Tesla Model S

[Halon]

That's interesting. So in the used market, I guess that's an 'option' people would be looking for, whether or not that car has the free supercharging option enabled? Or is there a physical hardware difference, like a different plug needed that comes with that $2k price tag?

[Goat Blower]

Very nice! My coworker has two Teslas, a P85 and a Roadster. I've driven both, very cool cars. The Roadster is not for me, but I could see myself in a Model S at the right price. Congrats!

[asshanson]

That's interesting. So in the used market, I guess that's an 'option' people would be looking for, whether or not that car has the free supercharging option enabled? Or is there a physical hardware difference, like a different plug needed that comes with that $2k price tag?

Software enabled, just like autopilot on the late '14 and later builds. Every car has the hardware and sensors, it's just whether or not you've paid to enable it.

[Halon]

Gotcha, so if you bought a used one without the supercharger option, you could probably still contact them and pay for it and have it enabled. Wonder if it'd be at a reduced price.

[asshanson]

Just a one time fee for that specific vehicle, doesn't matter if first or second buyer pays for it, price doesn't change. I'm pretty sure over 95% of the Model S have supercharging.

[Goat Blower]

I think the free supercharging is key to getting these into the mainstream over time. Kalifornia people were quick to adopt with all the tax incentives and such, but the rest of the country will take a while.

[Halon]

^ Free is nice, but I think accessibility will be the biggest thing. Which they are making huge strides in. But the last time I had looked (about 9 months ago) there wasn't even one shown on their map for the Twin Cities. I see now there is one in Oakdale. For us, the wife couldn't own one because she heads to Fargo every once in awhile, and there are no charging stations in Fargo, nor between here and there. So that wouldn't work at all.

They are building more and more it seems, which I think is great, and I think continuing to building more of them will be key.

Also, I've started to wonder if there is going to be some sort of EV etiquette. Like "Hey I just drove here from Iowa, didn't have to pay a cent for gas! But now that I'm here I'm almost empty. Can I please hook up to your house extension cord and use your electric bill to 'fill me up', k thanks".

[asshanson]

Most people don't have a NEMA 14-50 at their house (high speed 240v charging), so if you're staying at a friend's house using 120v you might get 60 miles max (15 hours). That would cost < $2.50 in electricity. I think most friends or family wouldn't mind (I'll bring beer to compensate lol). That would be enough to get you to the nearest supercharging station assuming you had planned ahead. There are also public free stations that get you 20mph, if you can stay overnight near one.

The upper midwest is the worst for supercharging for now, they're working to expand it. And people with Bolt's or Leaf's or non Tesla's in the next few years will have a much harder time finding really high speed charging for road trips. Nissan chose Chademo, GM is using some DC combo, everyone has their own standard which makes is worse for everyone.

[rose0529]

Nissan chose Chademo, GM is using some DC combo, everyone has their own standard which makes is worse for everyone.

You'd think they would put a standard on this, or at least some of the companies would team up to help reduce costs, i dunno.

[Goat Blower]

For us, the wife couldn't own one because she heads to Fargo every once in awhile, and there are no charging stations in Fargo, nor between here and there. So that wouldn't work at all.

There's a destination charger in Fargo at a decent hotel, so it's possible, but obviously not for a day trip. I suppose when you're right down the proverbial street from the Bakken oil fields, the EV is not a popular mode of transport. :D