Top Gear - Tesla: lots more to come

dpeilow · 08-21-2008, 06:59 AM

Tesla Roadster news - Tesla: lots more to come - 2008 - News - Top Gear

The one you all were waiting for?

doug · 08-21-2008, 07:22 AM

Actual review here:
Tesla Roadster - Top Gear

vfx · 08-21-2008, 08:09 AM

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Cobos · 08-21-2008, 08:18 AM

That was a seriously positive blog post. Especially considering they didn't say it's an overpriced Elise. Tesla should really enjoy that, hopefully this translates to similar points made on the show.

Cobos

malcolm · 08-21-2008, 10:42 AM

Thanks David.

Interesting to witness the herding instinct amongst the comments: "It looks like a sports car so we must make it sound like a sports car"

graham · 08-21-2008, 01:44 PM

I don't understand all the comments about needing a noise maker and the lack of kudos for the lack of noise being a welcome feature.

I think I may want a noise maker added to mine - only, instead of a mechanical noise, I would like my car to generate some sort of music instead. Yes! that is it! If some *genius* could engineer a noise generator that output music... something I could control the volume by a knob on the dashboard. That person who invented that would be a millionaire.

TEG · 08-21-2008, 03:20 PM

Yes, it is odd how the gas cars have been getting more and more praise for all the noise improvements, and then when we have a near silent car, the tables suddenly turn. A high end Lexus or Mercedes is already near silent and an existing hazard to pedestrians.

Pedestrians have to WATCH for cars. They can't count on the noise. Plenty of pedestrians are already sound isolated with the headphones. And besides, since when does gas engine noise act as a suitable warning considering:
#1: The gas motor in many vehicles is basically idling when you slow down.
#2: The exhaust noise is directed out the back of the vehicle.
We could argue that all cars need a pedestrian warning system when braking, but this constant concern over Tesla as a pedestrian hazard seems misguided.

From the article:
"That battery pack should, incidentally, give you range of around 220 miles if you drive sensibly. Get a bit overeager with your right foot, though, and you're looking at about half that - a figure that might cause some concern considering the eight hour charge time..."

This isn't the first time we have heard something like that. It is sounding like range for enthusiastic drivers isn't going to live up to the EPA numbers.

dpeilow · 08-21-2008, 03:34 PM

Also

Quote:

And, in a few years - between two and four, depending on how much you rag it - you'll need to replace the battery pack, which'll cost you around £12,000. Rather dwarves the five-pence-per-mile running costs, eh?

Replacement battery in 2 years?!?

Cobos · 08-21-2008, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpeilow

Also

Replacement battery in 2 years?!?

Well they say 100 000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first. Simple arithmetic gives a 50 000 miles a year means every 2 years. What people need to keep in mind though is that the battery at that point should be at around 80% not dead...

Cobos

SteveF · 08-21-2008, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEG

Pedestrians have to WATCH for cars. They can't count on the noise. Plenty of pedestrians are already sound isolated with the headphones. And besides, since when does gas engine noise act as a suitable warning considering:
#1: The gas motor in many vehicles is basically idling when you slow down.
#2: The exhaust noise is directed out the back of the vehicle.
We could argue that all cars need a pedestrian warning system when braking, but this constant concern over Tesla as a pedestrian hazard seems misguided.

Exactly.

And to take this to the next logical conclusion, what really needs to happen (and I believe WILL happen) as silent EV's become more common, is that people learn to use their eyes when crossing the road. Without sounding callous, a few "misadventures" are likely going to take place to get this into the mainstream consciousness. Not just because of the Tesla, but as EV's become more and more prevalent. As just one example, before plastic bags were invented, there was no need for people to admonish their children "don't put that plastic bag over your head - you could suffocate". After plastic bags appeared, people learned (I'm sure there are numerous other examples). As more and more EV's hit the road, people will learn.

It would be a shame to ADD to the level of noise pollution already in existence by adding noise to an EV, just because it is too quiet.