The Electric Vehicle Thread

[gerntz]

Many of the driver assistance functions such as adaptive cruise control are extremely useful in stop-and-go traffic such as on congested freeways in major cities.

Being retired, I make an effort to stay out of S&G traffic. Waste of my life.

 

[NW-Bound]

Being retired, I make an effort to stay out of S&G traffic. Waste of my life.

You don't have to tell me about it.

I did not realize how bad traffic got in my town, until I got caught in rush hour traffic going home after a long RV trek. It has been years since we left the house at such hours.

OMG! It was as bad as in LA. If I had to drive like that every day to go to/from work, I would quit and go ER.

But I guess the poor souls who have no choice but to trudge to work every day will appreciate all these driver assistance functions. Or even an ER who inadvertently gets caught in such traffic.

PS. Just heard from a cousin who lives and works in LA. His new job is now 30 miles from home. It takes him 3 hours each way, so he has to rent a room in someone's home, and only goes home on weekends.

 

[Zathras]

Do you think this is due to noise/vibration, or due to assisted driving functions? Or even improved seats/suspension?

One thing that we noticed immediately when using autosteer in our farm tractors was that it was much less taxing to drive. You could look around more, watch what the implement was doing, etc. Letting the technology keep the tractor on the correct path allowed you to not be as fatigued at the end of the job.

Our first road trip was without an autopilot equipped Tesla.
For trips, I believe it was a combination of the lack of engine noise and the fact that we actually did what ‘experts’ have been suggesting for years. Every 2 to 3 hours we stopped, stretched our legs for 10-45 minutes.
At the end of 12 hours of travel I felt as fresh as when I started.

In heavy traffic, I attribute the lack of fatigue to one pedal driving. Rarely needing to touch the brakes is surprisingly refreshing. I never realized how much of a role that played in driving fatigue and stress.

Now, with AP it is even better.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

I think I'm going to have to test-drive a Tesla 3 w/o full self-driving capability and see how I like it. Luckily, Autopilot is included, and I can add FSD on in a year or two, although it may be more like four years until our budget has the room. I can justify getting one instead of a Prius Prime if the price is close, but not the additional $7K for AP right now. Even the base model is about $5-6K over what I had planned, but if I'm going to be driving it for 10+ years, I really don't want to be regretting my choice all that time. For now, though, I may have to keep driving my 14 year old Accord at least until we find out if our contract is renewed.

 

[Ready]

I think I'm going to have to test-drive a Tesla 3 w/o full self-driving capability and see how I like it. Luckily, Autopilot is included, and I can add FSD on in a year or two, although it may be more like four years until our budget has the room. I can justify getting one instead of a Prius Prime if the price is close, but not the additional $7K for AP right now. Even the base model is about $5-6K over what I had planned, but if I'm going to be driving it for 10+ years, I really don't want to be regretting my choice all that time. For now, though, I may have to keep driving my 14 year old Accord at least until we find out if our contract is renewed.

Don’t waste money on FSD. We have it on one of our Model 3’s and never use it. It doesn’t really work all that well.

Which trim level are you looking at? SR+ or AWD? If you don’t need a lot of range, you can still order the SR for $35K with 220 miles of range and no autopilot.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

Don’t waste money on FSD. We have it on one of our Model 3’s and never use it. It doesn’t really work all that well.

Which trim level are you looking at? SR+ or AWD? If you don’t need a lot of range, you can still order the SR for $35K with 220 miles of range and no autopilot.

It looks to me like SR+ starts at $36,900 after incentives when I try to design my own. I might pay $1K for a different color exterior, though, as I'm not crazy about the white. Your state incentive is probably higher, ours is $3K. But thanks for the info about FSD. I know it's still a work in progress, but I definitely like where they're heading, and I know I want to get in on that eventually. Luckily, it can be added later, so I'll push the decision, even if it will cost a little more later. If it was only available with FSD for $7K more, I wouldn't even consider it now.

 

[Ready]

It looks to me like SR+ starts at $36,900 after incentives when I try to design my own. I might pay $1K for a different color exterior, though, as I'm not crazy about the white. Your state incentive is probably higher, ours is $3K. But thanks for the info about FSD. I know it's still a work in progress, but I definitely like where they're heading, and I know I want to get in on that eventually. Luckily, it can be added later, so I'll push the decision, even if it will cost a little more later. If it was only available with FSD for $7K more, I wouldn't even consider it now.

There is an off menu car that you can order by calling a sales rep called the “SR”. It is similar to SR+ but has 20 miles less range and no autopilot. It was selling for $35K but I think it may have increased to $35,400 recently. If you don’t need autopilot this is a great deal.

Keep in mind that any Model 3, including the SR, can add autopilot and/or FSD later if you decide you want it for the same price as if you buy it with the car. It’s an extra $3K to add autopilot to the base SR. I don’t have autopilot on my car and I’m perfectly fine with that.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

Thanks Ready, I'll ask about that when I go for a test drive, but does the 3 do the adaptive/follow cruise control without Autopilot? I mentioned in another thread what a stress saver (physical and mental) that is, especially in stop-and-go traffic and city driving. Our 2017 Subaru Outback has that and some other nice features that I'd like to get, and I can get for less than $34K on a Prius Prime Limited, which is my "how-much-of-a-premium-am-I-willing-to-pay-for-a-Tesla" comparison. I know I'd ejnoy the Tesla more, but if I'm going to compromise on the features I want, I could even get a Prius Prime XLE for about $30K with most of what I want.

I've got a month or two, anyway. I want to wait until some work things are resolved for myself and my spouse, we've both got some potential disruptions coming.

 

[Ready]

Thanks Ready, I'll ask about that when I go for a test drive, but does the 3 do the adaptive/follow cruise control without Autopilot? I mentioned in another thread what a stress saver (physical and mental) that is, especially in stop-and-go traffic and city driving. Our 2017 Subaru Outback has that and some other nice features that I'd like to get, and I can get for less than $34K on a Prius Prime Limited, which is my "how-much-of-a-premium-am-I-willing-to-pay-for-a-Tesla" comparison. I know I'd ejnoy the Tesla more, but if I'm going to compromise on the features I want, I could even get a Prius Prime XLE for about $30K with most of what I want.

I've got a month or two, anyway. I want to wait until some work things are resolved for myself and my spouse, we've both got some potential disruptions coming.

No, the cruise control does not adjust to traffic. Sounds like you will be better off with the SR+.

 

[eroscott]

Thanks Ready, I'll ask about that when I go for a test drive, but does the 3 do the adaptive/follow cruise control without Autopilot? I mentioned in another thread what a stress saver (physical and mental) that is, especially in stop-and-go traffic and city driving. Our 2017 Subaru Outback has that and some other nice features that I'd like to get, and I can get for less than $34K on a Prius Prime Limited, which is my "how-much-of-a-premium-am-I-willing-to-pay-for-a-Tesla" comparison. I know I'd ejnoy the Tesla more, but if I'm going to compromise on the features I want, I could even get a Prius Prime XLE for about $30K with most of what I want.

I've got a month or two, anyway. I want to wait until some work things are resolved for myself and my spouse, we've both got some potential disruptions coming.

Some graphics here of the trim comparisons via:
New April 2019 Model 3 Trim Comparison
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/new-april-2019-model-3-trim-comparison.149724/

Range chart in previous post link here: http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/the-electric-vehicle-thread-101783-6.html#post2358772

'ACC/Adaptive Cruise Control' is 'Tesla TACC/Traffic Aware Cruise Control' below.

 

[jabbahop]

Question for Tesla owner? I heard that insurance is a little higher than ICE car, is that true?

We bought a used model S and it was a bit more expensive for us. I don;t remember the exact delta though.

 

[Ready]

Our insurance went up slightly but that was going from a 9 year old Lexus to a brand new Model 3, so it was expected.

GEICO is the worst for Tesla. They just don’t seem to want to insure them. You can also get a quote directly from Tesla for insurance.

 

[gerntz]

At the end of 12 hours of travel I felt as fresh as when I started.

No offense, but after doing 12 hours of anything awake, I'm more tired than when I started.

 

[TriumphTR3fan]

Some graphics here of the trim comparisons via:
New April 2019 Model 3 Trim Comparison
https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads/new-april-2019-model-3-trim-comparison.149724/

Range chart in previous post link here: http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f27/the-electric-vehicle-thread-101783-6.html#post2358772

'ACC/Adaptive Cruise Control' is 'Tesla TACC/Traffic Aware Cruise Control' below.

A small correction to the chart. In May 2019 Tesla removed Homelink as a feature in the Premium Interior package.

 

[Ready]

Here is a good article explaining how to buy a Tesla Model 3 for $35K.

https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-3-35k-standard-range-complete-buying-guide/

 

[gerntz]

Want to thank the Tesla drivers for their knowledge inputs to this thread. Makes me more inclined to an EV while still not there yet.

 

[TromboneAl]

Yesterday we got a "$100 hamburger." That's aviation slang for flying somewhere and getting a burger and flying home. That is, just for the fun of the trip.

We drove 100 miles to Deb's Great American Hamburgers in Redway, CA (and 100 back).

I'm becoming more confident that the car will drive fine on the highway, but it still takes a good amount of mental energy to monitor it.

It follows a little closer than I would, even though I've set it to the maximum follow distance. Of course, it's reaction time is better than mine.

The car will get into the passing lane even if there is someone in that lane, far back but approaching fast (over the speed limit). Then it will stay at the speed limit even as the speeder comes up and tailgates.

 

[travelover]

..........
The car will get into the passing lane even if there is someone in that lane, far back but approaching fast (over the speed limit). Then it will stay at the speed limit even as the speeder comes up and tailgates.

Oh great, just what we need. A computer with a feeling of entitlement. "I'm going the speed limit, get over it".

 

[NW-Bound]

The car will get into the passing lane even if there is someone in that lane, far back but approaching fast (over the speed limit)...

The car may need a lidar in order to know the speed of surrounding vehicles. Or perhaps, a backward pointing radar. More sensors may be needed.

Then it will stay at the speed limit even as the speeder comes up and tailgates.

This should be fixable with software.

 

[Ready]

There is nothing preventing a Tesla from driving over the speed limit. You set the maximum speed you want the car to drive by scrolling the right dial on the steering wheel. If you want to drive over the speed limit that is your decision, not the car’s.

 

[NW-Bound]

Or the software can be programmed to turn the right blinker on, and to go back to the right lane.

 

[The Cosmic Avenger]

Or the software can be programmed to turn the right blinker on, and to go back to the right lane.

I was wondering about that, but I don't know that the software would have the discretion to know when to move over and when not to. As I've been reading this I'm thinking that I would just take over and do it myself, then let autopilot resume afterwards. But then, I'm used to adaptive cruise control, where I'm already making the lane change decisions, not autopilot.

 

[gerntz]

The car will get into the passing lane even if there is someone in that lane, far back but approaching fast (over the speed limit). Then it will stay at the speed limit even as the speeder comes up and tailgates.

Can't you just step on the electricity to speed up & let it settle back to set speed when you let up?

 

[NW-Bound]

I was wondering about that, but I don't know that the software would have the discretion to know when to move over and when not to. As I've been reading this I'm thinking that I would just take over and do it myself, then let autopilot resume afterwards. But then, I'm used to adaptive cruise control, where I'm already making the lane change decisions, not autopilot.

Tesla Autopilot is currently not intelligent enough to do that, but the above is just one of the countless things that a computer program needs to know if it is going to be totally in charge in a driverless vehicle.

I wonder if Waymo's car knows to do this.

 

[Chuckanut]

Tesla Autopilot is currently not intelligent enough to do that, but the above is just one of the countless things that a computer program needs to know if it is going to be totally in charge in a driverless vehicle.

I wonder if Waymo's car knows to do this.

Do you think they know Waymo than the Telsa cars?