Tesla semi

[Dadnatron]

Houstonscott...

I don't know that the future will be electric because of an 'oil scare'. I think it will be electric because it works better... when the tech is capable. I agree with you that it won't be next week nor that it will be all supplied by wind, sun, and unicorn farts. But I do believe that the inherent capability of electricity to perform more and more of our energy needs will continue to remove other forms of energy consumption from our daily lives. No one uses whale oil for lighting any more. But at the time, it was the BEST available.

I don't like 'mandates'... I simply think it will be the better choice when people choose to make it. People don't build water wheel saws because the tech isn't as beneficial. But at the time... it was the ONLY way to really get something done. That will be the same with electricity until some future source of energy/power/motility occurs in which electricity will take a back seat and then simply be a historical footnote. Similar to coal/diesel/NG in the next century.

 

[houstonscott]

Houstonscott... I don't know that the future will be electric because of an 'oil scare'. I think it will be electric because it works better... when the tech is capable. I agree with you that it won't be next week nor that it will be all supplied by wind, sun, and unicorn farts. But I do believe that the inherent capability of electricity to perform more and more of our energy needs will continue to remove other forms of energy consumption from our daily lives. I don't like 'mandates'... I simply think it will be the better choice when people choose to make it. People don't build water wheel saws because the tech isn't as beneficial. But at the time... it was the ONLY way to really get something done. That will be the same with electricity until some future source of energy/power/motility occurs in which electricity will take a back seat and then simply be a historical footnote. Similar to coal/diesel/NG in the next century.

Until there is a overwhelming need, and it doesn't look like there is one, no change will be made. Don't discard those technology break throughs will also continue in ICE development. We already have an spectacular transportation system with powerful safe fast clean comfortable luxurious beautiful and affordable cars. Not seeing that electric works better. I'm a car guy, I simply don't see it. The historical reflection might be remember when we thought pure electric cars were the answer, how stupid we were... Hybrids might remain, they fulfill many needs without altering the whole transportation system. They allow those people interested to fulfill nearly all the perceived electric need without any sacrifice. The MB C350e is the result of real technology and real hybrid experience gained in modern Formula 1 racing developing these systems. They have created what Tesla hasn't even conceived. A vehicle that knows where the designated low emission areas are and throughs GPS knows where it is, altering how Hybrid system works for road and even elevation changes. They've left Tesla in the rearview mirror. They also are making their own LI batteries and make home storage systems you can actually get your hands on, MB is not just an Internet Site.


I watched Mercedes C350e | Fully Charged - Mercedes C35e | Fully Charged - YouTube using Video Tube. Do you want to watch videos from YouTube, Vimeo and Dailymotion using only one app? Get Video Tube for FREE (Video Tube™ - Stream and Play on the App Store) on the App Store now!

 

[daugen]

Tesla’s Semi truck looks fast in first leaked video – BGR

I find the acceleration speculation amusing because the trailer was likely empty.
I wonder how many drive wheels this thing has.

 

[houstonscott]

Tesla’s Semi truck looks fast in first leaked video – BGR I find the acceleration speculation amusing because the trailer was likely empty. I wonder how many drive wheels this thing has.

It's been on the road since 2014. Pull yourself from the Tesla pit.

 

[California]

Just a note on comparing truck horsepower: diesel or electric horsepower needs will be similar at constant speed or on grades.

But the electric motor's peak torque from zero rpm is a real advantage getting a heavy truck started moving.

I wonder if also, avoiding the many shifts to get up to highway speed with constant torque applied is a productivity improver.

 

[CincyFlyer]

It could. It should.

I see no sign of that happening. When was the last time we built a nuke plant? And how long did the permitting process take for that one?

Well, now would be the time, wouldn't it?

 

[Gale Hawkins]

When all vehicles are self aware and aware of all other vehicles it should improve the safety for all.

 

[KubotainNH]

I find the EV or possible Hybrid semi intriguing. When you think a 15l Detroit diesel weighs over 2800 pounds with 1800lbs of torque, what could you do with electric motors? Have one on each tire for great traction in all weather conditions and maybe change the frame characteristics seeing the torque is put down in a different way, maybe even the trailer could have drive motors? The center of gravity could be way lower so maybe aerodynamics could be way better? Make it so all the wheels could steer more tightly for ease of moving around in tight spaces(thinking way outside the box)? Adding solar panels on the trailer may not give a huge amount of power but maybe enough to keep the cab air-conditioned when the driver is resting or run a fridge trailer. Regen braking would slow the truck way more quieter than a jake-brake and you could have it on the trailer too. Interesting things to think about but I think there would have to be some huge benefits to get out of the diesel cycle.

 

[California]

My daughter works in utilities planning and rate-setting. She says the big issue of the moment is that rates are based on replacing generating plants as they age but new technology - LED's and some customers shifting to their own solar power, or even selling back to the utility - has made it uncertain that a specific plant would need to be upgraded or replaced as soon as had been planned, so present and projected rates may be higher than needed. It's a matter of intense discussion in her specialty at this time.

And my own thoughts - recharging EV's overnight will tend to level load so plants can run at better efficiency 24/7. And some speculation: EV's could be designed to feed back into the grid - there are already smart meters to take care of the accounting - which could make possible a voluntary program to further level peak load.

 

[houstonscott]

When all vehicles are self aware and aware of all other vehicles it should improve the safety for all.

Thats already happening.