Model 3 Unveiling [video] • Hacker News Board

Re: Model 3 Unveiling [video]

#141

Post by stevep98 » Fri, Apr 01, 2016, 4:30 AM UTC

aresant wrote: post #55

I love Tesla the company and respect the hell out of Elon. But his presentation style is hard to watch - he is literally stammering through what feels like a dry script. I've never seen him live before is this par for the course or nerves? Edit - wow that is a better looking car than I expected. You can be as awkward serving as you like if that's the main course!

I think they could improve things by controlling the audience more. The presentation wasn't helped by people yelling and interrupting (yes, they were enthusiastic).

Apple handles this a lot better, they get applause and cheers, but it always seems to be at the right time. Is it because their audience is apple employees highly trained to give feedback on cue?

Re: Model 3 Unveiling [video]

#142

Post by mikeyouse » Fri, Apr 01, 2016, 4:30 AM UTC

UnoriginalGuy wrote: post #127

usaphp wrote: post #83

Wow, I don't really know how bmw or mercedes are going to compete with model 3. Tesla does not look worse than 3 series and C class, is faster and is almost free to run. And the base bmw 3 series starts at $33,200 and it is almost empty inside...It will be an interesting couple years for auto industry for sure.

> almost free to run Legit question: How much does a Tesla cost to recharge? I mean assuming you do it in your home and not at a free charging station. Are we talking $1/charge? $5? 50c? I just want a frame of reference. I'm talking raw electricity only (and obviously based on some average rate).

The average battery size for the Model S is probably 85kWh (they sell them from 70 - 90), and average residential power rates in the US are ~$0.15/kWh. So the easy answer is, a Model S will cost ~$12.75 to "fill up". However, some places have residential rates closer to $0.08/kWh, or $7/tank. That's for 300mi range.

They do sell lower capacity battery versions and the entry level Model 3 will likely have a 50kWh battery for a 215mi range, so that would cost $7.50 to fill.

Most areas have night-time plans from the utilities to level demand where they charge a lot less for power, the Supercharging stations are free to use for Tesla owners, so the average cost will probably be quite a bit lower.

Re: Model 3 Unveiling [video]

#143

Post by kbenson » Fri, Apr 01, 2016, 4:32 AM UTC

gameshot911 wrote: post #115

Okay, I'll say it. I don't like the hatchback-esque look. I would have much preferred a normal sedan design. Yes the car is amazing in a ton of other ways, and yes the look will probably grow on me over time, but I don't want to "learn to love it". I want to innately find it beautiful at first glance. And my initial, instinctual reaction to the unveil was...a feeling of slight letdown.

To keep size (and thus weight) down, but still seat 5, I'm not sure you have a lot of choice. That said, it might be possible they'll release a coupe variant, or a sporty wagon variant. I wouldn't mind if it was more wagon-esque, and that's probably the easier of the options as it wouldn't require reconfiguring rear seat size at all.

Re: Model 3 Unveiling [video]

#144

Post by mikeash » Fri, Apr 01, 2016, 4:34 AM UTC

jvm wrote: post #136

> Both cars will start at $30,000 or less after federal tax credits of $7,500 are applied. And both go at least 200 miles on a fully charged battery. The Bolt is a five-passenger hatchback that boasts cargo space and more legroom for rear passengers—front-seat backs are an inch thinner than in most cars. Looks almost identical specs-wise to Chevy Bolt, which will be available at the end of 2016 rather than 2017. http…

The Tesla is a bit cheaper. I don't think the Bolt has any Autopilot-like options. Far more importantly, the Bolt has no real fast charging infrastructure, either existing or planned. If you like to drive to places more than 200 miles away, there's still only one company with an EV that can reasonably do that.

Re: Model 3 Unveiling [video]

#145

Post by dragontamer » Fri, Apr 01, 2016, 4:34 AM UTC

usaphp wrote: post #114

manav wrote: post #105

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The car looks comparable to a Honda CRZ or a Toyota Prius (or a Subaru BRZ). They should have gone with the small-sedan form factor, but I think they believe it will cannibalize Model S sales.

> "for a luxury car" Since when is a car under 35K is considered luxury?

35k is definitely a luxury vehicle.

Brand new cars like Honda Fit and Ford Focus are $15k. Nissan Maxima / Honda Accord is ~$22k starting.

$35k is where BMW and Lexus start. He's still competing against the luxury segment, but "entry" luxury.

Re: Model 3 Unveiling [video]

#146

Post by rsync » Fri, Apr 01, 2016, 4:35 AM UTC

kec wrote: post #121

usaphp wrote: post #83

Wow, I don't really know how bmw or mercedes are going to compete with model 3. Tesla does not look worse than 3 series and C class, is faster and is almost free to run. And the base bmw 3 series starts at $33,200 and it is almost empty inside...It will be an interesting couple years for auto industry for sure.

The same way they're currently competing with the model S at the mid to high end: they provide a more luxurious experience at the same price point.

"they provide a more luxurious experience at the same price point."

A much, much, much more luxurious experience.

The highest end, max-optioned Model S you can buy does not have as nice an interior as a decent 3 series or C class mercedes. It doesn't even beat out their low end.

Never mind the cars in its price range (A8/S class/7series). They're not even remotely comparable in terms of interior or luxury appointment.

I find it odd, actually ... of all the things you have to do to make a car, sourcing some decent highly adjustable seats and some nice leather appointments, etc., has to be the easiest. Further, you can just add a "luxury package" and option it at $9950 and call it a day ... and lots of people would buy it.

Re: Model 3 Unveiling [video]

#147

Post by FullyFunctional » Fri, Apr 01, 2016, 4:36 AM UTC

UnoriginalGuy wrote: post #127

usaphp wrote: post #83

Wow, I don't really know how bmw or mercedes are going to compete with model 3. Tesla does not look worse than 3 series and C class, is faster and is almost free to run. And the base bmw 3 series starts at $33,200 and it is almost empty inside...It will be an interesting couple years for auto industry for sure.

> almost free to run Legit question: How much does a Tesla cost to recharge? I mean assuming you do it in your home and not at a free charging station. Are we talking $1/charge? $5? 50c? I just want a frame of reference. I'm talking raw electricity only (and obviously based on some average rate).

It depends (d'oh) on how much charge you need to fill in and how much you pay for electricity (at time of charging). In my case I carge at work, so $0. Literally. However, my daily commute is about 50 mi. My avg. W/mi is 340, so 17 kWh @ $0.13/ kWh (PG&E, EV-rate), so $2.21 but increase by ? 10% for various efficiency losses.

I'll get solar (PV) eventually though.

Re: Model 3 Unveiling [video]

#148

Post by beamatronic » Fri, Apr 01, 2016, 4:36 AM UTC

rokhayakebe wrote: post #90

alvern wrote: post #69

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Over 115k reservations in 24hours! This is going to put serious pressure on other auto makers to step up their game.

More like game over for some auto makers. You have to think for $35,000 would most people rather get a Tesla, a BMW, a Lexus, a Mercedes, or an Audi? Tesla is going to grab many of these guys customers. I for one, can't wait for my lease to be over.

The last time I looked at a reasonably loaded Honda Odyssey it was over $40k. $35k is not really a high end price point any longer. Also for those who care about such things, $35k buys you more social status with a Tesla than with one of those other ICE cars.

Re: Model 3 Unveiling [video]

#149

Post by DarkTree » Fri, Apr 01, 2016, 4:37 AM UTC

Illniyar wrote: post #106

Can someone explain to me what tesla 3 is? Why all the hype?

Elon Musk has been working to build not only the best electric vehicle, but the best vehicle in the world. The Tesla Model S was that vehicle in many ways, though it came at a high price point. Musk's first goal was to build this luxury Model S in order to build up a reputation, research EV technology, perfect the production line, acquire funding and gain a loyal following. However, this was just a preliminary step necessary to achieve his primary goal of bringing a mass-market electric vehicle into the world. This is where the Model 3 comes into play. It is an affordable, EV car built by Tesla for the general public. Elon and many people hope that bringing a mass-market, performance EV to the world will enact a shift away from combustion engine cars and therefore help dampen the damage humans are causing to the environment.

Re: Model 3 Unveiling [video]

#150

Post by aerovistae » Fri, Apr 01, 2016, 4:37 AM UTC

jvm wrote: post #136

> Both cars will start at $30,000 or less after federal tax credits of $7,500 are applied. And both go at least 200 miles on a fully charged battery. The Bolt is a five-passenger hatchback that boasts cargo space and more legroom for rear passengers—front-seat backs are an inch thinner than in most cars. Looks almost identical specs-wise to Chevy Bolt, which will be available at the end of 2016 rather than 2017. http…

As if to suggest people wouldn't be willing to wait a year to get the 3 instead of the Bolt. Do you really think these two products have equivalent level of appeal?

I'm sorry, I may be missing something re: specs, but can you point to where it says that the Bolt will go 0-60 in Also, does the Bolt have a nationwide supercharging network? Does it have autopilot? Does it have an astounding, unparalleled safety rating?