Tesla drops veil on TOP SECRET solar Superchargers
But only Model S motors can slurp free, super-speed sun juice
Cloud storage: Lower cost and increase uptime
Elon Musk's e-car company Tesla has unveiled its built-in-secret Supercharger network, which will supply free juice to Model S sedans but no other plug-in cars.
The Superchargers are loaded up with solar energy and will give their charge to Model S cars for free, but other electric vehicles won't be able to use the stations. Tesla claims that the exclusivity is down to the fact that the Model S has a proprietary plug and a 20kW converter, according to reports from the launch event.
Tesla built the Supercharger network, which can take a Model S from flat to full in an hour, in secret at six locations in California. Those solar carports, which look a little like regular filling stations, will be switched on next month and the car company is planning more in "high traffic corridors" across the US and in Europe and Asia in the second half of next year.
But even for Model S owners, the network comes with a catch. The rapid charging from the carport will take its toll on the lithium-ion batteries in the vehicles, so the Supercharger is only for occasional use.
But Tesla reckons it's worth it, since the carports are expected to pay for themselves. The solar power gathering ports, developed with SolarCity where Musk is chairman, will bag more juice than the cars need, so the firm will have extra power to sell back to the grid.
"By making electric long distance travel at no cost - an impossibility for gasoline cars - Tesla is demonstrating just how fundamentally better electric transport can be,” Musk said in a canned statement. “We are giving Model S the ability to drive almost anywhere for free on pure sunlight.” ®
COMMENTS
Re: If the solar panels capture more energy than they need
It's so nice to see a proper red baiting swivel eyed loon.
There are just not that many of you around these days.
Re: If the solar panels capture more energy than they need
>With political parties, heavily influenced by Red Communists, in positions of power in the United States
With statements like these, you make it obvious you are a fruitcake. Many people have varying opinions about who controls whom in the US political systems, but only a raving loon would think the Commies are in charge.
The cake is a lie!
"....will take its toll on the lithium-ion batteries in the vehicles..."
"....electric long distance travel at no cost - an impossibility for gasoline cars...."
How much is a new Li-ion pack for a Tesla and how much petrol can you buy for that? Mr Musk can either have his cake or eat it, not both.
Agentless Backup is Not a Myth
Steps to Take Before Choosing a Business Continuity Partner
Requirements Checklist for Choosing a Cloud Backup and Recovery Service Provider
Cloud storage: Lower cost and increase uptime
SaaS data loss: The problem you didn’t know you had
