Electric Vehicles

Many people are surprised at just how fast Tesla’s are, but perhaps equally as impressive, is the amount of weight the have to move to do so! For anyone new to electric vehicles, you might be shocked at the curb weight of a Tesla (or any other EV). We’ll cover the topic of how much a Tesla weighs, pros and cons of the weight, and variables dependent on the vehicle configuration. When compared to internal combustion engine vehicles of similar dimensions, a Tesla will certainly weigh more. This weight is mostly in the battery packs. If you’ve ever lifted a traditional 12v car battery, you’ll immediately notice how heavy batteries can be for their size. Compared to equally sized lead acid batteries, lithium ion batteries (which are used in the Tesla battery pack) are only 1/3 of the weight. A Tesla battery pack is made up of small, cylindrical battery cells that are a part of a module. These battery cells are similar to ones you would find in laptop computers, only a whole lot more of them. The Tesla Model S and X us 18650 cells in 16 modules and the Model 3 and Y use 2170 cells in 4 modules. How Much Does a Tesla Battery Pack Weight? The older Tesla 85 kWh battery pack weighed in at 1,200 pounds. With the Model 3 Long Range, the battery pack weighs 1,060 pounds. Now, let’s compare that to gasoline. A gallon of gas was 6.3 pounds. An average car gas tank is around 15 gallons which comes out to 94.5 pounds when full. Up next, we’ll take a look at the weight of the current Tesla lineup. Over the years, Tesla has offered various sized battery packs. For a short while, they offered a 40kWh battery pack in the Model S. Tesla discontinued it back in 2013. Today, only the 100kWh battery pack is available on the Model S and X. Tesla has offered 60, 70, 75, 85, and 90 kWh packs for the Model S. Today, the 100 kWh pack is standard on both the Model S and Model X. Previous battery packs available on the Model X included 60, 75, 90 since it debuted in 2016. The 60 kWh pack fell way side similar to the 40 kWh pack on the Model S, enough demand wasn’t there. The Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus has a 54 kWh battery pack. On the Model 3 Long Range variant, there’s a 75 kWh battery pack. Tesla Weight This is the weight of the current lineup: Lowest Weight Highest Weight Model S 4,815 lbs (Long Range Plus) 4,929 lbs (Performance) Model X 5,437 lbs (Long Range Plus) 5,498 lbs (Performance) Model 3 3,582 lbs (Standard Plus) 4,065 lbs (Long Range AWD and Performance) Model Y 4,416 (Long Range AWD) 4,416 lbs (Performance Depending on the year and model, a Tesla battery pack makes up approximately 30% of the entire vehicle weight. Unless technology drastically changes or there’s demand for much shorter range vehicles, these numbers likely won’t change any time soon. The Tesla Cybertruck is scheduled to go into production late 2021. It will have 3 variants, a single, dual, and tri-motor version. While Tesla currently hasn’t listed in specs for the vehicle weight, it has been estimated the truck will weigh over 5,000 pounds and could even break 6,000 pounds for the dual and tri-motor versions. However, I could see it weighing more. Depending on the options, an F-150 can weigh 4,500 pounds and tip over 5,000 pounds. Factor in enough battery cells for the Tri-Motor version to get the estimated 500+ miles of range, I can see the Cybertruck really tipping the scales. We’ll also go through some of the pros and cons of all that weight. Let’s take a look at that now… Potential Additional Tesla Weight Wheel and Tire Weight While Tesla’s website doesn’t indicate an increase in weight for various wheel options, there’s likely an additional weight (usually the larger you go). For the Tesla Model X Performance, selecting the 20″ rim estimates 341 miles of range. Jumping up to the 22″ Jumping up to the 22″ Onyx rim on the Tesla Model X will drop your estimated range down to 300 miles per charge. That’s a difference of 41 miles between the 20 and 22″ wheel! On the Model S Performance, the 19″ Tempest rim shows an estimated 387 miles of range. Jump up to the Sonic Carbon Twin Turbine wheels and the range drops to an estimated 334 miles. That’s an even larger difference of 53 miles per charge compared to the Model X. Tesla currently does not show any range differences for the Model 3 and Y wheel configurations, however, similar to the S and X, some differences in range are likely. Wheel Weight or Aerodynamics? While weight could be a factor between wheel sizes and designs, aerodynamics can also play a part. Car and Driver did a test with and without the Model 3 Aero Wheel covers. They found that keeping them on provided a 3.4% range increase at three different speeds. This yields up to 10 miles of range increase. Reducing Weight for Racing (Tesla Seat Comparison) Many of those who race at the drag strip or other locations will trim weight from their vehicle any way they can. If that means lighter components such as carbon fiber body panels or removing back seats, trim pieces, and a passenger seat these components are frequently taken out. With the Model X offering 5, 6, or 7 passenger seating, the 6 and 7 passenger versions will add additional weight as well. Advantages of Heavier Tesla Weight With what they refer to as a skateboard design, the battery pack is placed within the vehicle chassis. This provides a very low center of gravity which can significantly reduce vehicle roll and improve handling, especially in the corners. Tesla vehicles have very evenly balanced weight distribution as well. The Model S has a weight

Tesla Key Fob Protection and Tips How to Use Them for Newbies Tesla key fobs are not cheap to replace, so it makes sense to spend a little money to help keep them protected. The Tesla Model S and Model X come with two fobs. The Model 3/Y have an optional fob you can purchase through the Tesla store for $150. Scratch Protection On our previous 2018 Model X, I had a handful of keys attached to the lanyard that came with the Tesla Model X key fob. It managed to scratch the fob pretty well over time. I had taken a picture of ours side by side before we got our 2020 Model X, but I can’t find it now. There are fob covers with openings that don’t fully wrap around the fob, however, I prefer these silicone ones for full protection. Have You Ever Misplaced Your Keys? Admittedly I lost my fob recently and for several weeks. I finally found it in the pocket of a jacket I don’t wear very often. I wasn’t sure if it might have slipped out of my pocket. Normally I don’t have an issue misplacing my keys, for the longest time it was my wife who wouldn’t know where she put hers. Not wanting to go through that ordeal again, I ended up picking up a pair of Tile Pro (2020). These are Bluetooth enabled devices you can attach to your key ring (among many other items). Download their app, follow the on-screen directions, and setup is pretty quick and easy. Tile uses Bluetooth to communicate with your phone and this is how you can track/locate them. If you have a tile, but can’t find your phone, simply press the button on the tile and it will send an audible alert to your phone. Even if your phone is on vibrate. The latest 2020 version is supposed to be capable of a 200 foot range. They come with a lithium battery that is expected to last a year and are also replaceable. https://amzn.to/3eJtjmA Keep Your Tesla Key Fob Dry! The Tesla key fob is water-resistant, but not waterproof. On Tesla’s website it mentions that heavy rain or becoming submerged could damage the fob. If you’re into water or snow sports, you’ll want to make sure to come up with other options to ensure your fob stays dry. Accidentally dropping one into a large puddle could also cause problems. I personally haven’t tested how water resistant the Tesla fob’s actually are, nor do I want to. Whenever we’re out on a boat (usually crabbing), I have a waterproof Pelican case I keep my phone/wallet, and keys in. While it’s a little bulky, I typically keep it clipped to my life jacket. How to Use the Tesla Model X Fob This video from Tesla demonstrates how to use your Model X key fob. Note that there are some settings you can change in your Controls settings for how the remote will function. One option is to have a single depress on the top of the remote to close all the doors of the vehicle (including the liftgate, but excluding the front hood which isn’t powered). One thing the Model X fob doesn’t do is open the front doors, only the falcon wing doors, rear trunk, and releasing the latch on the front hood (frunk). Model S Key Fob Functions Here’s a quick overview video for how to operate the Tesla Model S Key Fob: More Tesla Posts on Fabville! Looking for more Tesla articles? Check out more of our Tesla posts. If you’re looking to purchase a new Tesla vehicle or Tesla Energy product, please consider using my referral code (link to Tesla with my code): https://ts.la/kevin82163

Charging Basics and How Long Does it Take to Charge a Tesla? When it comes to Tesla charing, there’s a lot of options and variables. In our Tesla 101 series, we’re going to dive into some common newbie questions around Tesla vehicles. For this article, we’ll cover charging basics, everything from charging at home and on the road. Within the Tesla network and whether or not you should consider 3rd party options. The short answer, if using a Tesla charger, press the button on the “wand”, the charge port door on your Tesla will open, and you simply insert the wand. The vehicle will automatically start charging. The indicator light will display as white when the door opens. As soon as you insert the wand, the light will change to blue as the vehicle prepares to charge. It will then start to flash green as the vehicle begins to charge. It certainly gets a bit more complicated than that, or at least it can with several variables to consider. Some owners may not worry about all the details, but we’ll dive into some of those variables a bit. How long does it take to charge a Tesla. Is Tesla charging free? These are some of the questions we’ll cover. Next, we’ll cover some of the charging types, commonly referred to as Level 1, Level 2, and Tesla Supercharging. Level 1 vs. Level 2 Charging vs. Supercharging Before we begin, we’ll cover a few items of terminology. Level 1 charging uses a 110v outlet. These are the standard 15 or 20amp outlets commonly found in homes throughout the US and other some other countries. This charging can be quite slow. If you are fairly low on charge, you’ll likely see a time estimate of 24+ hours to recharge. Level 2 charging uses a dedicated 240 volt circuit. This provides much quicker charging times, up to three to nine times faster than Level 1 charging. Electricity is exponential, so if you go from a 20 amp outlet to a 40 amp circuit, the charging speed should be close to three times faster. Tesla Supercharging In the Tesla realm, the next step up is their Superchargers which use a 480 volt DC power source. You won’t find these in homes, this is an industrial application with considerably higher voltage. Other manufacturers such as Nissan refer to 480 volt charging as “quick charging” and Ford appears they will call their upcoming network “FordPass Chargers”. Since I’m focusing this article on Tesla, we’ll continue to use the “Supercharger” term in regards to 480 volt charging. NOTE: A quick terminology definition. For 110 volt or 220 volt charging, electric vehicles have an onboard charger. Using either 110 or 220 volts, a vehicle is connected to an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). The EVSE then safety transfers electricity to the vehicles onboard charger. Many of those who are knowledgeable on electric vehicles will quickly call people out if they refer to an EVSE as a “charger”. For 480 volt charging, the onboard charger is bypassed and these stations are considered “chargers”. In my opinion, it just adds unnecessary confusion. Very few people will refer to these units as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. Someone who is new to electric vehicles won’t have any idea what EVSE stands for. Tesla Charging at Home Most owners will do the majority of their charging at home, so we’ll discuss some of the options for charging your Tesla at home first. Tesla Wall Connector The Tesla Wall Connector is a popular choice for many owners. They are currently on “Generation 3” of the Wall Connector which added Wi-Fi connectivity, but also has a 48 amp output max verses the 100 amp on the previous Gen 2 Wall Connectors. Below is a chart from Tesla that shows the charge speed you can expect depending on the size of circuit breaker you’re using. The larger the amperage, the faster you will charge. This chart is based on the current models offered. Older vehicles had various battery pack sizes and other hardware configurations that will affect these numbers. Tesla Wall Connector Power Sharing If you plan to own more than one Tesla and want multiple Wall Connectors, they can be used on the same circuit for “Power Sharing”. You must have the same generation Wall Connectors though, for example, you can’t combine a Gen 2 with a Gen 3 in this shared configuration. You’ll need to make sure you have two Gen 2’s or two Gen 3’s. Wall Connector Cable Length The Tesla Wall Connector is available in two lengths, either 8.5 feet or 18 feet. Surprisingly, this doesn’t affect the price as with some other manufacturers. I find going with the longer 18 foot cord gives you more flexibility. It can also save you from having to run longer wires from your circuit panel. It may seem trivial, you’ll likely have more cabling to wrap up (depending on your install). For mine, I ended up running my cabling behind shelving and was able to run less wiring from my circuit breaker. Indoor or Outdoor, Hardwired or Plug-In If you plan to install your Wall Connector outdoors, it is typically recommend that you have it hardwired. Otherwise, you’ll need to ensure you have outdoor rated, weatherproof outlets. Be sure to check your local code if you are considering a plug-in approach outdoors to make sure you’re in compliance. Always take the proper safety precautions when dealing with electricity. Adding a Cord? A plug-in Wall Connector from Tesla was available, although it’s no longer listed in their store. They now have a Corded Mobile Connector we’ll discuss further below. You can also consider adding a cord to your Wall Connector. Home improvement stores sell dryer and range cords. Most commonly, they’re available for 30 amps, but you will find a smaller selection of 40 and 50 amp cords as well. This is the 50 amp range cord by GE I purchased from Amazon for my

Tesla has started rolling out their next over-the-air software update. This time around, it’s version 2020.40.3. I just installed it on our 2020 Model X Long Range Plus. These are the main features: Speed Assist Priority Bluetooth Device Glovebox PIN We’ll cover each in more detail below… Tesla Speed Assist Improvements Speed Assist is now able to utilize the onboard vehicle cameras to detect speed limit signs to improve the accuracy of speed limit data for highways. This feature was previously enabled for local roads, and has now been expanded to highways. We have a couple roads near us that are 35 mph. It’s happened again now where these two roads are indicating a 25 mph speed limit by Tesla. It will be interesting to see how long it takes to correct again. Tesla Priority Bluetooth Device With this feature, you can avoid connecting the wrong nearby phone by setting your priority Bluetooth device. With this feature enabled, your Tesla will attempt to connect to the priority device associated with the profile selected before it attempts to connect other paired phones. This is one I quickly took advantage of. Previously, we noticed that our Model X would seemingly pick or choose if it wanted to connect to my phone or my wife’s. She has a larger data plan, so I went ahead and set hers as the Priority Bluetooth Device. Here’s how to set your priority device: Tap the Bluetooth icon at the top of the touchscreen Select the preferred phone and slide the Priority Device slider. Glovebox PIN The Glovebox PIN is intended to protect the valuables in your glovebox with a 4 digit PIN. While I could see this being a headache for normal every day use, I could certainly see myself activating this in certain areas. If we plan to leave the vehicle unattended and have something we plan to leave in the glovebox, I’ll likely use it from time to time. Here’s how to enable a Glovebox PIN: Tap the Car “Controls” Icon Tap Safety & Security Then tap Glovebox PIN to set your PIN More Tesla News and Updates Check out more of our Tesla posts.

Tesla announced on September 22nd, 2020 during their Battery Day, that the Tesla Model S Plaid version is now available to order! Although previously communicated it could be available at the end of 2020, Tesla is now targetting the end of 2021 for the Plaid version. The Specs 0-60mph Under 2.0 seconds 1/4 Mile Under 9.0 seconds Horsepower 1100+ hp Drivetrain Tri Motor All-Wheel Drive Range 520+ Miles Per Charge Top Speed 200 mph Price Tag Starting at $139,990 Tesla has been under promising and over delivering on some specs the last couple of years. This has been the case with the range of the Model Y and their ability to start offering auto-pilot as standard equipment. They’ve also had recent price breaks on the 3, S, and X. There’s a handful of “plus” or less than specs listed here. It will be interesting to see where the horsepower, 0-60 and quarter mile times, as well as the range actually come in at. Price The Tesla Model S Plaid version has a starting price of $139,990. Currently through the Tesla website, you can still add the same options currently available for the Long Range Plus and Performance Models. This includes a wheel upgrade, full self-driving, and premium interior options. Maxing out those options will get you up to $156,490. A lot can change between today and late 2021. More options may become available for the Plaid version. Range and Battery Technology With the Tesla Model S Plaid version, the vehicle will take advantage of the new battery cell technology that Tesla announced during Battery Day. It’s a battery cell that appears will be almost the size of a soda can. This battery is a 4680 cell and will use some of the intellectual property of Maxwell Technologies, whom Tesla bought out in 2019. One thing we learned from Battery Day is that the 4680 cells will no longer be incased in a battery pack. Similar to many jets using the open space inside of the wings for fuel now, the body will be structured to house all of these battery cells. Track Time This most recent footage from Laguna Seca that Tesla showed during Battery Day appears to be a standard Model S body. They ran the course with a time of 1 minute 30 seconds and 3/10th’s of a second. Elon mentions they’re confident they can trim another 3 seconds or so off this time. If they can, it would make the Plaid Model S the fastest track time of any production car, whether it’s a two or four door. On their website now, if you click on the Plaid Tri Motor All-Wheel Drive option there’s no visible body style change from the Long Range Plus to the Performance, or to the Plaid versions. However, this could certainly change between now and production. For an earlier prototype of the Model S Plaid version that was ran at that track, there appeared to be a wider body kit. It also has some air intakes (possibly for helping to cool the brakes). There’s a handful of people who feel the Model S (and X) are overdue for a refresh. The Model S first came out in 2012. It has received a front bumper fascia update, slightly updated headlights and taillights, but largely has kept the same overall styling. Sales of both the Model S and X have become a bit more stagnant over the years. Will a Plaid powertrain help push sales back up? Would an interior and exterior update or vastly improved range help? Images of a Model 3 styled dash surfaced a couple years ago. It suggested the S and X would receive a similar, more minimalistic interior. What will you get for the extra $45,000 over the Performance version? Will it be all performance or will we see other changes or additions for Plaid? Are You Considering a Tesla Purchase? If you’re looking to purchase a new Tesla vehicle or Tesla Energy product, or even a Tesla Model S Plaid version please consider using my referral code (link to Tesla with my code): https://ts.la/kevin82163 Looking for More Articles on Tesla? Check out our other Tesla posts here: https://fabville.com/category/automotive/electric-vehicles/tesla