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

tesla.com

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

#91

Post by wmf »

7e wrote: post #75
adventured wrote: post #59

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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...

That's not the common definition of hybrid. Here, electricity directly powers an electric motor and there are no emissions. Is a Tesla a hybrid because some of its electricity comes from regenerative breaking? How about if some comes from from ions in an electrolyte solution?

That sounds like a series hybrid; when people say electric they mean battery electric. The point is moot since hydrogen is pointless.

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

#92

Post by clouddrover »

magicbuzz wrote: post #67
magicbuzz wrote: post #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.

Actually they're quoting 660km on https://www.tesla.com/en_AU/models/design#battery

That's according to the NEDC test cycle which is the most optimistic (and therefore the least useful) range estimate. The three test cycles that are typically used are:

NEDC (too optimistic): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_European_Driving_Cycle

WLTP (better than NEDC, still a little optimistic): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worldwide_harmonized_light_veh...

EPA (the most conservative): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTP-75

The WLTP figures are okay, but I think EPA test cycle is the most useful because it's the most consecutive and most representative of real world driving.

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

#94

Post by alephx »

olivermarks wrote: post #52
walrus01 wrote: post #35

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

Tell me about it, I had a 2007 1 series BMW and its transmission computer became dead. Now, I was quoted 4000USD at the dealership (the car was worth about 5000 at that point). I went to a third party specializing in automatic transmission and they almost could do it by swapping the computer from a crashed car.

Turns out it needs an encryption key (who only the dealership has) to get the car to recognize the computer, otherwise it won't even start. I sold it for parts and will never have an automatic BMW again.

According to the transmission guy things have only gotten worse with newer models, particularly Audi/Volkswagen and BMW.

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

#95

Post by viraptor »

toomuchtodo wrote: post #34
Someone1234 wrote: post #29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Slight tangent but what are you getting for $20K? Is it a software feature, or is there physical difference between the normal performance and "Ludicrous" model?

There is a smart fuse composed of an inconel alloy that is pyro-actuated to protect from overcurrent conditions when performing a Ludicrous launch (~1500 amp peak current drawn). It's not software only. Very fancy circuit breaker.

Honestly this sounds like /r/VXJunkies is leaking...

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

#96

Post by gibolt »

wil421 wrote: post #47
gibolt wrote: 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 don't think they were hoping to buy, I think they were hoping they wouldn't have to compete.

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

#98

Post by s0rce »

agumonkey wrote: post #81
toomuchtodo wrote: post #34

Earlier quoted context omitted.

There is a smart fuse composed of an inconel alloy that is pyro-actuated to protect from overcurrent conditions when performing a Ludicrous launch (~1500 amp peak current drawn). It's not software only. Very fancy circuit breaker.

Interestingly, it seems SpaceX got to play a role developing the alloy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inconel#History

Inconel is just a group of nickel alloys, been around for years. No indication the specific alloys spaceX has developed are being used in the fuse, although they could be, however, wikipedia indicates they are used in rockets.

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

#99

Post by code_duck »

cperciva wrote: post #62
jac_no_k wrote: post #15

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…

Is it any worse than what other manufacturers deal with? The 2019 Honda Accord shares some parts with the 2018 Honda Accord which shares some parts with the 2017 model... when something breaks in my Honda the first question is "do they still make/use this part or did they change it in newer models?"

I’ve had a couple of American cars and apparently year-by-year or even in the same model year the manufacturer changes the location of certain parts, which I didn’t expect. Mechanics and I have had trouble finding various parts like fan relays and cabin air filters.

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

#100

Post by jedberg »

azhenley wrote: post #3

They also announced on Twitter: "As a thank you to our Tesla owners, all existing Model S and Model X owners who wish to purchase a new Model S or Model X Performance car will get the Ludicrous Mode upgrade, a $20,000 value, at no additional charge" https://twitter.com/Tesla/status/1120852649400623105

Sweet. So there will be a bunch of used model S’s coming soon!
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