The Future and the Past

On any road, there are a few major turns.  On the mobility road, the MG was a fresh new roadster with British roots and worldwide appeal.  Her charm was sufficient that many of us still labor to keep them running and even autocrossing...

And now, the mobility road is taking another sharp corner.  One of my main responsibilities in my day job is to keep us apprised of changes in technology.  I apply a good deal of skepticism to this role, which I think helps to avoid the hype cycle.  I grew up with bearing grease on my hands and metal chips occasionally pressed into my flesh, so I feel firmly grounded.  So when I tell you that another revolution is nigh, I ain't just whistlin' Dixie!

My son, with great research and enthusiasm, figured out how to move up the Tesla pre-order ladder and got his Model 3 a few weeks ago.  God bless him for giving me early warning!  This is truly a revolution in motoring!

How so, you ask?  Well, let me describe the upcoming tsunami to you:

Today's automobile is far ahead of most country's space programs.  The standard engine has variable cam timing, probably also cylinder deactivation, a start-stop system to turn the engine off at traffic lights, a 10 speed automatic transmission with auxiliary electro-hydraulic pump, and other (previously unobtainable) technologies to move you along at 20-30 mpg.

The fact that this tech is available to the common market is amazing.  The amount of manufacturing operations that go into such a machine, are beyond belief.  If you toured an automotive assembly line, including engine and transmission, you'd estimate $300K for the finished product.

Now comes Tesla.

Elon Musk recognized two facts that elude traditional powertrain engineers: Batteries are getting cheaper fast and an electric powertrain is insanely simple compared to a combustion engine powertrain.  This simplicity also results in the near complete elimination of maintenance.  An electric car is fill-for-life and has only one gear, so there is very little to go wrong.

That's all fine, but the cost of batteries has always killed any serious electric car.  But those costs are falling and a giga-factory might slay them.  So, if we give Elon that point, we get to the more important transformation:  an electric car can lead to a re-imagining of the car.  And, it seems it did.

I will now enumerate 5 areas where Tesla has successfully reimagined the automobile.

Performance:

Eric only ponied up for the cheaper RWD version that can manage 0-60 in an embarrassing 5.2 seconds. OMG.  That actually feels like Han Solo engaging hyper drive!  I could do this all day!

Charging network:

In my opinion, Elon's greatest accomplishment.  We drove 300 miles each way, Ohio to DC, and had no issues with charging.  A Tesla Supercharger will deliver 450 miles/hour.  And they are well placed.  No advantage for combustion engines.

Driving experience:

This thing is so agile!  I felt I could pull out in front of anyone and they would hardly notice I was there!  The acceleration is crazy good but the turning is better!  Maybe we'll get the chance to try that on an autocross course soon...

Connected experience:

I didn't expect to like the tablet as the only information display.  I was taught to scan my gauges!  Well, that is important in an ICE (internal combustion engine) car since something can go off the rails at any moment.  But, in an electric car, there is almost nothing that can go wrong.  I thought this would make me feel less connected with the road, but the reverse was true.

Joy of life:

I love driving.  And somehow, the Autopilot features, which are amazing, allow one to concentrate on driving.  I have never felt more connected to the road, in spite of the massive tech between me and it.  The review of Track Mode (only available on the P3D) in Road and Track, made a similar comment.  Surprisingly, without the distractions of gear shifting, you can experience the traction patch as if it is on your palm.  I get it!

Wow!  What a car!