2016 Tesla Model S on 2040-cars

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Tesla Motors appeals sales ban in New Jersey

Resistance to the way Tesla Motors sells its cars - directly to the consumer, with no negotiating and no dealer middleman - comes mostly from dealership organizations around the country. It's also illegal in some states, thanks to laws ushered into place with help from dealers. The reaction to Tesla's new style of business is led by what Steve Blank calls, "rent seekers" or "landlords of the status-quo." Tesla itself isn't into that sort of name-calling, but it will take to the courts when necessary. Case in point, New Jersey, where the legislature voted in mid-March to stop Tesla stores from selling cars starting April 1. This week, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) extended a deadline until April 15, a move that could save the EV automaker's future in the state. Tesla has now filed with the state Superior Court asking that the ruling be appealed. Tesla says that the MVC is taking its orders from the state dealers association, the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers. Tesla also made an argument against the traditional gasoline vehicle dealers that we've heard before. Here is some of the text of the appeal: Franchise dealers have an inherent conflict of interest in selling electric vehicles. In order to do so effectively, they would need to enthusiastically tout the reasons why electric vehicles are superior to gasoline vehicles. This is not something that they are going to do since gasoline vehicles represent virtually all of their revenue. Dealers also depend on quick, high volume sales - incentivized by substantial sales commissions - in large, out-of-the-way facilities that contain large inventories of new and used cars. By contrast, Tesla sells its cars in relatively small showrooms, often located in shopping malls (like the two stores in New Jersey) that invite people unfamiliar with electric cars to drop in. You can read the full appeal in the PDF below. The TSLA stock price rose after the appeal was filed, but has since leveled out. Tesla vs. New Jersey Auto Dealers Superior Court Appeal by AutoblogGreen This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Recharge Wrap-up: "E-Mobility Thought to the End" project, Tesla owner tracks stolen car

A Tesla owner helped police track her stolen Model S and catch the thief. Katya Pinkowski of Vancouver, BC found her car missing after a concert, and she was able to track the car's movements with the Tesla app. She relayed the information to the police, who surrounded the car and arrested the driver. "High tech definitely played a helping role," in arresting the suspect, says Richmond RCMP spokesman Cpl. Dennis Hwang. In what appears to be the first Tesla theft in Canada, Pinkowski accidentally left an electronic fob in the car, giving the thief easy access. Read more from The Province. Hyundai has delivered a shipment of 50 ix35 (Tucson) Fuel Cells for distribution in Europe. Europe's largest ever shipment of the hydrogen-powered vehicles puts the count at over 250 of the ix35 Fuel Cells shipped to Europe so far. "This latest landmark delivery enhances our leading position in the roll-out of fuel cell vehicles in Europe," says Hyundai Europe COO Thomas Schmid. "With our fuel cell distribution network growing to 13 European countries, we are enhancing our sales and customer service capabilities, making fuel cell electric vehicles more accessible for customers throughout Europe." Read more in the press release from Hyundai. Daimler, The Mobility House, Getec and Remondis are partnering to connect the world's largest second use battery storage unit to the grid. As part of their "E-Mobility Thought To The End" project, retired EV batteries are being used in the 13-MWh storage unit to help stabilize the grid and help manage energy fluctuations from renewable sources. It serves as another step in the life of the battery before recycling, where the materials from the lithium-ion batteries re-enter the production process. This helps reduce the environmental impact and the costs of electromobility. Read more in the press release below. E-mobility thought to the end: World's largest 2nd-use battery storage unit set to connect to the grid • Cooperation between Daimler, The Mobility House, GETEC and REMONDIS completes the battery value creation cycle • Re-use of electric vehicle batteries improves environmental performance and the lifecycle costs of e-mobility • 13-megawatt battery storage unit to connect to the grid in early 2016 • Levelling out fluctuations in the power grid as an active contribution towards the energy revolution The world's largest 2nd-use battery storage unit will soon go into operation in the Westphalian town of Lunen.

Recharge Wrap-up: Tesla Model X spotted in the wild, UK takes hands-off approach to autonomous car regulations

Tesla Model X test mule photos have surfaced online. Tesla has said that, "Over 30 Beta Model X vehicles have been built and are undergoing extensive testing," and now people are starting to see it happen. The photos were grabbed from Facebook and posted to Tesla Motors Club forums, where the upcoming SUV can be seen cruising around the area near Tesla's Fremont, California factory (one photo was taken at the intersection of Marshlands Rd. and Thornton Ave. about 10 miles across town). See the photos at Tesla Motors Club. Multi-family homes are growing in demand near the Tesla Gigafactory. Rent is increasing in the area, vacancy rates are at a record low and the influx of people means more housing is needed. The Bourbon Square Casino in Sparks, Nevada announced the building has been sold, and will be converted into multi-family homes and offices. About 1,100 multi-family units are currently under development in Reno. Besides Tesla, many other companies have decided to or are considering relocating to the area, which only means more growth, both in terms of population and local economy. Read more at Teslarati. The UK is making development and testing of autonomous cars very easy. The Department of Transport issued a report that says, when it comes to self-driving cars, "The aim is to achieve a light-touch, non-regulatory approach which provides the clarity industry needs to invest in further research and development while maintaining safety." The UK expects to finish drawing up a "code of practice" for road testing that requires not much more than having a trained driver and data recorder in the vehicle. The Department of Transport is also funding three autonomous car trials to the tune of $29 million. Read more at Wired, or at UK.gov. Eco-Motive is ready to create a working prototype of its bi-fuel H-Motor. It has built a full-size model of the CNG and gasoline engine using traditional methods as well as 3D printing. Eco-Motive will use this model for testing and to secure funding while it builds the working prototype, which it expects to have finished this year. Read more in the press release below. ECO-MOTIVE TAKES NEXT DEVELOPMENT STAGE FOR INNOVATIVE ENGINE MORENO VALLEY, California – Feb. 10, 2015 – Eco-Motive USA recently finished construction of a full- sized, scale model of its patented dual-fuel H-Motor.