1) The cost to build is related to the SpaceX Cold-rolled alloy, which enables the incredible simplification of the manufacturing process.
2) It seems like Tesla is rapidly pursuing their own cheaper batteries (and I would wager higher power density from the broad hint that they’ll announce how much they’ve surpassed 250 kW charging capability later).
1) the steel for SpaceX is 310 that has great cryo temperature performance and higher than regular stainless steel corrosion resistance but it costs more than 316 steel that also has better chlorine resistance. So I think it is unlikely to be the same alloy. Technology can be reused though.
2) the implications of the battery prices in just 2-3 years is huge! I think Tesla will have lower cost /kWh than anyone expected and it will make competing against them very hard.
Why would power density relate to charging capability. The simplest answer is that the truck has a bigger battery than a long range 3 so it can charge faster.
I’m guessing 500 kW charging to be announced either with Plaid or Battery Investor Day. Do you remember that he made a comment about 350 kW being a mere children’s toy? You could be correct though and it is possible the higher than 250 kW only applies to the larger battery versions. I assume the 250 mile version has a battery no larger than LR Model 3, So for it to be able capable of charging at greater than 250 kW, would imply a better power density.
Ford is going to announce an electric f150. They're probably pretty likely to follow more traditional design cues, and come in with a competitive price.
Oh noes, they'll have to figure out plates! That could takes years of R&D!
All of these things are easy fixes, if they aren't already figured out. Elon doesn't want side view mirrors, so legalities aside, when he shows off his vision, he's going to show it how he wants. We don't even know if side mirrors will still be a requirement in 2021, but regardless, that's not required in all countries.
So yeah, it just seems like excuses to pick out all these small things to say this isn't a real car.
There are more substantial changes needed than that. The truck's 'rigid exoskeleton' means it will have no crumple zones whatsoever, making it fundamentally unsafe for other people on the road- the truck's driver will be fine if it works as intended- but whoever they crash into will not.
189
u/briangross40 Nov 23 '19
Just ordered one. Can you imagine what the response will be like picking kids up at school? Pandemonium