie it's a dream to buy EV. See my Zurich video. I have even one idea to make you plugin hybrid Prius more efficient, using existing technologies. But i not have the money to buy or convert it.

[logonyomyface]

" like the gen3 ev1" the word ev1 makes me boil with rage

[Tholomaios]

Man since I saw "Who Killed The Electric Car" I hate driving my car! I wished so much I could have an EV or any improved next generation electric car like the Texla.

[videoCWK]

I can't wait to see Tesla's Model S on the road. The Roadster is a fantastic car, but the Model S is getting closer to the price range of the average consumer, which means more EVs on the road. I recently learned about the EV1, which makes me so happy that there's still electric cars around. At least this time it'd be harder to silence them, since a lot of people know about Tesla.

[ceriman]

Because they couldn't find a decent 2 speed transmission that could handle all that torque! They tried two different brands, but they were designed for gassers, and couldn't handle full electric torque.

[ferrarimanf355]

Someone has an issue with the Tesla and you try to hand-wave it away. Hilarious. Why did Tesla have to rip up and replace the transmissions in the first 50 or so Roadsters?