Ever drive a Tesla?

[DonTom]

The model X is the SUV.

That's what Tesla calls it, but it doesn't look like a SUV to me.

-Don- Reno

 

[jfrey123]

Here we go, Don doubled down. So we should also ban the Corvette, the Dodge “Hellcat” models, EcoBoost Fords, twin turbo BMW’s, etc, etc.

Do we ban them specifically by name only? Or should we make a list of features that are prohibited? No high capacity superchargers, fully automatic transmissions capable of ghost shifting in less than a second, these assault vehicles have no place on our streets. To top it off and be extra sure, we should also limit the 0-60 acceleration too. What would be a good number? No American needs to go 0-60 in under 10 seconds me thinks, motorcyclists included. And if you accidentally go 0-60 faster than 10 seconds due to downhill or a tailwind, it counts as an illegal modification?

You can laugh, call it absurd, but that line of logic does not pass muster for me. “But cars are different, we can’t ban cars, they’re not designed to kill people!” Indeed, they’re designed to keep people safe, but they’re responsible for far more deaths than firearms. Hell, DUI crashes outnumber homicide by firearm by nearly triple. Hey, another good idea: mandatory breathalyzer on all new models. If it saves one life.....

(s**t), beers empty, time for another. This has been a lesson in applying logic transitively. Thank you for reading.

 

[DonTom]

Here we go, Don doubled down. So we should also ban the Corvette, the Dodge “Hellcat” models, EcoBoost Fords, twin turbo BMW’s, etc, etc..

AFAIK, you're the first to use the word "ban" here. What do you think I want banned? Perhaps the misuse of any item? Almost any item can be used to kill others (something I still remember from my army infantry training), shall we ban almost every item there is? I don't think that's such a good idea.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[DonTom]

In other news, my Tesla Model Three will be delivered--tomorrow, Oct 14! That "1-3" months wait took about a week. I am not sure how this works when they deliver on a Sunday.

I just got this email several hours ago.

I just came back to Reno a few days ago. Now I will have to rush back to my place in Auburn later today.

I am not sure if I will be able to drive it off the lot on Sunday, but it will be fun to watch my new Tesla being delivered. I now have the VIN number and all. It's not worded very clear other than the car will be delivered by a certain time. I will probably have nobody to ask any questions to until Monday. But NBD, it's not far at all from Auburn to Rocklin, CA. I will probably have to make the trip more than once.

I will ride my electric motorcycle to Auburn today, which is the same way I got to Reno a few days ago. 99.0 miles exactly, door to door.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[Gullwing]

Spent a few hours with an old friend today. He was in town for business, his business is vehicles. Traditional gas powered and newer battery powered. Spent the whole time working on getting a battery to function correctly. Still not sure if he got it to work 100%.

 

[AudiGregg]

My father has a Model S 100D. Even though he and I work together, I have never asked to drive it.

 

[Ricci]

Same here, until I bought my first electric motorcycle and got hooked on the electric thing. I see nothing but advantages in going electric these days.

With my electric motorcycles (EM), I like how I can hear the cars that get too close to me. My EM uses a drive belt, but a chain conversion is available. But those have done such say the noise from the chain bothers them. It cannot be heard over the engine on an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle, but such can sure be heard on an electric bike, loud and clear!

Motorcycles should be seen and NOT heard!

Have fun checking your engine oil, and going to your gas stations, doing tune ups, etc. I will charge when I get home.

Go electric!

-Don- Cold Springs Valley, NV

Nah man, I’m pretty set in my ways...did you know that Ford had an all electric Ranger more than a few decades ago? They would only lease them with no option to buy/keep at the close of lease. A good friend got one and I drove it a few times..the acceleration was blistering. He had a home charging system as well set up to massive solar tracking panels in his yard which also powered his entire home. A real pioneer in the all electric push at the time. I helped change a few panels from time to time.
Ford would not give a logical reason, at least to him, why they wouldn’t let him keep that truck.

My only other experience with an “electric” vehicle was a V6 Highlander Hybrid rental which I drove hard for a week. What impressed me was the advertised 28 mpg no matter how far I pushed the go pedal. That 6 was responsive and sounded sweet.

 

[Fogie]

I don't drive cars unless I have no choice.
I had to about four years ago....

 

[LASCHRIS]

I am all for electric vehicles, homes, and cities. Energy that has a small foot print on the planet. Of course the oil companies, and oil kingdoms have other ideas. I wonder who will win? I just can't envision middle eastern oil princes trading their Mercedes in for a camel.

 

[DeanD]

Elon Musk is enough to keep me from buying anything from a company he is associated with plus I don't like companies who live off the taxpayers.

 

[Ka Lbo]

Elon Musk is enough to keep me from buying anything from a company he is associated with plus I don't like companies who live off the taxpayers.

Oh yea! And being OK with Feds underwriting Tesla because of the auto bailouts doesn't work for this slow kid. It's all wrong by me.

 

[jfrey123]

It doesn’t seem like Tesla is gettIng a lot of Fed money, really if any. Closest I can find is the $2,500-$7,500 rebate for buying electric, but that applies to the first 200,000 EV’s made by *ALL* manufacturers. *AND* it doesn’t go to the company, it goes to the consumer after they fill out a form 8396 on their tax return.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/electric-vehicles-tax-credits-and-other-incentives

The local and state incentives they get for opening facilities places are worth (b****)ing about, but then you’re complaining about local leaders bringing good paying jobs to your area.

 

[Ka Lbo]

It doesn’t seem like Tesla is gettIng a lot of Fed money, really if any. Closest I can find is the $2,500-$7,500 rebate for buying electric, but that applies to the first 200,000 EV’s made by *ALL* manufacturers. *AND* it doesn’t go to the company, it goes to the consumer after they fill out a form 8396 on their tax return.
https://www.energy.gov/eere/electricvehicles/electric-vehicles-tax-credits-and-other-incentives

This tax credit will be available until 200,000 qualified EVs have been sold in the United States by each manufacturer, at which point the credit begins to phase out for that manufacturer. Currently, no manufacturers have been phased out yet. (Emphasis added. Quote is word for word.)

I suppose this equates to billions (if not tens of billions) of dollars across the spectrum of manufactures selling EVs (Tesla, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Ford, GM, yada, yada...).

Various articles point to ~$4.9 Billion to support Elon Musk Tesla, Solar City and Space X. Direct dollars to Tesla, Solar City, Space X and or tax credits, unless I am missing something it is all Federal dollars (our tax dollars) supporting companies not viable on their own. This thread is about Tesla. My comments apply to the spectrum of federal support EV manufactures. direct and indirect. Latter part of sales chatter to "incentivize" buyers, with Federal dollars...tax payer dollars.

The local and state incentives they get for opening facilities places are worth (b****)ing about, but then you’re complaining about local leaders bringing good paying jobs to your area.

Yea, old, slow and forgetful, but don't recall posting anything along the lines of "(b****)ing about local leaders bringing good paying jobs to your area."


Content to agree to disagree. Always willing to read various views and consider...

 

[jfrey123]

Allowing a tax credit on someone’s return is not the same as a subsidity. A tax break does not equal Federal spending, you can’t give someone money by not taking it in the first place.

And I didn’t mean to imply you specifically were complaining about local incentives, my comment was meant generally for anyone who tends to make that complaint.

 

[plodder]

A tax break or tax credit on something that would otherwise be taxed is in effect a subsidy. I have nothing personally against electric cars, electric motorcycles, wind power or solar power. In fact, I am all for them- as long as they can make it on their own merits without subsidies or convoluted tax schemes.

Let them all compete with coal, hydroelectric and nuclear power generation and internal combustion engine powered (or steam?) propulsion. Let the best idea win. Heck, I can see myself owning a Tesla someday if by some miracle the company survives it's founder and gets off the government teet.

 

[DeanD]

So now Elon Musk is going to start selling tequila and open a fast food hamburger chain? This guy is a totally delusional nut job. He can't focus on getting anything accomplished and meeting goals and requirements. He uses these wild new ideas as a smoke and mirrors diversion to keep people from looking at his failures. He is on a downward spiral and the creditors are going to cut him off, throw him out of Tesla and take over the company.

 

[DonTom]

Nah man, I’m pretty set in my ways...did you know that Ford had an all electric Ranger more than a few decades ago? They would only lease them with no option to buy/keep at the close of lease. A good friend got one and I drove it a few times..the acceleration was blistering. He had a home charging system as well set up to massive solar tracking panels in his yard which also powered his entire home. A real pioneer in the all electric push at the time. I helped change a few panels from time to time.
Ford would not give a logical reason, at least to him, why they wouldn’t let him keep that truck.

Is that the old EV that uses the disks to charge? There are still several of those charge stations around here, but NO cars left to use them anywhere in the USA. Some say the oil companies were behind why they all disappeared.

I received my new Tesla Model 3 yesterday. It sure is a fun but unusual thing to drive. Never a reason to turn my head or even look in the mirrors in this as the screen shows everything around the car, no blind spots. Also unusual to have NO dash lights at all at night.

The thing has countless features, including control of many things over the internet, including where the car is located and the ability to honk the horn or even open the trunks for somebody at the car from many miles away. And see the trunks open on the Tesla app. from miles away.

Also has a door opener that I just found, which I just set. It can be set for automatic open and close of the garage door. No buttons to press, just get in the car and leave. And come back the same way. No smog, so the garage door can close right away.

I already went to Reno and back in it. It can really do around 300 miles on a single charge, even in the hills. For now, I recharge from a 240 VAC clothes dryer outlet. The amount of current to draw (in amps) can be lowered if the house cannot handle all the current that the car can draw.

I have the Blue Tesla Model 3, AWD (two motors) not the performance package and it is still will accelerate ridiculously fast. Mine cost just under 60K$ out the door. Not all that expensive for a Tesla.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[jfrey123]

That’s cool. They’re neat cars, innovative for sure.

 

[DonTom]

This guy is a totally delusional nut job.

Rather typical for those with very high IQs.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[DonTom]

A tax break or tax credit on something that would otherwise be taxed is in effect a subsidy. I have nothing personally against electric cars, electric motorcycles, wind power or solar power. In fact, I am all for them- as long as they can make it on their own merits without subsidies or convoluted tax schemes.

Let them all compete with coal, hydroelectric and nuclear power generation and internal combustion engine powered (or steam?) propulsion. Let the best idea win. Heck, I can see myself owning a Tesla someday if by some miracle the company survives it's founder and gets off the government teet.

I think they now can make it on their own. Tesla sells all they can build, and that is why they do not advertise. FWIW, I still would have purchased mine regardless of any rebates and tax credits.

I noticed in Rocklin, CA there were many people picking up their new Teslas. That's on Sunday. Many workers as well as customers there on Sunday. They are busy all week, but espcally now. The Model 3's are selling like hotcakes.

The $7,500.00 fed tax credit greatly reduces at the end of this year. Tesla is promising to get all orders by Oct 15 (yesterday) delivered by the end of the year so people can get the federal tax rebate. However, I doubt many buy the car for the rebate.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[Roach]

Yeah whats that about a $2500 actual savings? Not a big deal at that price point, but a nice incentive nonetheless. Browsing Zillow the other day looking at properties I cant afford I saw a couple houses on the golf course in Southern Highlands. They included a Tesla S and charging station. I will give whatever that sports car version is (I think the S) credit though that thing is FAST. I've played along with a few on the freeway.

 

[DonTom]

Yeah whats that about a $2500 actual savings? Not a big deal at that price point, but a nice incentive nonetheless. Browsing Zillow the other day looking at properties I cant afford I saw a couple houses on the golf course in Southern Highlands. They included a Tesla S and charging station. I will give whatever that sports car version is (I think the S) credit though that thing is FAST. I've played along with a few on the freeway.

It's not a deduction, it's a pure $7,500.00 credit. IOW, I get a check or credit for $7,500.00.

I am not sure if I qualify for a CA EV credit as well. That's another $2,500.00. I purchased the Tesla in CA and it has a CA plate. But they say I must prove my CA residence with a "CA Drilver's License" but I only have a NV driver's license. But I do have a CA Real ID Card.

I pay no state income tax to CA, being mainly a NV resident. I own two houses in NV and this one in CA and I use them all for myself. I do not rent out anything.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[DonTom]

Tesla because for a company to grow it needs the government supporting it...

125 miles is pushing it if you want to go from Vegas to Denver. Long stretch without any service let alone charging stations. But if peoples want to buy them fine, more petrol for me.
Then again if I were to get one, would need the most high performance model because that is what everyone would think it is.

Then charge for a half hour and get 250 miles. Or 45 minutes for a full 310 miles.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[DonTom]

The model X is the SUV.

Yes, I saw the model X in Rocklin. It is an RSV, but doesn't look like one in the photos. At least not to me. But it looks like an RSV when seeing it in reality.

BTW, the Model 3 is very roomy inside for a rather small car. A big heavy buddy of mine (+300 lbs, 6'4") fits in mine very comfortably.

-Don- Auburn, CA

 

[DonTom]

I can do everything CA requires for my CA rebate:

"For individuals, a legible copy of their current (not expired) California driver’s license.

• Individuals who do not have a California driver’s license will be required to provide a legible copy of a current alternate unique identifier as approved by the Administrator. They must also provide proof of California residency in the form of a utility or cable bill within the last 3 months, a copy of the current DMV registration of another vehicle in the name of the purchaser or lessee, a signed, dated, and notarized residential rental agreement, or other valid form of California residency as approved by CARB."

CA is not so bad after all.

This is $2,500.00 from the State of CA as well as $7,500.00 from the feds. After I do little paperwork, the cost of my new Tesla will be reduced by 10K$.

Go electric!!!

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[Ricci]

I can do everything CA requires for my CA rebate:

"For individuals, a legible copy of their current (not expired) California driver’s license.

• Individuals who do not have a California driver’s license will be required to provide a legible copy of a current alternate unique identifier as approved by the Administrator. They must also provide proof of California residency in the form of a utility or cable bill within the last 3 months, a copy of the current DMV registration of another vehicle in the name of the purchaser or lessee, a signed, dated, and notarized residential rental agreement, or other valid form of California residency as approved by CARB."

CA is not so bad after all.

This is $2,500.00 from the State of CA as well as $7,500.00 from the feds. After I do little paperwork, the cost of my new Tesla will be reduced by 10K$.

Go electric!!!

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[Ricci]

Trust me, it is. Congrats on your new ride; pictures are nice! I've never seen one before! Actually they're all over the place in my area. Beats following a Prius...

 

[Ricci]

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?...6AD160023E0523A7EC4A6AD160023E0523A&FORM=VIRE

 

[DonTom]

Trust me, it is. Congrats on your new ride; pictures are nice! I've never seen one before! Actually they're all over the place in my area. Beats following a Prius...

I will post a picture next week, as I left my Tesla at my other house in Auburn, CA. I rode my best cold weather motorcycle back here (my 2013 Triumph Trophy SE) to Reno yesterday. And next week, I will drive my better 4WD Jeep back here. I am getting ready for winter weather here in Reno.

After that, I will almost always be driving electric regardless if an electric motorcycle or the Tesla. I will mostly be driving the Jeep in the snow and the ICE vehicles just enough so the gasoline doesn't go bad

Anyway, when I am back in Auburn next week, I will post the photo here of my new Tesla.

But for now, here is what the red one looks like. Mine is blue.

-Don- Reno, NV

 

[MAC702]

...CA is not so bad after all.

This is $2,500.00 from the State of CA as well as $7,500.00 from the feds. After I do little paperwork, the cost of my new Tesla will be reduced by 10K$.

Go electric!!!

The money isn't "from" the state or the feds. It's from the taxpayers. You are ignoring that someone ELSE is paying for your car. What's so right about that? Do CA and the Feds have such a surplus budget in well-invested coffers that the OTHER people who live there are perfectly fine with helping to fund your luxury car? I should probably be offended that you would brag about such a thing outside of that socialist crap hole you are so proud of (but live outside of when it's convenient for you).