Live data from Hacker News

Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

tesla.com

51–60 of 521 posts

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#51

> Model S and Model X are now capable of achieving 200 kW on V3 Superchargers and 145 kW on V2 Superchargers. Together, these improvements enable our customers to recharge their miles 50% faster. What does that mean exactly? I'm sure there are sections of the charge curve where it is 50% faster, but you need to consider the entire charge curve to get a better sense of the improvement. The Tesla Model 3's charge times…

Charge times are improved at deep to moderate discharge states. Little improvement (but not necessary for charge times expressed to be realized) at 80-100% SOC (state of charge). EDIT: @clouddrover You asked "So is the Model S and Model X charge time improvement across the entire charge curve or just sections of it?" I provided a response to that question. Sorry if you thought I was restating what you already said, t…

Yes, you've just restated what I've said. The question is what's the improvement across the entire charge curve.

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#52

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I bought a 2013 Model S recently that had its wheels swapped with a 2016 Model S by a third party before sale (I didn't care for the 21" wheels that were on the 2013, and the buyer of the 2016 wanted them). Shortly after driving away from the dealer, the tire pressure sensor system reported faults. After bringing it in to Tesla they said the newer tires and older car were not compatible, but they could easily downgra…

I'd bet that the TPMS (tire pressure monitor/sensor) in the wheels is an off the shelf component purchased from a top-10 supplier in the automotive industry, and the problem was as simple as not having the TPMS programmed for the car. This is the same problem you can encounter if you replace all four TPMS in most any medium to high end car manufactured after about 2006, and the tire shop forgets to use their handheld…

This sort of complexity is why I like pre smog era cars

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#53
post #40

This is a nice upgrade for the Model S, however, I'm really curious what Tesla's design refresh roadmap looks like for their older models. The Model S has remained mostly the same since 2012, and while the design is pretty good, very few companies can get away without a major design refresh for 7+ years.

Does the 2016 refresh not count?

The 2016 refresh was basically equivalent to most models mid-cycle design update. It was exactly that, a refresh, not a replacement model.

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#54
post #40

This is a nice upgrade for the Model S, however, I'm really curious what Tesla's design refresh roadmap looks like for their older models. The Model S has remained mostly the same since 2012, and while the design is pretty good, very few companies can get away without a major design refresh for 7+ years.

Does the 2016 refresh not count?

Not to me. I judge Tesla on the same metrics as any other car company. The Model S is getting long in the tooth.

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#55
For metric folks, this equates to nearly 600km.

That's about as much as I want to drive in the space of a single day. Conceivably however, automated driving could mean doing longer distances. And at a cost much less than an airfare - just a lot more in time.

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#56
post #45

Those are great numbers, I'm really looking forward to the rivian though. It will have 410 miles for the SUV https://www.autonews.com/article/20181127/OEM04/181129763/ri...

Rivian has yet to make a single Truck. It is vaporware until they have more than just numbers.

Are Tesla owners really this sensitive? I mean they do have prototypes out there, it's not like they're making up what the mileage is, they clearly have demoed that it works, it's just about producing the vehicles now.

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#57

This "continuous deployment" for cars must be a logistical nightmare. To do repairs for a given vehicle, keeping track of what parts are backward compatible would be challenging. What if it's a compatibility breaking change? Then keeping inventory for older cars would become problematic. Unless they do design with maximum compatibility. Then it gets interesting as upgrades are possible. While B.EV cars maintenance is…

I'm guessing they have software that contains a full bill of materials for each vehicle. Boeing does this for every individual plane, and a plane is significantly more complex than a Tesla. I'm sure they are very aware of how many of each parts are out there on the road. I wouldn't be surprised if the vehicles themselves periodically phone home with use information so they can predict wear and tear.

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#58
post #47
post #27

It has been 7 years since initial release. Super excited that it got an update, right when competitors are somewhat catching up. Only took them that long to almost compete.

I always thought one of the big 3 US or German companies were betting on Tesla to fail. Once they failed they’d scoop up their tech at a discount. After the Model S’s success I think they all realized they need to play catch up. Meanwhile Japan is still going down the Hydrogen path...

I wonder what tech they'd scoop up. GM already has supercruise, and Cruise. And they released an EV back in 1996. Seems probable that their stance on EVs today is entirely by choice.

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#59
post #42
post #38

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Technically it's a hybrid. Just not an internal combustion hybrid.

No, it runs only on hydrogen (to EV direct drive). https://m.hyundaiusa.com/nexo/ . Zero emissions, refuels in five minutes at one of California's 40 stations. Soon all hydrogen production will be renewable from solar and wind electrolysis. Exciting times.

It's the hydrogen that makes it a hybrid. The parent comment is correct. Being a hybrid does not require eg a gasoline motor. It's not strictly an electric vehicle, it requires hydrogen in the process.

Their own diagram is very clear about this matter: motor + fuel cell + hydrogen + battery.

https://m.hyundaiusa.com/images/vehicles/pages/vlp/2019/nexo...

Re: Changes to Models S and X allow them to travel longer without larger batteries

#60

This "continuous deployment" for cars must be a logistical nightmare. To do repairs for a given vehicle, keeping track of what parts are backward compatible would be challenging. What if it's a compatibility breaking change? Then keeping inventory for older cars would become problematic. Unless they do design with maximum compatibility. Then it gets interesting as upgrades are possible. While B.EV cars maintenance is…

Even if Tesla can themselves manage the logistics, it's certainly a negative for potential consumers, especially second+ owners. Maybe Tesla will offer a VIN lookup so you can find out what a particular car's specs are while you're shopping.
Post reply on HN