Tesla to build $35K Model 3 for 2017

[GreenLantern2814]

http://www.roadandtrack.com/go/news/...7-popmech-synd

Basically, the car is designed to be a direct competitor with the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Lexus IS etc.

This is huge news and should go a long way to making this technology accessible to the masses. It also bolsters the argument that Elon Musk is the best rich guy on the planet.

I wouldn't go so far as to say I'd buy one sight unseen, but if it looks anything close to the renderings, I'll probably sign something 5 minutes afterwards.

[Ozy_Flame]

Love the car and Elon Musk is a superstar, but still not convinced a full electric car is a good idea in Calgary without a sufficient number of charging stations away from your own home.

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Love the car and Elon Musk is a superstar, but still not convinced a full electric car is a good idea in Calgary without a sufficient number of charging stations away from your own home.

If a range of 200 miles is to be believed you don't really need the charging stations to get around Calgary.

[Maccalus]

200 mile range is believable since the Model S already achieves that. I will be seriously looking at this car once it comes out.

[Looch City]

Originally Posted by Burninator

If a range of 200 miles is to be believed you don't really need the charging stations to get around Calgary.

Perhaps for 4 months out the of year...but how long will it last in -20 to -30 weather?

[corporatejay]

Originally Posted by Burninator

If a range of 200 miles is to be believed you don't really need the charging stations to get around Calgary.

I would assume that's the market place for an electric car. A commuter vehicle used for putting around your urban area and not really for driving long distance.

I don't know if that will ever logistically make sense (to have electric cars for long trips).....I'm penciling in the date as I'll likely need a new vehicle by then.

[bossy22]

Originally Posted by Iggy City

Perhaps for 4 months out the of year...but how long will it last in -20 to -30 weather?

A friend of mine has a Tesla Roadster and he lives in Calgary. He drives it year round. He puts Winter Tires on it for the winter. He's never had an issue.

He also owns a Condo in Canmore that he goes to on weekends, and he uses the car.

[cDnStealth]

This may be my next car.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by bossy22

A friend of mine has a Tesla Roadter and he lives in Calgary. He drives it year round. He puts Winter Tires on it for the winter. He's never had an issue.

My guess is that he rarely leaves the city with the car.

Based on our location and how much Calgarians drive (in and out of the city), and the type of Tesla he's driving, it may be an issue outside of city limits.

[Maccalus]

Originally Posted by Iggy City

Perhaps for 4 months out the of year...but how long will it last in -20 to -30 weather?

From what I have read about them, they do lose some range in cold weather as expected but will still have more than enough range for 100% of driving needs within a city. If you have a plug in at work it will actually keep your battery warm throughout the day in that weather. Internal combustion engine cars also have their issues in -20 to -30 as well.

[Regular_John]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

My guess is that he rarely leaves the city with the car.

Based on our location and how much Calgarians drive (in and out of the city), and the type of Tesla he's driving, it may be an issue outside of city limits.

Yeah it's probably not the car to take out to the mountains or camping... but isn't that what all those big clean trucks are for?

In all honestly it'll be great to see what the electric car industry looks like 5 years down the road. I'm not sure if anyone will have a small commuter that'll be suitable for our winters as an only car, but given the number of 2-3 car households it's probable the little electric goes downtown & back 5 days a week, while the bigger toys come out on the weekends.

[Coach]

Awesome. When's a 20k one coming out?...

If I have the dough in 2017, I would defintiely consider getting one.

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by jaydorn

In all honestly it'll be great to see what the electric car industry looks like 5 years down the road. I'm not sure if anyone will have a small commuter that'll be suitable for our winters as an only car, but given the number of 2-3 car households it's probable the little electric goes downtown & back 5 days a week, while the bigger toys come out on the weekends.

Space-based Solar Power! Have satellites collect solar power from the sun, convert it to microwaves, and then target beam them to any car which then converts microwaves to electricity! That way you can drive your electric car for hours and hours anywhere you like.

Of course this is a pipe dream, but one day in my lifetime damnit!

You could also package your Sirius XM Radio and Solar Power connection together for one easy monthly payment!

[Phanuthier]

Originally Posted by Ozy_Flame

Space-based Solar Power! Have satellites collect solar power from the sun, convert it to microwaves, and then target beam them to any car which then converts microwaves to electricity! That way you can drive your electric car for hours and hours anywhere you like.

SpaceX + Tesla?

[Ozy_Flame]

Originally Posted by Phanuthier

SpaceX + Tesla?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rectenna

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by corporatejay

I would assume that's the market place for an electric car.

Yes and no. With charging stations between US (and other) cities, they're making the push for it being more than just that.

Can't see that being feasable in Canada with climate, roads in poorer condition, more remote locations, not to mention very small market share.

I can't imagine trusting a Tesla in -30, or on a trip to the mountains. It's hard enough to find a parking spot in Banff. Imagine what a lineup for a charging station would be.

[Table 5]

It's amazing how many Model S's you see in California already. It's basically become the next Prius for rich people, except now they don't have to ride around in an econobox.

If they can build a smaller one for 35k, and it still looks as great as the S, they'll have a hit.

[cKy]

Here in Victoria you can't drive 10 minutes in any direction without seeing a sign for EV charging. A 35K model would do extremely well out here on the coast I would think.

[stampsx2]

200 miles is 330 km

I'd say the vast majority of Calgarians travel under 330 km a day. That's more than enough. 330 km is about 4 hours of driving. Who commutes that much on a daily basis? If you can only afford one car and travel all the time, this car is probably not for you.

330km is about enough to make it to Banff and back anyway.

[Bigtime]

I am all over this if the price and performance stays fairly close to this spec.