Comments on: In Practical Terms, The Tesla Roadster Actually Makes Green Sense

By: Panasonic’s Solar Cells Take On the World Solar Challenge | CleanTechnica

Panasonic’s Solar Cells Take On the World Solar Challenge | CleanTechnica — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 10:45:20 +0000

[…] computers. 15 rows of 30 batteries each means 450 in total – the same formation used by the Tesla Roadster. The lithium ion batteries use a nickel-based material for their electrodes, which has a higher […]

By: Zachary Shahan

Zachary Shahan — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 21:33:00 +0000

Wow, that is a good idea. Obvious, but one i actually haven’t heard and didn’t think of

By: HAP

HAP — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 16:30:45 +0000

“The typical internal combustion engine only manages to extract about 5 to 10 percent of the energy in its fuel.”

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/atv.shtml What is the overall efficiency of an electric car, not just the motor. Including drive losses, aerodynamic losses, etc?

“By comparison, an electric motor can extract upwards of 70 to 80 percent from its power source.”

What is the efficiency of the plant? A coal fired plant is around 30% efficient with 8% line losses, so 70 to 80% battery efficiency is really around 19 to 23%. Also, can utility plants handle the load these cars would demand?

“Outside of the initial sticker shock (we did mention the $128k, right?), ownership of the Tesla is not expensive. A full charge will cost on the average around $8, which is much cheaper than the gasoline counterpart.”

So if I got a 60k sports car with an average fill up compared to this, how long would my payback be? Assuming my fill up is $40 for my car. It would take me around 1875 fill ups. Can the battery last that long?

By: Luisan232

Luisan232 — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 13:35:17 +0000

It is high time to abandon gasoline and use electrical energy.
Better to do a source on the free energy as a Tesla.
http://h2-o.sosbb.net

By: Pete

Pete — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 01:01:14 +0000

It struck me as a wonderful opportunity for someone…and as a way to counter arguments about the strain on the grid, if some of these electric car companies offered solar panels for your house or garage as an added extra, as opposed to posh alloys or something equally pointless…

Just an idea…but I would be surprised if people weren’t interested if they’re already considering an electric car.