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I feel like you are implying that "unchanged for many decades" is a downside. When you are talking about a drive train, it's a positive. They know what works, h

by Erik816 11y ago

I feel like you are implying that "unchanged for many decades" is a downside. When you are talking about a drive train, it's a positive. They know what works, how to build it, and everyone knows how to fix it. Now if you want to talk about environmental impact, then yes I agree there is much to be said for Tesla.

SmellyGeekBoy 11y ago
Not wanting to put words into GP's mouth but I think the implication was that a bigger slice of the R&D budget goes on the interior of these cars because the drivetrain is a solved problem.
- ssmoot 11y ago
  That seems really dubious. The entire price of an S80 is less than half a base Model S and aside from a dated computer has a far nicer interior in every way. Of course I'm biased. Owned six Volvos. Always thought you couldn't buy a better interior. Simple tactile controls. Best seats in the business. And I loved the waterfall console in the three that had it. I think I'm over cars for the most part, but if anything could tempt me it'd be the new S90. Makes a Model S interior look like cheap junk at half the price.
ino 11y ago
I don't know much about the subject, I admit. If in the past years manufacturers had to cheat on emissions in order to present improvements to performance numbers, then there doesn't seem to be much innovation or the tech has stagnated. On the other hand, there seems to be lots of room for improvement/innovation on the electric side.
- deleted 11y ago
  [deleted]
- ptaipale 11y ago
  > If in the past years manufacturers had to cheat on emissions in order to present improvements to performance numbers The cheating is rather insignificant when compared to the actual decline in emissions over couple past decades. Internal combustion engines have become more efficient all the time; there is a lot that has been developed there over the years. Many of those things, such as the material technology, probably benefit also electric vehicles. Tesla as we know it wouldn't be possible without the pile of innovations done with combustion engine cars.
Pyxl101 11y ago
> Now if you want to talk about environmental impact, then yes I agree there is much to be said for Tesla. Can you share more evidence to justify that claim? Not that I have any reason specifically to doubt it, but this seems like it warrants a lifetime analysis of the expected manufacturing and repair costs of Teslas.

by Erik816 11y ago

SmellyGeekBoy 11y ago

Not wanting to put words into GP's mouth but I think the implication was that a bigger slice of the R&D budget goes on the interior of these cars because the drivetrain is a solved problem.

ssmoot 11y ago
That seems really dubious. The entire price of an S80 is less than half a base Model S and aside from a dated computer has a far nicer interior in every way. Of course I'm biased. Owned six Volvos. Always thought you couldn't buy a better interior. Simple tactile controls. Best seats in the business. And I loved the waterfall console in the three that had it. I think I'm over cars for the most part, but if anything could tempt me it'd be the new S90. Makes a Model S interior look like cheap junk at half the price.

ino 11y ago

I don't know much about the subject, I admit. If in the past years manufacturers had to cheat on emissions in order to present improvements to performance numbers, then there doesn't seem to be much innovation or the tech has stagnated. On the other hand, there seems to be lots of room for improvement/innovation on the electric side.

deleted 11y ago
[deleted]
ptaipale 11y ago
> If in the past years manufacturers had to cheat on emissions in order to present improvements to performance numbers The cheating is rather insignificant when compared to the actual decline in emissions over couple past decades. Internal combustion engines have become more efficient all the time; there is a lot that has been developed there over the years. Many of those things, such as the material technology, probably benefit also electric vehicles. Tesla as we know it wouldn't be possible without the pile of innovations done with combustion engine cars.

Pyxl101 11y ago

> Now if you want to talk about environmental impact, then yes I agree there is much to be said for Tesla. Can you share more evidence to justify that claim? Not that I have any reason specifically to doubt it, but this seems like it warrants a lifetime analysis of the expected manufacturing and repair costs of Teslas.