July was a momentous month. The Tesla Model 3 — which must have surprised even Elon Musk — arrived. The first 30 production Model 3s were delivered. But there was a lot of other cleantech fun as well. Check out the stories below to see which grabbed the most eyeballs here on CleanTechnica.
Tesla recently caused a fuss with its decision to limit the Supercharging rate for vehicles that have racked up numerous DC fast-charging events. A similar stir erupted a few months ago when the company used an over-the-air update to limit the use of Launch Mode (in response to owner outcry, Tesla later removed the software limitation). In both of these cases, however, the company is not trying to spoil anyone’s fun — on the contrary, its goal in controlling Supercharger speed is “to ensure that our customers have the best experience at Superchargers and preserve as much vehicle range as possible.”
As you’ve probably read, a handful of guys and I recently got a Tesla Model S 85D for an intercity European Tesla Shuttle service we’re launching based out of Wroclaw, Poland. This last weekend, I rented the Tesla myself (but with no personal driver, unfortunately) to pick my family up from my in-laws’ “summer house” (lake house in the middle of nowhere). This place is really off the beaten track, in what I think we’d call “the boonies” in the United States.
The good folks over at EV Annex have created a beautiful infographic that lays out the basics of the Tesla Model 3 for the masses of reservation holders who are coming up to the point where they will be able to configure and order a vehicle. (The Model 3 configurator is expected to open after part 3 of the Model 3 reveal next month.)
The most popular articles of the past week — unsurprisingly — were about the Tesla Model 3 and how it will compete against various electric and gasoline models. Check out the full top 20 list for the stories that got the most attention.
I’ve had this article in mind for many months, set the draft up on March 17, and had it on my schedule to finally write on Saturday. Then, on Friday evening, Elon Musk basically made my point in a couple of tweets and “stole my thunder.” Alas — it’s actually his thunder anyway, and my words are just echoes.
The reality of electric vehicles is that there are many more people who would love to drive an electric vehicle (EV) but aren’t doing so today for a number of reasons. Cost and range are the top 2 reasons, with charging being an issue for some buyers as well. The Chevy Bolt was the first mass-produced, widely available, affordable, long-range EV in the US that also happened to offer fast charging. Right on its heels is the Model 3.
Some people complain that electric cars are not that green because some electricity comes from burning coal. Elon Musk says all Tesla Supercharger locations will be powered by solar panels eventually. That ought to shut those people up!
At the 2017 Annual Shareholder Meeting on June 6th, Tesla CEO Elon Musk provided updates on just about every area of the business, which necessarily included the Tesla Model 3. The milestone vehicle will move into production next month. Shortly thereafter, the first customers will receive their Model 3s. The official unveiling will be followed at the end of July with the launch of the Model 3 configurator, which will allow customers to customize their order.
“The Model 3 configurator will go live at the end of next month when we deliver the first production Model 3,” Elon stated.
It was with a great degree of curiosity that we explored EV charging experiences and needs by type of EV and region for our latest EV report. What’s the story for Tesla drivers, non-Tesla fully electric car drivers, and plug-in hybrid drivers? What’s the story for Americans vs Europeans? We already covered the desire and demand for fast charging and superfast charging in a previous section, but we dive much more into other charging matters here. Jump down below the line for the results.
