What will Martin do Next?

Mike_A · 12-14-2007, 04:10 AM

Hello Martin,

You alluded to some things that you might like to do once the dust settles.

Would you like to stay in EV or move on?

I was wondering if you will look for projects where you can have 51% and therefore control

?

Are you open to pitches (EV based)?

Apologies for this brazen spruiking, think of it as a form of flattery.

Ciao,

Mike

TEG · 12-14-2007, 09:08 AM

Martin mentioned that he plans to have a "teslafounders.com" blog soon.

You may wish to save your ideas and present them there when it goes live.

Dogtown · 01-08-2008, 10:54 PM

After reading through the 50 plus comments on Martin's new blog it seems to me that the EV is still nearest and dearest to his heart. If I were a betting man I would say the next project will be EV related.

In the posts Martin refers to some of the issues he faced at Tesla. Most of these have pretty obvious solutions within a new company. Basic answer is "Keep control of company vision and product design rights."

What other things do you think he would like to change; or do with a new EV company? Would it compete directly with the Tesla roadster? Should it go straight to a WhiteStar competitor? What makes the most sense? What should be considered and why?

malcolm · 01-09-2008, 01:59 AM

Well I guess we'll find out soon enough, but I'm idly wondering whether it might be something in the charging infrastucture area. A common recharge communications protocol? Something like the CAN bus, but for charging stations???

Then again, if the intelligence in the charging system is built into the car anyway, why bother? It'll only make kerb-side recharging points more expensive.

Dumb electronics are cheap electronics :)

I'm assuming that it's going to be EV-related, of course.

Might be something completely different.

WarpedOne · 01-09-2008, 03:37 AM

Quote:

... but I'm idly wondering whether it might be something in the charging infrastucture area. A common recharge communications protocol? Something like the CAN bus, but for charging stations ...

A single man or small company cannot do anything in the infrastucture area or protocols. Those things take big companies, government, politics and a lot of money and time.

Martin has "almost" succeded with the first step of his plan - crate an EV supercar. The next step - EV family sedan - I'd say is out of his reach for now. Also he would directly compete with Tesla Motors.

What about third step? Small, affordable and fun comuter EV? Something like this maybe? (concept D from Venture Vehicles at http://www.flytheroad.com/):

This is not something I'd call a punishment vehicle. This thing could weigh well around 1000 pounds and be cheaper to develope and produce than an ordinary car because legaly it is a motorcycle, no safety demands and standards to meet. But it can be used in rain and cold weather, without helmet and special lether suits. It also can take on your groceries and it is a fun to drive! :)

A smaller battery pack would suffice (I'd say 30kWh, 500pounds), because it has much less drag than a car, making it less expensive and also lighter. Target price is 25.000$ for pure EV version. Even if it rises to 35.000 it would sell like hotcakes.

Only I'm not so sure VentureVehicles are actualy capable of making it a reality. Martins experience could realy help them out. He hadn't said no yet :D

X-CEOsWife · 01-09-2008, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogtown

If I were a betting man I would say the next project will be EV related.

I would not be so quick to bet. We have talked about all sorts of ideas, and just like the pre-Tesla days, some ideas are more interesting than others and not all are in the EV world. In fact, some are not even in the transportation business.

As for the VentureOne car, I can almost promise that Martin will not get into the 3-wheel car business. That aspect of car design scares me personally. Too much liability with no safety standards and DOT testing required. I can not imagine Martin having the nerve to start a company that I was not behind. Can you imagine me in his face everyday complaining about his job? My guess is that this idea scares him.

Carolyn

WarpedOne · 01-09-2008, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Too much liability with no safety standards and DOT testing required.

Hmm, I don't see motorcycle companies having troubles with that. And motorcycles have no airbags, rollcages etc.

Quote:

My guess is that this idea scares him

This forum needs a smiley that is pouring out tears

Dogtown · 01-09-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X-CEOsWife

I would not be so quick to bet. We have talked about all sorts of ideas, and just like the pre-Tesla days, some ideas are more interesting than others and not all are in the EV world. In fact, some are not even in the transportation business.

Well, you are certainly in a better position to tell than I am. I know how it is looking at all the new opportunities. Tons of ideas and only one focus. It seems that Martin shares my philosophy that keeping focused is key, unlike certain others that will remain nameless. Understanding all that, there is always going to be a part of the mind that keeps saying how close you were to getting it right. "If only I had a chance to do it all over again I would... Oh wait, I do have that chance." How cool is that?

mt2 · 01-09-2008, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X-CEOsWife

As for the VentureOne car, I can almost promise that Martin will not get into the 3-wheel car business. That aspect of car design scares me personally. Too much liability with no safety standards and DOT testing required. I can not imagine Martin having the nerve to start a company that I was not behind. Can you imagine me in his face everyday complaining about his job? My guess is that this idea scares him.

Carolyn

LOL, I guess you're right about that.

Personally, though, I think Martin could provide some consulting to help them with their business plan and refine their focus. I believe there is a developing market for management consulting with clean technology start-ups.

Martin · 01-09-2008, 10:09 PM

What, me afraid of that little pipsqueak?

The real tough one is Carolyn 2.0...