On Aug 6, 11:14 am, wrote:
In rec.aviation.piloting Gig 601XL Builder wrDOTgiaconaATsuddenlink.net wrote:

Larry Dighera wrote:
On Mon, 06 Aug 2007 05:39:01 -0700, wrote in
. com:

When they start selling cars only powered by batteries I'm going to
invest in a tow truck business.

The time has arrived:
http://www.teslamotors.com/index.php
And a good place to base the new tow truck business is about half way
between SF and LA, because that's about how far this $100,000 car will take
you.
Scroll to the bottom of the page.
http://www.teslamotors.com/performan..._batteries.php

Or half way between LA and Vegas.

The page leads to some "interesting" information.

If you cruise around you find claims that the energy usage is 110 Wh/km,
and recharge time of about 3.5 hours.

110 Wh/km is about 11.7 kWh for a 100 mile trip.

If the charging process is 100% efficient (not in this universe), to
recharge in 3.5 hours requires 11.7/3.5, or about 3.3 kW.

At 120 V, that's 27.5 A, which is a bit beyond the standard 15 A outlet.

At 220 V, that's about 15 A, so you better have a 220 outlet nearby.

Elsewhere they talk about recharging in 2 hours with some 70 A system.

Anyone out there got a 70 A plus safety factor outlet in their house?

They talk about "With your electrical company's incentive pricing
factored in, it will cost you roughly 1 cent per mile to drive the
Tesla Roadster".

Keep in mind they are targeting California.

In California, the "incentive pricing" is the more you use, the more
you pay per kWh.

There is the quote "Single-occupancy access to all carpool lanes".

Yeah, true for a while, but all the permits that are ever going to
be issued were issued long ago.

Just too much hype and inconsistancy for me.

--
Jim Pennino

Remove .spam.sux to reply.

I was aware of this project based upon the Lotus Elise which is a
pretty amaxing performance car with only a small gas engine. Its
pretty much hand built with composites and looks even better in person
than in pictures. With enough battery power the power potentail is
impressive. I think I'll hold off on the tow truck business until they
sell enough $100,000 (assuming they will give away the charging
station) cars to justify my investment.