Tesla factory tour thoughts: includes pics with an Elise

[rnr]

Originally posted in my blog


<p><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/393327179/"><img width="500" height="375" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/156/393327179_0ac030a967.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>I had the opportunity to visit <a href="http://www.teslamotors.com/">Tesla Motors</a> on a tour organized by <a href="http://sff1.com/">SFF1</a> and would like to write up some of my thoughts about the company, its technology and their first car. This is going to be from the point of view of a petrol head engineer who daily drives an Elise – take it how you will :-).</p>
<p><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/393807104/"><img width="500" height="375" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/127/393807104_238519d1da.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>In case you haven’t heard of Tesla, on account of the rock you have been living under for the last 6 months, it is a Bay Area automotive startup that is designing and building the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tesla_Roadster">Tesla Roadster</a> which will be the worlds first mass produced electric sports car. I have been especially interested in the Tesla since it based on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Elise">Lotus Elise</a> chassis and is in fact assembled by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lotus_Cars">Lotus</a> in Hethel in an arrangement similar to that used on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opel_Speedster">Opel Speedster</a>/<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vauxhall_VX220">Vauxhall VX200</a>. However unlike the Opel/Vauxhall, which were more like badge engineered Elises, the Tesla uses a substantially modified Elise chassis with an all-electric powertrain and is a whole new beast. I had already had my <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/rnair/sets/72157594279770811/">first look</a> at the car during the <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/rnair/sets/72157594279009379/">Palo Alto British car meet</a> but this tour was a chance to actually look at the car internals and to talk to some of the people behind this revolutionary machine.</p>
<p>The most important piece of new technology in the car is of course its electric powertrain. Unlike established car companies which are have a “not invented here” complex and prefer to develop their cars from scratch, Tesla followed a startup mentality and tried to source as much of the technology as they could. The most obvious example of this is in the way they created the battery pack for the car. Instead of trying to come up with new battery technology, they instead sourced the fastest growing battery technology available today – the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_ion">Lithium Ion batteries</a> used in notebook computers. They use 6831 off-the shelf Li-Ion cells to form a 50 kW battery pack that provide the power for everything on the car. For those of you who are worried about exploding batteries - Tesla uses a lot more battery management technology including a heating/cooling system that keeps the batteries at their optimum operating temperature irrespective of the outside temperature.</p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/393371790/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/125/393371790_cd3d96b8cd.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Lithium - Ion battery" /></a>
<p><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/393783101/"><img width="500" height="375" alt="Tesla Battery pack" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/161/393783101_ca3eef0cd0.jpg" /></a></p>
<p>The electric motor spins up to 13,500 rpm and produces 248 bhp and 200 ft/lbs of torque while weighing just 125 lbs. The most startling thing about the torque is that you have maximum torque starting from 0 rpm all the way to 6000 rpm where it starts to slowly reduce. The entire powertrain has only 17 moving parts of which 15 are in the gearbox which is a clutchless 2 speed setup where 1^st will take you to almost 70 while 2^nd tops out at 130 mph. There is no reverse gear – the motor (which has just 1 moving part, the rotor) just spins backwards when you want to reverse.</p>
<p>Following the technology sourcing mindset further, Tesla sourced the entire chassis from Lotus. By doing this they not only got one of the best handling chassis in the world but they also gained instant credibility by partnering with a 7 time F1 world champion constructor. The bonded aluminium chassis is a modified version of the Elise chassis and the front half looks to be identical to that of the Elise. The side sills have been lowered 50 mm to enable (relatively) easy ingress/egress which should make the Tesla more livable than the Elise. The rear subframe has been modified to hold the battery pack (900 lbs) and the motor (125 lbs) in the same position as the Elise engine to get similar handling characteristics. Following the Chapman philosophy of “simplify and add lightness”, Tesla has gone to great lengths to lower the weight and uses an all carbon fiber body to keep the weight down to 2500 lbs. The front suspension is identical to the base Elise except for the use of the AP Racing ‘big brake’ kit to handle the added weight of the Tesla.</p>
<p><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/393752485/"><img width="500" height="375" alt="Tesla Roadster chassis" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/184/393752485_e399210061.jpg" /></a> <a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/393809767/"><img width="500" height="375" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/164/393809767_4ad14b78ed.jpg" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The performance figures on the Tesla Roadster are pretty amazing:</p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal">248 bhp</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">0-60 in 4 seconds</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Top speed of 130 mph</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">250 mile range</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">CO2 emissions equivalent to 135 mpg</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">Zero maintenance (The lack of moving parts means that the only mainteneace needed is a brake fluid change every 3 years)</li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><strong>Tesla as an Elise replacement</strong></p>
<p><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/393843968/"><img width="500" height="375" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/145/393843968_c9bbc0fe67.jpg" /></a><a title="Photo Sharing" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/393852529/"><img width="500" height="375" src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/393852529_3de55573a0.jpg" /></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As you can see from the pictures, the Tesla looks very similar to the Elise and makes many of the same compromises. The end result is however quite different and while not as focussed as the Elise it can actually be a better alternative for many owners. I see the following pros and cons while comparing the Tesla with the Elise:</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pros</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->General livability: The Tesla beats the Elise hands down when it comes to general livability. Ingress/egress is a lot easier and the car comes with a lot more features like satnav and heated seats. The quietness of the electric motor will make it a lot less tiring to drive.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->Performance: The massive torque of the Tesla means that you no longer have to wait for the second cam before being able to pass someone. Its handling will probably be not as pure as the Elise but I am confident that Tesla and Lotus will bring out a great handling car.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3) <!--[endif]-->Urethane bumpers: The Tesla has urethane bumpers which should keep the car safer from braille parkers – the Elise owners cracked clamshell nightmare should become a thing of the past.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4) <!--[endif]-->Even more exclusive than the Elise: The Tesla will be even more exclusive than the Elise – while I don’t care about this particular point I will admit that there are people out there who prefer exclusive cars</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportLists]-->5) <!--[endif]-->Sticking it to Prius owners: You can tell the “holier than thou” Prius owners to go screw themselves because their car is slow gas guzzling piece of crap. The Tesla is a near supercar that appeals to both car enthusiasts and environmentalists.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Cons</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1) <!--[endif]-->Price: ~$90k is a lot of money especially when you can get a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_%28car%29">Noble</a> for the same money. The initial buyers will be buying the Tesla for electric car bragging rights just as much as its ability as a sports car.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2) <!--[endif]-->Need a second car: The low range of the Tesla means that it can never be your only car – you can daily drive it but you need to have a backup car in case you need to make the round trip. This shouldn’t be too much of a problem since the average Elise owner only puts a few thousand miles a year on his/her car – my 20+k a year are an exception</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3) <!--[endif]-->Top speed of 130: The top speed of the Tesla is only a 130 miles an hour which prevents it from entering true performance car territory, but honestly how many people very actually get their car past 130 on the public roads? The better torque and passing ability of the Tesla should make it the more practical car on the street.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4) <!--[endif]-->Looks: Informally talking to the people at the tour most people felt that the Elise looked a lot more exotic than the Elise. I think this was only an issue because the two cars were next to each other, the average lay person will still confuse the Tesla with a Ferrari.</p>
<p style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in" class="MsoNormal"><!--[if !supportLists]-->5) <!--[endif]-->No track days for you: The range of the Tesla really prevents you from tracking your car (unless you have your own private track in your back yard). One of the greatest selling points of the Elise/Exige is the ability to drive the car to a track, flog it for a few hours and then drive it back with now problems whatsoever. Since the my nearest track is over a 100 miles away this makes it a real deal breaker for me – there is no way I can justify spending $90k on a performance car that I can never track.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/rnair/393769567/" title="Photo Sharing"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/393769567_01fd6c8a2f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="" /></a>
<p class="MsoNormal">In conclusion I can say that the Tesla is more accessible to the general public and they will be selling them as fast as they can make them. It may not meet my needs in car but I will definitely recommend it to people who are looking for a fun second car with no track aspirations. It is an amazing car and real technological triumph - an electric car that can thrill you with absolute performance while still making you feel good about saving baby seals.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For more pictures from the Tesla tour (including more pics with my Elise) visit my Flickr <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/rnair/sets/72157594542067453/">photo set</a>.</p>

[Stewart W]

Great writeup...I also visited Tesla for a visit and test ride as I am one of the early adopters. I am expecting my Tesla roadster end of 2007 (?)..
Tesla is run by some very smart/ capable people and I believe the company will cause change in automotive industry thinking that will benefit car owners long term..( investment into innovation, alternative power, joint ventures etc.)
At any rate , I invested $100K to find out..Only producing a couple hundred a year has attracted many collectors and speculators..Although many would be buyers are "tree huggers", the $100K cost of admission is a limiter. Tesla has it's second vehicle in development and it should be a $50K+/- vehicle
Once again..well done..enjoyed

[PhlypSide]

Originally Posted by rnr

It is an amazing car and real technological triumph - an electric car that can thrill you with absolute performance while still making you feel good about saving baby seals.

Excellent write up! BTW, the quote above is the "money shot" LOL!

[xtn]

Originally Posted by rnr

This is going to be from the point of view of a petrol head engineer who daily drives an Elise – take it how you will :-).

Great write-up! Now can you do it from the point of view of a hot, ditzy, blond chick?

xtn

[toynumber2]

Is production on schedule?

What amazes me is that Tesla is able to produce this car while the big 3 can only put out concepts and prototypes. Why doesn't GM use the same batteries in their Volt as Tesla does? My guess is the Volt is too heavy and would require an insanely big battery pack.

Thanks for the post.

P.S. IMHO, the Elise looks way better than the Tesla.

[rnr]

Thanks guys - I've been trying to cultivate a Clarkson-ish style of writing. Its a loooooong way to go but its at least a start

Originally Posted by toynumber2

Is production on schedule?

Their validation prototypes (including press cars) are currently under construction and they hope to start full production (100 cars/month) later this year.

Originally Posted by toynumber2

P.S. IMHO, the Elise looks way better than the Tesla.

I personally prefer the front of the Tesla myself though Elise wins in the sides and the rear.

[milehitom]

I really enjoyed the write-up and the photos. Thanks for taking the time! I look forward to not hearing one in the future as it zips by me!

Tom

[MyFutureSelfnMe]

I wish Tesla would produce a lightweight battery for the Elise

[Greg]

Cool...

'Greg

[rnr]

Someone just suggested to me that tracks should start offering charging stations. Think of it as selling power instead of gas.

The Tesla charges at about 80 miles/hour which means you could drive the 100-150 miles to the track an hour or so early and hook up before your first session. Charging in between sessions should allow you to do significant track mileage as well leave you with enough power to drive home at the end of the day.

If something like this was to happen I would have to re-evaluate the motorsports eligibility of the Tesla

[NMRJock]

Many trailer their car to the track. That means you could arrive with a full charge, and you don't need any juice to get home.

[LARRY]

Thrilled...LOVE IT....great pictures!

[rnr]

Originally Posted by NMRJock

Many trailer their car to the track. That means you could arrive with a full charge, and you don't need any juice to get home.

But does the average Elise/Exige owner use a trailer?

I'd say that one of the biggest advantages of the Lotus is that you can drive it to and from the track and still set great laptimes. To be used in that way the Tesla would need some power source at the track. The good part is that it can recharge of a regular household port (240V 70 A is preferred but not necessary) so it shouldn't be that difficult to fill her up.

[Taxcheat]

Originally Posted by rnr

The Tesla charges at about 80 miles/hour which means you could drive the 100-150 miles to the track an hour or so early and hook up before your first session.

Unlikely. You're thinking in terms of the charge/discharge rate for normal driving. Keep the foot to the floor around the track and you'll likely run out of juice before the end of the first session. Ask the Tesla guys how long you can run flat out, it would be interesting to know.

Most tracks should have electricity hookups for RVs. I know Summit Point does. No idea if they're 220 or 110. Elise hardly gets up to 130MPH at Summit (especially if you correct the optimistic speedo). That's not a problem.

I would not want to be on a track with silent cars though.

[rnr]

Originally Posted by Taxcheat

Unlikely. You're thinking in terms of the charge/discharge rate for normal driving. Keep the foot to the floor around the track and you'll likely run out of juice before the end of the first session. Ask the Tesla guys how long you can run flat out, it would be interesting to know.

Most tracks should have electricity hookups for RVs. I know Summit Point does. No idea if they're 220 or 110. Elise hardly gets up to 130MPH at Summit (especially if you correct the optimistic speedo). That's not a problem.

I would not want to be on a track with silent cars though.

Well it does have regenerative braking so a trackday may not be as bad as you think. If you consider that the Elise which usually does about 250 miles/tank on the road can do about 100 miles/tank on the track (ignoring fuel starvation) I would think that the Tesla should be able to do a similar amount.

About the silence of the car again I think it might be a problem but again it wont be as bad as that - you should be watching your mirrors for other cars not listening for them.

[BrianK]

Is the battery pack really 900 lbs?!?!

[rnr]

Originally Posted by BrianK

Is the battery pack really 900 lbs?!?!

Thats what they said - thats why the Tesla weighs 500 pounds more than the Elise despite the CF body

[MyFutureSelfnMe]

Originally Posted by Taxcheat

Unlikely. You're thinking in terms of the charge/discharge rate for normal driving. Keep the foot to the floor around the track and you'll likely run out of juice before the end of the first session. Ask the Tesla guys how long you can run flat out, it would be interesting to know.

Most tracks should have electricity hookups for RVs. I know Summit Point does. No idea if they're 220 or 110. Elise hardly gets up to 130MPH at Summit (especially if you correct the optimistic speedo). That's not a problem.

I would not want to be on a track with silent cars though.

Well, I can tell you one thing is inevitable. These cars are going to start showing up on the track.

[NMRJock]

Originally Posted by rnr

But does the average Elise/Exige owner use a trailer?

I'd say that one of the biggest advantages of the Lotus is that you can drive it to and from the track and still set great laptimes. To be used in that way the Tesla would need some power source at the track. The good part is that it can recharge of a regular household port (240V 70 A is preferred but not necessary) so it shouldn't be that difficult to fill her up.

Probably not, but the average Elise owner did not spend $90k on their car. If I bought it, I'd track it.

[pianomaniac]

"4) Looks: Informally talking to the people at the tour most people felt that the Elise looked a lot more exotic than the Elise."

I think that the main cons are that,in my experience, marketing/production limits/cost make it an elitist item. They don't answer inquiries, they have no service and the price will stay high due to their exclusivity. With that said, the idea of the Tesla hopefully will motivate other companies to compete and produce a similar car that's accessible to the public.

Good write-up. Thanks.