Kardax

With the change to a single-speed transmission, the tachometer now serves no useful function. The 13,000 RPM redline is cool and everything, but it's basically impossible to hit it with one gear that goes to 120+ MPH.

So... with the low top speed being a notable deficiency compared to other cars in the Roadster's price range, how long do you think it will be before Tesla makes another attempt at a multi-gear transmission?

I realize higher top speeds don't matter to most customers for anything other than bragging rights (Germany autobahn users maybe), but it definitely has track implications. The Tesla Roadster will lose to cars half its price on a track with any sort of straightaway.

-Ryan

WarpedOne

Actually, top speed is not the major downside. Drive train 1.5 increases max power to 225kW with same 50kWh of stored energy. That means you have enough juice for 13 minutes of driving at max power. Of course, doing that is impossible. I reckon about 100kW average power usage is quite attainable on track. Than means you have half an hour of driving and than you are off for at least four hours. Regenerative braking would not help you much because it is not aggressive enough for track racing. Most braking is done via classic brakes.

Tachometer should be joined with speedometer with a single needle. Instead of existing tachometer there should be "powermeter", showing current engine power usage.

Classic transmissions with fixed gear ratios and clutches are unsuitable for powerful electric motors as Tesla Motors has learned at great pains - kicking and screaming. If they ever try them again, they should try a different design. Maybe CVT, maybe hydraulics...

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tonybelding

Sounds like a cool idea to me.

Cobos

In case they do implement a power meter they should also make sure it shows current flowing out and into the battery. As regenerative breaking throws power the other way. Might also be a good way to make sure people drive economically if they want to, like economode lights in gasoline cars.

Cobos

TEG

What I wrote last year:

"On the Highlander Hybrid they don't bother with an RPM gauge because you have both eMotor and Gas Engine sometimes working alone and sometimes working together.
Instead they have a tach like thing that shows total system power (in kW) being created.
The Roadster has a tachometer, but perhaps that is just a carryover from the Elise cluster? With their complete control over RPM, Torque requested, and HP produced perhaps a new type of display should be shown which includes requested Torque, and HP produced rather than simply RPMs.

I like the idea of mode selective displays. The regular display with minimal info, and the "geek mode" display with lots of details.
Showing PEM voltage and current output, regen current, and all those little details that would be fun to track.
I don't know how much info they already have on the VDS, but having access to as much as possible would be nice for those that want to see it."

malcolm

The whole thing needs a re-design really.

TEG's right. All of the current/voltage/power info is available now, it's just that it's stuck down by your left leg on the VDS, which desperately needs to be integrated into the main instrument binacle. Mechanical dials need to go digital and the whole thing needs to offer a variety of display modes.

But not "fighter pilot HUD" - that's just silly.

deenko

The VDS does display that info, and more, but you are all right. it is a pain to look at while driving. The dash does contain a little lcd that always displays real time current consumption (inder the tacho). you can watch it hit high currents during acceleration, and 2 amps during idle. I do not know what it does during regen. The LCD also shows trip distance, distance till empty, current charge, etc.

I actually prefer the minimalist approach. Just enough information without cluttering up the drivers view. I am guessing this minimalist approach is a carry over from british design mentality.

malcolm

Oh yes.

Ariel Motor Company

vfx

Sbyer

How do you feel about your Tesla now going to have a useless Tach? The cluster design could be even cleaner without it.

Vestigial Tachometer

PS


Your name looks like you are ready to purchase a "Whitestar"

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SByer

Well, it's not great. But it's forgivable given how well the car drives. How many cars with automatics still have a tach? Pretty useless there, too.