2017 Tesla Model S on 2040-cars

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Tesla tires turning on Stretchla Vanagon EV conversion project

It is one thing to say you are going to Frankenstein a Tesla Model S with a pair of Siamese-twinned Volkswagen Vanagons and quite another to actually start taking your newly-acquired, smashed-up electric sedan apart in an effort to bring it back to life. Otmar Ebenhoech is doing just that, and having no small successes along the way. The Stretchla project, as it is being called, has officially started and our protagonist has put together another bit of video to document his progress and let us know about some of the different challenges he's encountered and conquered. While our original post about this endeavor featured video of the stretched Vanagon's drivetrain removal, this latest installment focuses on the Model S. Otmar received the Tesla in less-than-operable condition. Otmar received the Tesla in less-than-operable condition and has been tackling some of the basic problems one might expect to encounter: lots of error messages and an electrically disconnected battery pack. Without the aid of a manual or technical diagrams, he's removed the battery pack and discovered why it wasn't sending power to the car. Scroll below to watch the ten-minute presentation and celebrate some initial victories. You can also check out the official Stretchla blog for more photos and updates, including the most recent one that discusses how he talked himself into paying (*spoiler alert) $42,000 for a wrecked, non-functional electric car, along with more recent struggles with the steering rack. Hit us up in the comments to let us know what kind of trouble you would get into with a Model S drivetrain of your own. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

Ohio senator with deep dealer ties proposes anti-Tesla bill

The fight against customer-direct car sales by Tesla Motors continues around the US, and the California-based company can now count dealership groups in Georgia and Ohio among its adversaries. In Ohio, Tesla has opened company-owned stores in Cincinnati and Columbus and is now fighting a state dealership association that's pushing for legislation that explicitly outlaws direct dealer-to-public sales after a lawsuit against Tesla was dismissed last week, Automotive News says. The proposed law (Senate Bill 260) would prevent any entity from selling vehicles if it "is a manufacturer, or a parent company, subsidiary, or affiliated entity of a manufacturer, applying for a license to sell or lease new or used motor vehicles at retail." Under Ohio's current laws, Tesla says its stores are perfectly legal, but clearly that would would drastically change if SB260 becomes law without some sort of provision to 'grandfather' dealers opened before the legislation passes. Ohio's dealers say Tesla threatens their network since it sets a precedent for other automakers to use the same practice. The politician behind the bill received at least $42,825 from dealership owners, employees and PACs. The politician behind the anti-Tesla bill in Ohio is Senator Tom Patton (R-Strongsville), who "received at least $42,825 from state and national auto dealership owners, employees, and political action committees (PACs) between 2002 and 2013," according to Media Trackers. His Facebook page is filling up with negative comments about his "crony capitalism" actions. Meanwhile, a Georgia exemption from that state's prohibition of automaker-to-public sales states that a company can directly sell as many as 150 zero-emissions vehicles a year, the Atlanta Business Chronicle says. Tesla sold about 500 of its Model S sedans there last year, with the rest of the cars being registered in California. The automaker is looking to expand that exemption tenfold to 1,500 vehicles. Georgia and Ohio join states such as Massachusetts, New York and Texas that have done battle with Tesla and its business model, with Texas thus far being the most formidable opponent. CEO Elon Musk said last year that he may go to the federal government to get such laws changed on a national level. That's not surprising since Tesla's preparing to start selling its Model X crossover and could unveil its cheaper EV (possibly called Model E) at the Detroit Auto Show next year.

Recharge Wrap-up: Renault Zoe driving video, BYD Buses in Campinas

A new video shows drivers how to get the most range out of the Renault Zoe. By managing one's driving style, as we all know, one can minimize energy consumption. The Zoe's Econometer and R-Link screen give feedback about the rate of consumption, which helps let the driver know that they should hold back in the throttle. The R-Link system shows the distribution of energy in real time. It also analyzes the driving route and gives feedback at the end of the session. The Zoe also has an Eco button that automatically limits consumption regardless of driving style. Pre-programming climate control can also help improve range. These are all features we're more or less familiar with, but see how they work in the Renault Zoe in the video above. Tesla has announced it will release its second quarter results on August 5. After the automaker releases its financial information on that day, it will hold a live question and answer conference call webcast to discuss those results and outlook at 5:30 Eastern. The second quarter ended June 30. Read more at MarketWatch. Campinas, Brazil will add 10 BYD electric buses to its fleet. It is the first city in Brazil to have a zero-emissions bus fleet. Campinas will be using BYD's 39-foot, four-door K9 battery electric bus, but the K11 articulated electric bus will also begin testing in the city soon. Campinas Mayor Jonas Donizete likes the electric buses because "they are very comfortable, almost noise-free, and great for the environment," and they will help reduce the city's air and noise pollution. BYD plans to open factories for electric buses and solar panels in Campinas over the next year, investing about $108.5 million from 2014 to 2017. Read more in the press release below. BYD to Deliver 10 Electric Buses to Campinas Public Transport Fleet 07/22/2015 (Campinas, Brazil): BYD do Brasil and Campinas City Administration announced this month, the addition of 10 battery-electric buses to the city's public transportation bus fleet. Campinas is a city in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and will be the first in the country to have a fleet of fully electric, zero emission buses operating in its streets. The model chosen to integrate the fleet in Campinas is the BYD K9, a 12-meter, 4-door, low-floor urban bus, with universal accessibility for passengers with limited mobility.