Tesla in deal with Daimler - Page 5

jorgbrown · 08-30-2008, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dpeilow

When did you see that, Jorg?

About 3 weeks ago.

WarpedOne · 08-30-2008, 02:38 PM

Hmm, I'd say there is more in this deal than just batteries.

PEM must be intimately knowledgable about the battery properties so PEM is probably also TM's, maybe a scaled down version of Roadster's one. Don't know about motor. That is probably daimlers or something of-the-shelf.

doug · 08-30-2008, 04:14 PM

There was a Flickr photo a while back with a bunch of Smart Cars parked out by the San Carlos shop. So Tesla has been working on them for a while. Supposedly the electric Smart will not compete with Bluestar. But you'd think that if they brought this to the US, it might:

WarpedOne · 08-31-2008, 01:45 AM

Yup, electric Smart Roadster is something I'd buy but they don't make them any more.

dpeilow · 08-31-2008, 02:39 AM

I always liked the look of the ForFour as a practical city car, but unfortunately they've stopped making that too

flabby · 09-02-2008, 09:18 PM

Some more news about the smart ED

Smart ED test is in full swing in Islington, UK - AutoblogGreen

graham · 09-05-2008, 05:28 PM

Daimler makes an official announcement, but does not mention Tesla by name:

Daimler to Electrify Autobahn With ?e-mobility Berlin? Earth2Tech

Quote:

Berlin’s autobahn will be getting a charge from the “e-mobility Berlin” program Daimler AG officially unveiled today. The automaker is working with German utility RWE to put more than 100 electric cars on the city’s roads by 2010. Under terms of the joint venture, Daimler will provide electric vehicles from its Smart and Mercedes-Benz lines while RWE will install some 500 charging points around the city.

The announcement gives no legs to the rumors circulating about Daimler’s possible partnerships with a slew of cleantech startups. Last week, the Financial Times reported that electric car poster child Tesla Motors would be supplying the batteries for the Smart cars, but the release doesn’t say whose batteries will be in them.

Finkenbusch · 09-06-2008, 05:46 AM

Wishfull thinking graham and comrades

- begging for compliment, crying for consideration are not even given a look by Daimler.

Fact is:
The original Mercedes / Daimler press release mentions nothing in this respect - not even a hint.

“e-mobility Berlin”: Daimler and RWE embarking on the age of electro-mobility

They would be crazy to use Teslas trick "mobile phone battery technology".

If the Germans are honored for one thing that is technology of the finest and the real stuff -
the original
- not faking or nudeling the nudel.

compris?

vfx · 09-06-2008, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finkenbusch

... or nudeling the nudel.

Can we say this in a Family forum?

malcolm · 09-06-2008, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDB

I agree. I tend to think Tesla's expertise is in the drivetrain and other mechanics, not the battery IMO. Why wouldn't Daimler go with someone safe like A123 or Enerdel? I think it's dangerous for Tesla to try to master all aspects because they're almost going to have to outsource to a third party if they are truly going to compete. Just consider the expense of the Volt's battery pack...no way does Tesla have those type of resources. Are we off base?

Maybe this is just a test arrangement. Smart seem to be keen on endlessly testing the electric version of the fortwo, so it is possible that there will be extended trials with packs from a number of different suppliers.