What are the charging options and how does that affect the cost? I.e. What is the real cost of the car?
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M$1 Answer
The real cost of charging the Tesla's batteries lies within the rate structure of your local electric utility. Using a standard residential rate class for this purpose could prove to be rather expensive. I would highly recommend that you carefully study the rate options available from your local utility. It would possibly be worth your while to contact their marketing group to review your options. They may suggest that you consider a small commercial rate or a time-of-day rate, depending upon how much power the charging process requires.
Generally speaking, you will most likely be best served through the use of a time-of-day ("TOD") rate structure. This rate prices your electricity use lower during the off-peak hours (night time) when there is less demand for power (and more expensive for the utility to "ramp-down" their electric generation). However, your use during the on-peak hours (day time) will be priced at a higher rate when there is greater demand for electricity (and the utility must use peak shaving generation to meet customer demand).
You will need to modify your own behavior to only use your highest demand items (i.e. charging your Tesla's batteries, running an electric clothes dryer, etc.) during the off-peak periods in order to receive the most savings benefit from the rate class.
Good luck with your decision regarding the purchase of a Tesla!
Generally speaking, you will most likely be best served through the use of a time-of-day ("TOD") rate structure. This rate prices your electricity use lower during the off-peak hours (night time) when there is less demand for power (and more expensive for the utility to "ramp-down" their electric generation). However, your use during the on-peak hours (day time) will be priced at a higher rate when there is greater demand for electricity (and the utility must use peak shaving generation to meet customer demand).
You will need to modify your own behavior to only use your highest demand items (i.e. charging your Tesla's batteries, running an electric clothes dryer, etc.) during the off-peak periods in order to receive the most savings benefit from the rate class.
Good luck with your decision regarding the purchase of a Tesla!
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
In reference to the Model S sedan...
(http://www.autobloggreen.com/2009/03/26/tesla-model-s-50-000-ev-sedan-seats-seven-300-mile-range-0-6/)
"We have just listened to the panjandrum Elon Musk and the car's designer speak about the new Tesla S sedan, and these are the things to know about the first mass-produced highway-capable electric car: production will ramp up to 20,000 units annually by the end of the first year of production; after the $7,500 tax break, the Model S will start at just under $50,000 – $49,900 to be exact; and 440-volt charging will be available. That base price is for the 160-mile range pack; a 230-mile range pack and a 300-mile range pack will also be available.
- The 300-mile range is possible (vs the Roadster's 244-mile range) because the S has 8,000 battery cells vs. 6,000 in the Roadster, the batteries have been improved in mass and volumetric performance, and there is more advanced cell chemistry in each cell, and the S has a cd of about .27 vs. the Roadster's drag coefficient of .35.
- On a 220V outlet, the car can be recharged in 4 hours.
- Option packages are being decided, with the only initial option being the battery pack. Customers will also be able to buy the 160-mile pack and rent the long range pack for a trip.
- They are finalizing the warranty, and expect it to be 3-4 years for the car and 7-10 years for the battery pack. They expect replacement battery packs to come in at "well under $5000" according to Elon.
- For infrastructure, Tesla is working with a government-affiliated partner to set up battery changing stations at various locations. They will be able to change the battery in 5-8 minutes, "quicker than filling up your car with gas."
Just FYI, I think supergimp was referring to the model S that Tesla is supposedly coming out with their "Sedan" supposed to be closer to 60K vs the 109K for the Roadster.
According to Tesla Motors, in reference to their Roadster model available to the United States market for $109,000...
"The car ships with a particularly easy-to-use High Power Connector that is installed in your garage by a qualified electrician. There is also an optional Mobile Connector that allows you to charge from any available 110v or 220v electrical outlet."
"The standard cable for the High Power Connector is 25 ft long (762 cm). The NEC (National Electrical Code) limits this cable length to 25 ft (762 cm). The main Mobile Connector cable will be 18 ft (549 cm) with the adapter cable being an additional 2 ft (61 cm)."
"A full charge using the High Power Connector can be achieved in as little as 3.5 hours."
Regarding the operation of the Mobile Connector, "The same way the High Power Connector works, with the added benefits of in-trunk portability and the flexibility to accommodate more outlet configurations and/or AC currents. It consists of two parts: an intelligent cable, and a selection of adapters for different outlet sizes and voltages."
All quotes from Tesla Motors at http://www.teslamotors.com/learn_more/faqs.php
There is no price given for the Mobile Connector from Tesla. However, the Tesla Shop provides three charging cable options (http://shop.teslamotors.com/collections/charging)
1. High Power Connector for $3,000
2. Mobile Connector 240V for $1,500
3. Mobile Connector 120V for $600
More specifically, does the standard price for the car (57,400) include a high capacity charging option? What are the charging options (equipment) and what does that hardware cost? Simply does it come with the charging system at that price and are there options for charging?
Thanks for providing the clarification and sorry that my answer went a different direction than what you had intended.
In some areas, such as where I live, the rates for electricity for commercial are much higher than residential.