Electric vehicles with 60 mile ranges and long recharge times are likely to be tethered to a cord in the garage for an overnight recharge, and used only for short commutes. The situation will persist until their range improves with new batteries or many fast chargers are readily available. How could the industry move things along?
The Tesla Model S (for sexy?) goes for a modest $80,000. But with that comes free recharging with the 85 kWh battery.
Tesla Motors’ forward-thinking president, Elon Musk, has answered the question by establishing fast-charging stations across the country to free his growing product line from range limitation, and drivers from range anxiety.
But Musk has gone a step further. His now 70+ Superchargers will let Model S owners travel without addition charge between cities along a few well-traveled highways in North America and Europe. The supercharger option is an additional $2,500 with the 85 kWh battery.
As of this date, there will be no additional charges for battery recharging to Tesla Model S owners. Superchargers are said to provide half a charge in as little as 20 minutes (close to an hour for a full charge) and are placed within the limits of the Model S. The company provides these stats:
Recent coverage in North America
As of February 2014 – 73 stations
Coast-to-coast travel now enabled
2014 – 80% of the US population and parts of Canada
2015 – 98% of the US population and parts of Canada
Recent coverage in Europe
As of February 2014 – 14 stations
Each read dot marks a Tesla Supercharging station. The company promises more to come.
The facilities are said to be located near amenities such as roadside diners, cafes, and shopping centers. Travelers can stop for a quick meal and have their Model S charged when they’re done. That’s the idea.
What does this have to do with the wind industry? Simply this: it encourages the growth of the electric-vehicle industry which will encourage further upgrades to the U.S. grid, into which the wind industry pumps many megawatt-hours. What could be more timely or useful than commuting and traveling on purely domestic energy? Better yet, U.S. generated wind energy will be in the power lines. The wind industry is ready, and apparently so is Tesla Motors. As batteries improve and charging stations proliferate, the electric road trip becomes more of a possibility. Sooner or later, more will say “Good bye gasoline, hello EV.” Sooner or later, it’s gonna happen.
–Paul Dvorak
Filed Under: News
Electric motors and generators are at 80% efficiency up from old 30%. That means generators and motors at the end are
better than ever so electric is more feasible. Neodydidium Iron Boron magnets are incredibly strong for the electric motors
of the future.
Does it come with a free fire extinguisher?
What happened the battery swapping program? Why is there is huge grille in front of car that looks like a radiator air intake? They can install small wind turbines to help recharge the batteries while the vehicle is in high speed on the highway and also help cooldown the batteries.