Comments on: Tesla To Unveil 'Supercharger' Recharging Stations Monday

By: Van

Van — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 02:51:38 +0000

I like the EV concept but right now we do not have the technology to satisfy most folks. They identify 3 problems (1) too short of range, (2) too high of cost, and (3) takes too long to recharge away from home.

A plug in hybrid, solves those three problems and so for now something like the Ford Fusion Energi seems the best choice.

By: tgordi

tgordi — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 02:13:48 +0000

To be honest, since we started driving Leaf, with no need to burn fossil fuels, I have difficulties going back to an internal combustion engine. we have a minivan (large family) and it is awful! We put most our mileage on Leaf and it is clean, cheap, and fun to drive. I can see the utility of plug-in ones but, hey, if I need to drive long occasionally, I can just rent a car for a short period of time and that would be it.

By: tgordi

tgordi — Sat, 22 Sep 2012 01:58:55 +0000

I have heard of the problems in Arizona but it doesn’t affect me personally as I live in the cooler Northern CA. I can’t ignore the feeling I get reading your comment that you don’t seem to like EVs.

By: Van

Van — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 13:15:32 +0000

@Tgordi, yes frequent rapid charging, can reduce the life of some kinds of Lithium batteries. Others can take rapid charging with little degradation. Rapid charging should only be needed infrequently, i.e. on road trips greater than the range of the EV. Plug in Hybrids should not need rapid charging, they can drive on gasoline/diesel until they can be recharged overnight.

Just another reason, the right choice now with existent technology, is a plug in Hybrid such as the Prius PHV, Volt, C-max Energi or Fusion Energi. But the next generation batteries may change all that.

By: Solopants

Solopants — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:39:41 +0000

tgordi:

Nissan can't even give you the expected life time on their batteries with the 120v charge let alone a supercharge. Haven't you heard the Leaf after only 2 years is already losing 20% of it's charge due to heat in Arizona? Sheeech!

By: tgordi

tgordi — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 03:41:52 +0000

Isn’t there an issue with batteries being charged this fast frequently? I know Nissan states that frequent charging with the L3 charger may decrease the battery life.

By: MrEnergyCzar

MrEnergyCzar — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 00:27:02 +0000

Hmm...I wonder if he's going to use those alien looking "solar trees"...they actually work and exist.

One hour would be incredible.

MrEnergyCzar

By: Max Reid

Max Reid — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 20:41:02 +0000

I think Chinese are introducing even 500 volt charger which can charge much faster.

Anyway great job Tesla, hope they will also charge other EVs plugins.

By: dougliser

dougliser — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 18:26:43 +0000

That’s great that the car can charge so quickly. Any reason not to use Chademo or SAE? Do we really need a proprietary charger added to the mix?

By: Van

Van — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 17:20:47 +0000

Yes the name supercharger is great for a level three charger that charges at near 60 kw. So to recharge a 60 kwh battery it would take one hour.

So a person could drive 3 hours then stop for a one hour brunch, then drive 3 more hours and enjoy a lupper, and then finish the day with three more hours before stopping for the night.