date:20141010

[EVDL] EVLN Tesla "D" announcement - Dual motor and autonomous driving features.

2014-10-10 Thread Mike Nickerson via EV

https://transportevolved.com/2014/10/10/official-tesla-model-s-85-d-unveiled-3-2-second-0-60-time-longer-range-tech-assist-package-changes-lanes/

OFFICIAL: Tesla Model S Dual Motor (D) Unveiled — 3.2 Second 0-60 Time, Longer
Range. Autonomous Driving Hardware Now Standard

OCTOBER 10, 2014 BY NIKKI GORDON-BLOOMFIELD

It had all the makings of a Los Angeles party: loud music, an A-list celebrity
guest list, and even a broken embargo an hour or so before the big reveal which
then mysteriously disappeared from the Internet moments later. Yet this wasn’t
a hollywood movie premiere: this was a reveal event for Tesla Motors
[NASDAQ:TSLA] with the kind of hype you’d normally reserve for Apple.

Official: that ‘D’ means ‘Dual Motor,’ and it’s super-fast. (Photo:
TeslaMotorsClub user @aldeman)

But it turns out all the hype was worth it, as we confirm that Elon Musk’s
highly-anticipated ‘D’ announcement is the introduction of a Dual-Motor,
All-Wheel-Drive Tesla Model S, capable of a higher efficiency than current
rear-wheel drive Tesla Model S cars, a longer range, and a 0-60 time of just
3.2 seconds. Although the announcement was made less than half an hour ago, the
news was leaked earlier this evening on line by USA today, before it was
hurriedly taken down thirty minutes or so before the big reveal.

“As you probably learned by the Internet because it’s impossible to keep
anything private these days,” joked Musk shortly after joining the stage at the
Tesla Hawthorn Design Studio. “The D stands for ‘Dual Motor’.”

With a flourish, Musk then showed a picture of the chassis of the Model S-D,
with both electric motors marked.

“But why show you a picture when you can see the real thing?” Musk asked.
“Release the titans!”

Elon Musk used robots to demonstrate the Model S’ new Dual Motor setup.

With that, one of the robots used in Tesla’s factory spring to life, emerging
from the floor of the stage carrying a Tesla Model S-D chassis in its jaws, to
whoops of delight from the assembled audience.

Unlike most all-wheel drive cars on the market, Musk explained, the Tesla Model
S-D benefited from an all-electronic drivetrain system that could instantly
shift torque from the front to the rear wheels as required, making it far more
sure-footed than other all-wheel-drive models. What’s more, Musk explained, the
inclusion of the second motor in the Model S means that overall, the car is far
more efficient.

This results in an increased all-electric range without any modifications to
the battery pack, up from 265 miles per charge on the Tesla P85 to 275 miles on
the Tesla P85 D, while simultaneously decreasing the 0-60 mph time to just 3.2
seconds.

“That’s faster than a McLaren F1 [LM],” joked Musk.

While the Dual Motor Model S was the headline announcement of the evening
however, perhaps more interesting for future car fans is the confirmation that
Tesla has become the first automaker in the world to release its cars with
autonomous driving hardware that makes it possible for a Tesla Model S fitted
with it to drive itself — even if it’s currently restricted on public highways
due to various legislative restrictions.

Confirming what many, including us, have surmised, each and every Tesla Model S
coming off the factory at Tesla’s Fremont facility in California now comes with
self-driving technology fitted as standard, paving the way for a future where
Tesla cars can take over most of the strain of driving.

As Musk explained on stage, Tesla’s autonomous driving system comes in four
distinct parts, all of which work together to ensure that all new Tesla Model S
cars can not only keep you safe on the road but avoid other road users, detect
everything from small animals and children to cars in your blind spot, and even
greet you in the morning like Michael J Knight’s KITT in KnightRider.

“The first [part] is a forward-facing radar,” explained Musk. “It’s able to see
through fog, sand…anything.” Located on the lower bumper assembly, the radar
helps the Model S keep an appropriate distance from the car in front, as well
as ensure it doesn’t hit any unseen obstacles in inclement weather. This is
backed up by a camera — located behind the rear-view mirror — which has
sophisticated image detection. As well as being able to read road signs, Musk
said the camera is capable of detecting and recognising pedestrians and other
road users.

Tesla’s four-stage autonomous drive hardware is now standard on all cars (P.
Pascaul)

“The third system is a 360 degree ultrasonic sonar,” Musk continued. ‘This
establishes a protective cocoon around the car. It can see anything: a small
child, a dog. And it can operate at any speed.” Explaining the system further,
Musk said the ultrasonic sensor means that the Model S will now be capable of
detecting anything in your

[EVDL] OT: Alive, back-home after-surgery, and working on getting well ...

2014-10-10 Thread brucedp5 via EV



[ref
http://electric-vehicle-discussion-list.413529.n4.nabble.com/afk-tp4671942.html
afk ...
]

While this post does have a whiff of EV stuff to it, it is mostly OT about
my medical stuff (so, lets try to not post OT medical responses if possible
- and if you are not interested, please delete this message now ... ).

I had checked into the VA Hospital yesterday morning, and my big/large mouth
had no problem taking in the breathing tube down my windpipe which my
anesthesiologist was quite concerned about after seeing on the CAT scan that
my left side thyroid goiter (growth) was pushing on my wind pipe, narrowing
it and pushing it to the side (I did not notice any of this as I was in no
pain, but all the VA doctors were hot to yank the whole thyroid, but got
them to back off a bit and only take the left side which was causing the
issue).

I am really glad I do not remember most of the beginning before they knocked
me out. Though my memory isn't as sharp as when I was younger, I can still
replay my life experiences a little too well (a good memory did have its
upside, when I could remember/visualize in my mind my homework pages I had
done the night before when taking a test that day - it let me be an A
student). 

All in all, I awoke doing pretty well, with all the doctors and staff
looking at me amazed at how large the goiter was (?). I had a large bandage
across my throat (looking something similar to ... )
http://magnoflex.de/media/images/info/7082.jpg

Later, in a recovery bed and after most of the anesthesia had worn off,
though sore, I found I could talk which is something I was concerned I might
lose (it would be hard to talk plugins to the public if I could not speak,
etc.)

After a night of not sleeping that well (strange place, lots of noises to
wake you up, people coming to wake you up to take a blood sample or a bp
reading after you had just gotten to sleep, etc.), this morning I got word
that I wasn't going to have-to stay the days they had said I would (in
comparison to a previous VA ward experience where they did not want to let
me go, it was like this ward was anxious to get me out of there ... ?). So,
until the release order came though, I had what seemed like anybody and
everybody wanting take a look at and or talk to Bruce.

At one point a group of ten (doctors and staff) came in (with me nak'd under
a sheet covering me up). A lot of 'WOW! that baby was HUGE!' (referring to
the chunk they cut out of me). I said with all these people wanting to see
me, with a sleepy smile I asked, 'What was it some kind of Guinness record?'
(they all laughed at that). The surgeon said no but it was huge. I asked how
huge? Meatball size? (partially closing my fingers like I was holding golf
ball sized meatball). She said no, more like (holding out her hand like she
was holding a large grapefruit).

At the end of our crowd chat, I asked if they were going to put it in a
medical alcohol jar to gawk and laugh at (they chuckled at that, as they
then filed out of my room).

Later, the surgeon came by, and she too was quite impressed in its size. So,
I suppose it is a good thing it is now out of me. She said my scar would
likely not be that bad as they were able to blend the cut along one of the
(old-man) folds that was already on my throat (would look something like ...
)
http://www.shifrinmd.com/sites/all/images/2-weeks-after-total-thyroidectomy-11-27.jpg


At that point I thought to myself, the scar was nothing as I was just glad I
could still speak so as to continue doing my EV-cause EVanglizing (i.e:
talking to the public, etc.).

As it turned out, later one of the several people that came by to talk to me
was a mature RN, that I got express my joy that I could still speak and
mentioned the EV-cause efforts I had been making since the 1990's. 

She said she and her husband had gotten a really good deal on a Ford Focus
Electric lease that they just could not pass up (they were only looking at
the huge money discount Ford offered). Even with a sore speaking voice and
all the pain from the surgery, I dropped into EVangel mode and congratulated
her on a nice EV (Bruce was excited to talk EVs again). 

But I also had her write down for her (techie) husband to know
http://plugshare.com
where he could look up where all the public charging was all across the U.S.
(her eyes got wider like she did not even know that existed).

That led me to say it was too bad that her nice Focus EV did not have
level-3 charging. Keeping it brief and simple, I explained that whereas the
L2 charger they had in their garage would take hours, a L3 quick charge
would have only take 15 minutes (I say 15 because most drivers do not come
in totally empty, and it is an easier figure for the layman to remember).

She expressed they like their Electric so much, but wished it had a longer
range. I told her that the 200 mile range packs were coming. I used the
analogy of like the old VCR tapes that originally were once $6 each, in high
production

[EVDL] EVLN: Ghosn sez Leaf profitability is 'getting there'

2014-10-10 Thread brucedp5 via EV



http://green.autoblog.com/2014/10/02/ghosn-we-are-getting-there-on-making-nissan-leaf-profitable/
Ghosn: 'We are getting there' on making Nissan Leaf profitable
By Sebastian Blanco  Oct 2nd 2014

[images]

 CEO Says The Tide Is Turning 

 After 19 months in a row of record sales in the US, the money picture for
the Nissan Leaf is steadily improving. To date (well, until the end of
September), Nissan has sold 63,944 Leaf EVs in the US and a total of around
140,000 globally. The company produces the electric vehicle in three
countries: Japan, the UK and the US and has sold more standard passenger EVs
than any other automaker. Add all that up and you get to an EV that is just
about to be profitable.

"We are getting into positive, which is good for this technology." – Carlos
Ghosn

 At least, it is according to Carlos Ghosn, the CEO of Renault-Nissan, who
spoke to reporters at that Paris Motor Show this week. "We are getting there
[to Leaf profitability]," Ghosn told Automotive News. "Are we amortizing and
depreciating everything we have spent? No. But if you look at margin of
profit – the direct cost of the car and the revenue of the car – we are
getting into positive, which is good for this technology."

 Automakers are notoriously closemouthed when it comes to sharing specifics
about the higher cost of alternative vehicle technologies compared to
standard ICE vehicles. Still, statements like this – as well as a knowledge
about how long it took Toyota to make money from the Prius and overall
industry amortization – show that Nissan could well be sitting pretty when
it comes to keeping EVs around for the long term. Given some of the other
news we've heard recently, it's got to be nice to have some stability.
[© green.autoblog.com]




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http://www.drive.com.au/motor-news/skinny-tyres-the-new-fashion-20141004-10qelg.html
i3 EV's skinny tyre fashion trend reduces energy losses> lrr, +more
...
https://transportevolved.com/2014/10/04/electragirl-difference-inch-can-make/
ElectraGirl's tire inch desires 

http://azcapitoltimes.com/news/2014/10/03/az-blue-skies-license-plates-now-for-electric-cars/
AZ Blue Skies plates becoming the domain of EVs

http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20140929/NEWS/409290308
L3 Supercharger EVSE pit-stop opening in Sagamore Beach MA
...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuTHgouuIqA
+
EVLN: A ‘British Tesla’ could shift the UK car industry into top gear


{brucedp.150m.com}



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[EVDL] EVLN: A ‘British Tesla’ could shift the UK car industry into top gear

2014-10-10 Thread brucedp5 via EV

http://theconversation.com/a-british-tesla-could-shift-the-uk-car-industry-into-top-gear-32249
A ‘British Tesla’ could shift the UK car industry into top gear
by Richard Brooks 3 October 2014

[images
https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/60660/width668/scm97bv6-1412252621.jpg
But where does the petrol go in? Anna Gowthorpe/PA

https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/60657/width668/zv6678sz-1412251905.jpg
An early Tesla impresses then prime minister Gordon Brown. Lewis Whyld/PA
]

British-owned car manufacturing has been in decline in UK for decades but
the shift to electric cars might be just what is needed for a revival. The
recent announcement by US-based Detroit Electric that it will move its
production to the UK highlights some of the engineering strengths Britain
possesses – but will local entrepreneurs see it too?

Britain might be a minor player in the emerging hybrid and pure electric
vehicle (EV) market, but it was not always so. Indeed, the UK has a credible
claim to have invented both the electric locomotive carriage in the 1830s,
and the electric car in the 1880s. By the late 1880 and 1890s, the UK and
France were leading the world in the deployment of the vehicles, with an
electric taxi firm operating on London streets by the turn of the 20th
century.

Sadly its time was not to be and during most of the 20th century, the
internal combustion engine made greater advances in price, range and
performance; electric vehicles were pushed into niche markets such as indoor
moving equipment or milk deliveries.

The decline in British industry throughout the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s meant
EV firms lacked access to both the most recent technology and domestic
car-makers who might operate as partners and clients. One of the reasons why
Japan played such a prominent early role is that advances made in industries
such as consumer electronics could be transferred across to automotive
mass-production – sometimes within the same group of companies.
The Tesla moment

Yet, to say Britain can’t compete because it lacks a “domestic champion”
car-maker would be letting its would-be innovators off too lightly. Tesla
Motors succeeded precisely because it wasn’t a large car maker, but a small
company with a big idea that was willing to take the risks it’s bigger
rivals wouldn’t.

In 2008, many automotive multi-nationals were sceptical of EV technology and
the electric cars they developed were typically less reliable and lower
powered than their petrol and diesel equivalents. Tesla upturned
expectations by aiming squarely at cash-rich early adopters.

It was an audacious pitch and Elon Musk, internet tycoon turned Tesla
founder, was not an experienced car-maker. He therefore turned towards the
British firm Lotus Cars to provide the “glider” or body of the car. In this
move Californian money and technology was married with British design and
production to provide an eye-catching, prestige vehicle that was also
sufficiently lightweight to suit the lower weigh-to-power ratio of EVs.

The Tesla strategy

Given Tesla’s success it is not surprising that others such as Albert Lam, a
former Lotus executive, emulated its strategy. Lam first moved into the EV
market by reviving the Detroit Electric brand – a firm that had been one of
the pioneers of electric vehicles in the early 1900s, before ceasing
production in 1939.

Today its flagship SP.01, marketed as “the fastest EV on the market” also
makes use of a Lotus designed body but goes a step further than Tesla by
basing its European factory in Royal Leamington Spa, West Midlands. Lam
himself is no stranger to the area: he has a degree from Coventry University
and has held positions in local car-makers Jaguar and Land Rover. No doubt
he is aware of the region’s association with low-volume prestige brands, its
excellent supply base, world-leading motorsports expertise and strong R&D
facilities focused on low-carbon vehicles.

Indeed, the British car industry looks attractive for overseas investors in
general. Nissan’s decision to assemble the market-leading Leaf in its
Sunderland plant makes sense: the UK has high-levels of productivity in the
sector (second only to Germany in Europe), favourable corporate tax levels,
a package of government incentives for electric vehicle consumers and a
buoyant car market. In short, the country has a lot to offer EV
manufacturers.
Why are British firms having problems?

This being the case it’s worth asking why it has taken an American company
to recognise the value of these assets. Mostly it comes to down to
technology, money and perhaps some entrepreneurial caution.

The UK has its strengths but there are notable gaps to make the transition
to EV. Industry analyst Peter Harrop of IDTechEx notes that the UK is
“world-class in terms of innovative component suppliers” but “nowhere” in
terms of electric car batteries.

Another big problem is t

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