2020 Tesla Model X Performance on 2040-cars

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Elon Musk talks Tesla Model S updates, AWD version, Model X deliveries

Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk does things differently than the heads of other car manufacturers. Case in point, he just made a quick European tour with stops in the Netherlands, Germany and Norway where he, along with CTO JB Straubel, held lengthy question and answer sessions with Tesla owners, reservation holders and other interested parties. Now, we recognize that the California company has a significantly smaller customer base than traditional automakers, making these sorts of events more logistically easy (see also: Fisker). Still, the effort is a refreshing change from scripted press conferences, and allows Tesloids to voice their concerns and criticisms to the exact person with whom the buck stops. It's also good for Tesla, in that it gives new ideas for future improvements a chance to reach the ears of those best placed to implement them. We out here in the wider world like these sessions because they give us a bit of extra insight into the firm's progress and future plans. So what are some of the things we can expect from the electric automaker in the coming months and years? Version 6.0 software is a few weeks away and includes real-time traffic information as well as increased suspension functionality, like lowering and heightening on command. Supercharger production is maxed out and installs are happening at a rate of around five per week. Superchargers will soon pump power at an impressive 135 kW rate, but will plateau there. An AWD Model S will be coming, perhaps around same time as the Model X. Bigger battery pack options may arrive as soon as next year. The new giga-factory for batteries could bring costs down by at least 30 percent, ideally 40 percent and will produce about 30 gigawatt-hours worth per year. After ramp up, volume production of Model X is expected to begin around April 2015. To improve comfort, there will be a seat modification available in the near term, and a different seat option available in a year (or so). Battery swapping between Los Angeles and San Francisco should be online in a few months. The company has analyzed energy usage in production process and claims energy payback happens in less than 10,000 miles. May release white paper on this soon. For lots more tips and tidbits (home energy-storage unit, anyone?) scroll down to watch video of the Netherlands exchange. The Norwegian event – held in a theater because of the crowds – can be viewed at this link. This content is hosted by a third party.

Recharge Wrap-up: NADA chairman keeps 'Get The Facts,' Teslarati improves at Buttonwillow

Zap and Jonway Autos will sell their electric minivan under the Dongfeng brand. Dongfeng will sell 5,000 units of the EV minivan as a cargo delivery van. Based on the passenger version, the extra seats will be removed to make room for whatever you'd like to carry, as well as a battery large enough to offer over 300 kilometers (184 miles) of driving range per charge. Zap/Jonway expects to have the van ready for delivery by June of this year, with subsequent sales handled by Donfeng's partner, Shi Kong. Dongfeng is one of China's top four government-owned automakers, and is in partnerships with Honda and Nissan, among other automakers. Read more in the press release below. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) will continue its "Get The Facts" campaign under its new chairman. "Get The Facts" tries to explain to the public the benefits of the dealership franchise system – a campaign that also serves as an anti-Tesla platform. In an interview with Ward's Auto, Nada Chairman William Fox says he'll continue those efforts. Fox says that a direct-to-consumer sales method (like Tesla's) could "entice a niche auto manufacturer with lower volume serving a small market," but that "the dealer franchise model is proven to work best." Green Car Reports points out that Fox provides no real-world studies to support this. Check out the interview at Ward's Auto and read more at Green Car Reports. The Teslarati 48 clocked its best time of 2:12 at Buttonwillow Raceway. The folks at Teslarati have taken the Tesla Model S to various racetracks around California and Nevada to test the sporting chops of their beloved EV. This year's time is an improvement over last year's best lap by the Teslarati 48 of 2:19. They give a nice rundown of the track and their experience driving it, including setup, difficulties, charging and power consumption-great reading material for anybody thinking about taking their Model S out for some hot laps. See the 2:12 run in the video above and read more at Teslarati. ZAP and Jonway Auto's EV Minivan will be OEM by Dong Feng Motor Corporation, one of the four China's Largest Auto Group through Shi Kong, Zhejiang SANTA ROSA, Calif., Feb.

BMW just the latest automaker to realize China will want a lot of EVs

News about China and cars isn't in short supply these days. With several of the world's largest cities, millions of cars on the road and huge problems with air pollution, it's no wonder that the nation is trying to make some changes. Along with decommissioning many of its aging vehicles, China is also expected to see huge growth in its electric vehicle market. BMW, as other automakers already have done, sees this as an opportunity to sell more cars. "We expect that the Chinese car market for electromobility will become the largest markets for those cars in a few years," says Karsten Engel, BMW's China head. BMW is collaborating with Shanghai's State Grid municipal power company to put public EV charging points at the former World Expo site, and the city plans to create 45 more by the end of the year. These will charge many different vehicles made by BMW and other brands. Tesla, which began delivering its Model S to China last month, plans to build its own supercharger network for the country. BMW plans to begin selling the battery-powered i3 and i8 plug-in hybrid in China this fall. BMW hopes to sell more than 400,000 vehicles in China this year. Fewer than 1,000 of those will be the i3, though, says Engel, due to a lack of supply. So far, China is falling drastically behind its own targets to get EVs on the road. With a goal of 500,000 by 2015, fewer than 70,000 EVs are currently operating in China. This numbers gap doesn't necessarily mean that the demand is or isn't there yet, but more and more automakers are betting it will be, and soon. Volkswagen is planning a fleet of electrified models for China by 2018 (at least 15 models according to Bloomberg). Daimler is teaming up with China's BYD to build EVs (and, of course, Your Dreams). Other Chinese companies are getting into the game as well. Featured Gallery 2014 BMW i3: First Drive View 33 Photos Related Gallery 2015 BMW i8: First Drive View 62 Photos News Source: Bloomberg via Automotive News EuropeImage Credit: Copyright 2014 Sebastian Blanco / AOL Green BMW Tesla Electric Shanghai charging station pollution exports