WEEKLY WHEATIES #2426
Tesla Differences, Headlines, French Competitions, Biking
In this newsletter:
Post: What’s the Differences in all of these Teslas?
In Case You Missed It: Tech Headlines
Pick of the Week: French Summer Competitions
Featured Product: Exercise Bikes
What’s the Differences in all of these Teslas?
If last week’s newsletter had you the least bit interested in EVs, especially Tesla, let’s break down the various models available for purchase.
Before we dive in too deep, let’s talk about similarities across the board. All four models come with seven cameras surrounding the car, allowing Autopilot or Full-Self Driving to control the car’s speed, steering, and navigation. Some of these features are limited by software subscriptions, but the hardware is on all models. All models also have phone-app access, the same apps on the in-cabin display, charge with the same connector, access to the supercharging network, sentry mode (essentially security cameras when parked), dashcam recording while driving on all cameras, and over-the-air updates that are continual and constant. Even the 2013 Model S I had received updates just a couple of months ago updating the software with new features.
Essentially, Tesla offers two SUVs and two Sedans. For each type, there are two styles – let’s call them Standard and Luxury. The two standard models are the same length and width, with varying heights. They are built on the same chassis, and the interior is pretty much the same. The two luxury models are also the same length and width, with varying heights. They are also built on the same chassis, and the interior is pretty much the same. These models are:
Tesla Model X – Luxury SUV (starts around $80k)
Tesla Model S – Luxury Sedan (starts around $75k)
Telsa Model Y – Standard SUV (starts around $45k)
Tesla Model 3 – Standard Sedan (starts around $40k)
When comparing either sedan to its accompanying SUV, the seating does vary. The sedan’s seats are lower to the frame of the car, and the seating position is more laid back. The SUV’s seats are raised up a bit from the frame and put the driver and occupants in a more upright position. All vehicles are 4-door with a minimum of five seats. The two SUVs offer a 6- or 7-seat variant, depending on the model. The style of the seats is a bit different, but there are too many mixed opinions on the differences. Personally, I find them very similar in comfort.
From the driver's cockpit, the standard models have one main center screen that houses all information for the car. The luxury models have a second screen above the steering wheel for a basic heads-up display with speed and other necessary information. The look and feel of the cockpits are also different. The standard models are very minimal and streamlined compared to the luxury models adding a bit of flair.
Aside from the vehicle’s physical size, there are other differences in the luxury models. Typically, there is more storage, the design (inside and out), battery size (range), speed/acceleration, tire and wheel size, suspension (air suspension on the S/X), and other unique features. For example, the Model X has Falcon Wing doors, while both the S and X offer automatic closing doors. The door handles also auto-present when walking up to the car and close when leaving. The S and X also offer an airplane-style steering wheel and differing controls (while losing driver stalks as well).
I’m sure there are many features I’m still missing, but that’s okay. The goal is to give you an idea of the main differences in the models and types. I’ve seen people have luck asking in Facebook groups or going to EV meetups to see each model in person and get a better idea of which type they may prefer. There are also Tesla locations in pretty much every state that will allow you to sit in one and, in some cases, even schedule a test drive.
What about the truck?
The newly released Cybertruck has proven that most either love it or hate it. The looks do kind of hit you hard. Looks aside, the technology is similar to the other models, with its own unique perks. The new steering feature allows the driver to never have to turn the wheel past 90 degrees. Based on the speed of the vehicle, the wheel turns tighter or not, meaning it can turn very sharp or gradually with the same amount of force applied. Also, when turning at slower speeds, all 4 wheels may turn. Currently, it’s a bit out of the price range for most, and if you didn’t pre-order one, you’d still be a year or more away from getting one – assuming the prices come down, too. Even so, they have various options for range, speed, and power.
There are other EVs to consider if you want a truck, but it’s tricky. There are only four others I’m aware of that are currently available for purchase. But they are all pretty expensive, have a limited range for what you pay for, towing is still an issue (at least currently), and you may have to wait months or years to get one. They include:
Rivian R1T (starts around $70,000)
Silverado EV (starts around $97,000)
Hummer EV (starts around $99,000)
Ford Lightning (starts around $50,000)
In regards to other vehicles, Tesla hasn’t announced any just yet, but there are talks of a possible cargo/large-passenger van, a smaller and more affordable 2-door (maybe 4-door) sedan, and the infamous Robotaxi. Until these are announced, there’s nothing much we can do other than speculate.
However, if you are considering a new or used Tesla, there are also rebates to consider. Currently if purchasing a new EV (model dependent), you may be eligible for a $7,500 rebate that will go towards the sale price at the time of purchase. If purchasing a used EV under $25k, you may qualify for a $4,000 rebate that will also go towards the sale price at the time of purchase. While some may be skeptical about buying used, many may still be under warranty, and if buying used directly from Tesla, they offer another 1 year, 10,000-mile warranty, essentially bumper to bumper. All new and used Teslas come with a minimum 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the battery. This means the battery will be covered if it drops below 70% capacity.
Let’s compare battery degradation to an iPhone. On your iPhone, you can go into Settings > Battery > Battery Health to view your current “Maximum Capacity.” For example, if this shows 90%, when you charge your phone to 100%, you essentially only have 90% of the charge as if it were new. All batteries do this, so it isn’t crazy to see this number drop. And just like your iPhone, Tesla batteries will lose their maximum charging capacity over the years. Except also just like iPhones, the batteries lose most of their charge within the first 3 years. As mentioned, my 2013 Model S was around 92% when I bought it and probably still around 90% 3 years later. If this number would have been below 70% within the first 8 years of ownership, Tesla would have replaced it. Believe it or not, these batteries are made for many many charging cycles and to last thousands of miles. As seen, the batteries will not go out all of a sudden, as they will slowly lose maximum charge, and even then, level out over time.
If you’re still worried, Tesla just released a report showing the average battery loss on their vehicles as they reach the 200,000 mile mark. As mentioned, it shows a pretty steep drop the first few years, but begins to flatten out and doesn’t drop below 80% or look like it will drop below 70% even in the next 200,000 miles.
What’s interesting is these battery packs are made up of a bunch of smaller batteries. They are a little larger than a typical AA, and there are more than 4,000 of them. So, if the ‘battery’ does begin to degrade, it is possible to just replace the ones that are bad. However, a module would have to be replaced, not just one individual battery, but also not the entire battery pack. This isn’t something you’d do yourself, but there are a few shops that can do this, and I’d imagine many more popping up as Teslas become more available.
Aside from the battery, there isn’t much more maintenance to be completed outside of tires and brakes. And even with brakes, they typically last much longer because the cars use regenerative braking to slow down instead. There are other issues to consider like the AC, screens, and other interior features, but there are also 3rd party warranties that can be purchased after the factory warranty is completed, too.
Overall, a Tesla may not be for everyone, but there is a lot to be discussed if considering one. What model would you like to see offered next?
ICYMI: Tech Headlines
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), share how Level 4 Autonomous Vehicles (which is still not approved and legal in the states outside of a few select cities) Are Great at Driving Straight, But humans still do better at turns and in the twilight. This isn’t anything crazy new, but does shed light that Robotaxis mentioned earlier may still be a ways off.
Social media apps are still changing. X.com (formerly Twitter) is about to start hiding all likes. Meta’s Threads app released their API for developers to build “unique integrations” so you may start seeing a bunch of new Threads apps pop up in your app stores. On the other side of the world, Tokyo’s Government Is Building Its Own Dating App to combat declining marriages across Japan.
Netflix’s latest redesign aims to simplify your homepage. Probably making it even more difficult to find what you’re looking for - especially as they keep moving the “Continue Watching” carousel.
If you would have bet me last week, you would have won. I would’ve sworn Apple would have taken over the top spot for the most valuable company. Instead, Nvidia’s first quarter earnings allowed it to once again take the lead.
POTW: French Summer Competitions
The Summer Olympic Games for 2024 kick off in Paris towards the end of July. I consider myself a fan of art in general and wanted to share these Surprisingly Whimsical Posters for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. I’m not sure of the turnout for athletes and spectators in the cycling events, but you can guarantee there will be crowds for the yearly Tour de France, which starts this weekend! Last year, a friend shared something with me I’d like to invite you all to. Presenting: Le Tour de Couch Potato! This is a virtual cycling event that allows registrants to cycle 100 miles over the 3 weeks of the Tour. This can be done on any type of bike: road, mountain, or stationary. By signing up, you can track your mileage, be granted a cool Potato Name (mine’s Pouch Potato), and (if reaching 100 miles) purchase a commemorative magnet! Join the fun and pedal on!
Featured Product
If you are wanting to join Le Tour de Couch Potato and don’t have a bicycle (or want to afford a Peleton or the monthly service that goes with it), consider the BowFlex Indoor Exercise Bike. I’ve been using this for over a year now and love it. Granted, I was able to purchase for half off, so be on the lookout for sale. According to CamelCamelCamel, it frequently drops to $999, and did so back in February with no updates recently. Meaning, if you can sit tight, it’s probably due for another discount soon. A less expensive option I came close to purchasing is the Echelon Fitness Bike.
