VIDEO: Tesla on Letterman - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

bennelson · 04-30-2009, 12:17 PM

YouTube - Elon Musk on Letterman 2009.04.29 (HQ)

Not a bad bit of having a real electric car getting some exposure to the masses.

Unfortunately, David Letterman has some laryngitis and helps perpetuate a few of the common myths/fears that people have about electric cars.

Dave also didn't have much good things to say about the Volt's range, even though it's more than 30% longer than the average American's miles driven per day.

All in all, still worth watching, including seeing the Tesla S car itself very briefly at the end.

Christ · 04-30-2009, 12:30 PM

49,9 isn't such a bad price... and it was a nice convertible... 2 years, was it? Gotta start saving up.

Christ · 04-30-2009, 12:30 PM

Oh.. Dave sounds horrible. Better get some Sucrets or something.

Ryland · 04-30-2009, 12:46 PM

I didn't realize that they have already outsold the number of EV1 that were even made. 1,300 teslas compared to 1,100 EV1's.

bennelson · 04-30-2009, 01:10 PM

It's my understanding that the EV1 was NEVER sold, only leased. By selling ANY EVs, Tesla has already done a lot.

I'm not sure what the actual price on the Volt will end up being, but if it's closer to $40K than $30K, I think the Tesla S would be the better vehicle.

Not that I can afford either. (Said the guy driving the Electric Metro with the $12 batteries......)

Heck, maybe the next Tesla will be $20,000 one?!

UfoTofU · 04-30-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christ

49,9 isn't such a bad price... and it was a nice convertible... 2 years, was it? Gotta start saving up.

I think 49,900 USD is the starting price after a tax cut that won't be available in two years

Tesla Motors is an Environmental Fail (and More!) | Hypermiling, Fuel Economy, and EcoModding News - EcoModder.com

Christ · 04-30-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kitaimdao

I think 49,900 USD is the starting price after a tax cut that won't be available in two years

Tesla Motors is an Environmental Fail (and More!) | Hypermiling, Fuel Economy, and EcoModding News - EcoModder.com

I don't think they're allowed to quote prices based on governmental faculties... I'm pretty sure that ranges under false advertisement, unless they specifically state the nature of the claim, and give basic information about the rebate.

I'm guessing that if that's what he did, included the rebate when quoting a price 2 years from now, someone will indeed raise a stink about it.

taffy · 05-01-2009, 06:57 AM

Sadly here i am waiting to see the price of an imiev (I am praying for ~ prius range), there is 1 tesla roadster in australia and it is not road legal yet.

Telsa S sub AU$50K and i will buy one, though i am not sure i could let go of my electric lotus 7 if i ever finish.
I will be posting for some aero design help to improve range soon, once i get cracking with cad modeling the body work.

Silveredwings · 05-01-2009, 07:20 AM

Note to self: Don't *EVER* try to promote anything on Letterman's stupid show. Was that screaming thing supposed to be funny? What an ignorant boob.

Thalass · 05-07-2009, 06:34 AM

Elon looked uncomfortable, too. Either with being on tv, or with Letterman himself. Or both. haha.

Also: the thing he had to say towards the end that he didn't get to was that the S would cost the same as a ford taurus (whatever that is), when you take fuel into account. There's a comment at the EV Cast site that does the math and over 100,000miles it does work out roughly the same.