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Tesla Semi

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131–140 of 575 posts

Re: Tesla Semi

#131
post #98

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Why though? I need to stream something. I'm a car company. What's the point of making extra work for myself? Greater control, perhaps, but for a press conference do I need this?

Tesla is not a car company. No, you do not need it for a press conference. But you earn credit points from me when I see you trying. Google is evil, remember?

> Tesla is not a car company.

what does this even mean?

Re: Tesla Semi

#132
Ok as a mechanic a few million questions:

* What happens when a wheel seal goes? Do I have to remove all that ridiculous plastic on #2,3 axels??

* What happens when a tire blows? Is it going to destroy all that plastic and take out a few more tires in the process?

* Why all the glass? I've spend entire days replacing windshields for a 12 or so truck shop which generally come in two (drivers and passengers), the Tesla semi would require a crane and expensive replacements.

* Why is there no bumper or frame attachment points? Bumpers save the truck from damage, no one wants to buy $xxxxx front end, lights, etc when a deer in the bushes jumps into the middle of the road.

Honestly from my point of view it seems Tesla tried to apply personal EV to a semi. Did they do any research from tractor shops or mechanics? There is a HUGE reason tractor/trailers are easy to service.

Re: Tesla Semi

#133
post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have read the same comment (slightly modified) on HN since telsa announced their first vehicle. Tell me, have you actually worked on a new model truck? Because the days of a service manual and a backyard shed are over

> Because the days of a service manual and a backyard shed are over They really aren't, as much as the manufacturers like to tell you they are. Sure, the sheer amount of sensors/vacuum systems/electronics/etc make it look too complex for the layman, but as long as you've got an OBD scanner and a laptop, you can make quick work of most things. The biggest issue is manufacturers currently having an obsession with inver…

Sure - I don't disagree, but in reference to

> possibly waiting on parts that are being overnighted.

I can not manufacture at home the parts I need for my 2003 petrol engine, my 1986 - I can.

Re: Tesla Semi

#134

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Tesla is not a car company. No, you do not need it for a press conference. But you earn credit points from me when I see you trying. Google is evil, remember?

> Tesla is not a car company. what does this even mean?

Tesla is a battery company.

Re: Tesla Semi

#135
post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have read the same comment (slightly modified) on HN since telsa announced their first vehicle. Tell me, have you actually worked on a new model truck? Because the days of a service manual and a backyard shed are over

> Because the days of a service manual and a backyard shed are over They really aren't, as much as the manufacturers like to tell you they are. Sure, the sheer amount of sensors/vacuum systems/electronics/etc make it look too complex for the layman, but as long as you've got an OBD scanner and a laptop, you can make quick work of most things. The biggest issue is manufacturers currently having an obsession with inver…

Security screws on purchasable goods really need to be banned for anything that doesn't pose an immediate and extreme health and safety hazard.

Re: Tesla Semi

#136
post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I have read the same comment (slightly modified) on HN since telsa announced their first vehicle. Tell me, have you actually worked on a new model truck? Because the days of a service manual and a backyard shed are over

I don't think they're talking about a backyard shed. More like a distribution business with a fleet of 50 trucks, a well-equipped garage and a full-time mechanic.

fair point, I'd love to hear more from that perspective.

I didn't mean a literal backyard shed :), but a more general mechanic.

Re: Tesla Semi

#138

Ok as a mechanic a few million questions: * What happens when a wheel seal goes? Do I have to remove all that ridiculous plastic on #2,3 axels?? * What happens when a tire blows? Is it going to destroy all that plastic and take out a few more tires in the process? * Why all the glass? I've spend entire days replacing windshields for a 12 or so truck shop which generally come in two (drivers and passengers), the Tesla…

Re: Glass: Elon Musk demonstrated that the glass is armored (it's unclear, but that might mean it just won't break under normal trucking conditions)

Re: Tesla Semi

#139
post #104

Details for those that couldn't watch the live stream: -500 mile range on a full charge. On empty 30 min of charging will get you 400 miles. -Lower drag coefficient than a bugatti veyron -They're claiming cost per mile is less than rail for shipping goods. -2019 availability -Lane centering + other features (jack knife prevention) -1,000,000 mile guarantee ---------------- Also they surprised announced a new roadster…

FYI the 500 mile range figure is fully loaded (cargo is at maximum load for U.S. roads). They claim "80% of routes are less than 250 miles", so they say that the truck can take most routes back and forth without needing to charge. The million miles is on the drive train. I don't remember if they mentioned the battery warranty? IIRC the cost per mile in a convoy that they quoted was $0.83/mile. Same enhanced auto driv…

Most semi-trucks are filled with proprietary technologies. Then more such is layered on by fleets, leasing companies, maintenance providers, etc.

Little of it natively works together. The contractual limitations are nuts.

From what I recall technology often isn't shared between automobile and truck manufacturing companies owned by the same parent because of these restrictions.

Re: Tesla Semi

#140
post #104

Details for those that couldn't watch the live stream: -500 mile range on a full charge. On empty 30 min of charging will get you 400 miles. -Lower drag coefficient than a bugatti veyron -They're claiming cost per mile is less than rail for shipping goods. -2019 availability -Lane centering + other features (jack knife prevention) -1,000,000 mile guarantee ---------------- Also they surprised announced a new roadster…

The roadster also has 10,000Nm of torque and a top speed over 400km/h. In the old measure that's 7,375 ft-lbs and 250mph+. Those numbers are simply insane, for anyone who doesn't know torque figures. A Dodge Challenger Hellcat makes 650 ft-lbs for comparison.

That's 10,000 Nm (aka 7375 ft-lbs) wheel torque. The hellcat has 650 ft-lbs engine torque. First gear in the hellcat is 4.71:1 and rear axle ratio of 2.62:1, which gives you 8021 ft-lb at the wheel at torque peak. In second gear, we have 5347.

So, a small car with more wheel torque than a Hellcat in 2nd gear, nice!

Edit: Used incorrect ratios, updated.

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