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We'll see how things pan out, but this might actually make repairs a better experience over time - fewer types of parts means it's easier to keep them in stock,
by diebeforei485 5y ago
We'll see how things pan out, but this might actually make repairs a better experience over time - fewer types of parts means it's easier to keep them in stock, and likely less time required per replacement.
- KennyBlanken 5y agoTesla can't keep parts in stock because they're desperate to prioritize production over parts inventory, not because they have too many parts. This will be a nightmare. A damaged fender now means instead of a fender-sized package that easily fits in a truck with lots of other things, you now have a massive half-a-car sized package. This also doesn't bode well for parts availability in the future. I can't see Tesla switching these massive presses back to producing older designs of panels.
- deelowe 5y agoWhy would a fender replacement require this? The castings are for the chassis, not the body.
- djaychela 5y agoI don't think so. I think it will mean more write offs. These castings replace current pressed panels, so anything in that area will now mean a new body shell -which realistically will mean a written off vehicle - where repairs would currently be an option. I think this is manufacturing optimisation at the cost of overall life optimisation, like the epoxy-encased batteries which are less recyclable than the previous generation.
- wartijn_ 5y agoOther commenters have pointed it out in different threads, but these castings won't replace the panels. They will replace the current chassis.
- djaychela 5y agoI'm aware of that. But using those terms is somewhat misleading - modern vehicles use a monocoque chassis, and these castings will be in areas which are routinely damaged in collisions where panels can currently be replaced/repaired by any competent bodyshop. You can usually buy such sections individually, unpick the originals and replace with new ones, returning the vehicle to as-new condition - even when you're a DIY mechanic with suitable equipment. That won't be the case with castings, and even less so with Tesla given their approach to third-party repairs.
- newaccount74 5y agoI really doubt that replacing one of these cast parts is feasible -- everything is attached to them, you'd have to take apart and rebuild almost the whole car.