2050 – Its about time!!! Last week the Australian Nationals Party as part of the Coalition Government that currently governs Australia, agreed to the target of Zero Emission by 2050. This is an in-principal agreement but a step forward for Australia.
It is a hollow victory since a number of the states had already set much stronger targets. This is Just the Federal Govenerment playing catchup.
This agreement by the Nationals was formalized with the announcement by the Prime minister to meet zero emissions by 2050 for Australia. This announcement finally brings Australia into alignment with the rest of the developed worlds targets.
What does this, actually mean.
It means focus, direction, planning.
Allows businesses and renewables companies, electric vehicles companies and many more to be able to plan for a brighter future.
Including finding opportunities to replace the aging infrastructure and vehicles on the roads.
It also allows the public to reap the rewards of a country that has a direction to a brighter future.
Small Victories
I don’t credit this decision to the politicians, I grant it to the people who have worked tirelessly over the years to champion the move towards renewables.
The scientists that have been advising, discussing, and yelling that this type of change should have happened decades ago.
The people who have started businesses up against a difficult environment and challenged by the lack of support.
Environmentalists who have for years shown through all social media, documentaries, and written articles the impact we as humans have had on the world around us.
This change in policy when implemented will be a game changer for Australia who has a lot of catching up to do compared to the rest of the world.
Will there be change and challenge? YES.
Will it be easy, NO
But is it necessary?
If recent weather events, Bushfires and disasters globally are anything to go by then yes, it is long overdue.
2050 – Its about time!!!
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Actions speak louder than words
Of course, announcing the agreement to meet this target is one thing but for Australia and by extension the rest of the world to meet these targets action on a scale not seen for decades will need to occur.
The adage “Action speaks louder than words” should be the motto that we all live by when it comes to environmental change to improve the world around us.
We need to leave this place better than we found it. Not burnt, drowned, ravaged, and destroyed. Not a legacy that I wish to hand over to our children to clean up.
This must be the start not the end of our steps to turn things around.
2050 – Its about time!!! Change is hard, we can be stuck in the same patterns for years and not be able to move , but if we each do a small thing that makes something better, then cumulatively we can all move worlds.
Australia is standing on a precipice not wanting to take the leap. We should not be scared, we should be encouraged that we have a road forward and lots of people who have great ideas, innovations and inspiration that will help us to transition, believe and become a powerhouse to the future. Australia “Its Time to Lead“
Rivian emerged in 2009 to fanfare regarding their introduction to the electric vehicle playground. Yet their mission was different from most other car manufactures.
Rivian’s Mission
Rivian is on a mission to keep the world adventurous forever. We believe there is a more responsible way to explore the world and are determined to make the transition to sustainable transportation an exciting one. We designed our emissions-free Electric Adventure Vehicles to challenge what’s possible.
This mission talks about helping people enjoy the environment we live in and a wish to keep it pristine. Yet that was not always the vision for RJ Scaringe the CEO of Rivian.
Back before Rivian was founded RJ Scaringe was just a young man with a dream to work in the automotive industry and help to increase efficiencies within current vehicles. At that time all vehicles were internal combustion engines.
He spent his early years working on restoring Porsches in Florida where he grew his passion for vehicles of all types and fed the seed of his desire to be a figure in the automotive industry.
Yet over the years and whilst he was studying at MIT with a focus on the auto industry he was met with an internal conflict.
RJ was an outdoors person; he loved mountain bike riding and savoured the beauty and wonder of the natural environment.
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Yet whilst he enjoyed exploring the wilderness on the back of a metal steed, he was frustrated by the fact that the vehicles he took to get to the wilderness were also polluting the air he so dearly loved.
During the following years, he came to realize that no matter what he did in any traditional car company he could not make a difference to change the status quo.
It was this realization that led him to start his own car company called Avera Motors. With funding from several investors, he set out with 20 others to create what would ultimately become Rivian.
Stealth Mode
Rivian – Adventure is a lifestyle. Rivian ran in stealth mode for over 10 years before revealing itself to the world. Stealth mode, for the uninitiated, is when a company runs under the radar without any badges or press releases and continues to grow and develop before opening itself up to the greater world. Rivian did just this and surprised the World auto market in 2009 when they revealed the R1-S and R1-T
Image courtesy of Rivian.com
Early in Rivian’s development, they spent the first 5 years working to grow their team, building the business and organization whilst working on a sports car design.
That’s right, Rivian had at that time focussed on a sports car it wasn’t until later that the adventure vehicle of the future really set the tone.
RJ Scaringe’s dream of developing a vehicle that helps to get people to experience the outdoors and create memories was not in the sports car realm. So, they Pivoted.
They pivoted and changed focus to the adventure lifestyle that is now a driving force behind the adventure vehicles R1S and the R1T.
Pivot
Rivian finally released their new Vehicle R1-T to the public with first deliveries. So how did they get here?
When RJ Scaringe decided to Pivot away from the sports car, he focussed on what he truly believed. His passion for the outdoors and his drive to preserve the beautiful wilderness, that he loved, helped to frame the question of where to pivot.
Making a vehicle that not only can get you to the place you want to be but to do so by inspiring adventure. Helping the individual to make new memories and the vehicle that helps you to stay active.
Just as Tesla has a mission to transition the world to sustainable energy, Rivian wants to help people experience the outdoors, be more active and adventurous. They also don’t want to impact the climate or the natural world around us whilst doing it. They just want to encourage the adventurous spirit.
The vehicles
Rivian – Adventure is a lifestyle. The introduction of the new Rivian R1T and R1S was not the first 4×4 electric Truck to be introduced to the marketplace but they are one of the most appealing choices.
Image courtesy of Rivian.com
These vehicles whilst feeling familiar have nothing but new respect and take on the industry. RJ Scaringe famously mentioned that to reinvent the vehicle for the future you need system-level thinking and a clean sheet of paper.
They decided to ask the fundamental questions of why it is important to have a vehicle for adventure. The answer they delivered is that of the R1S. This off-road adventure vehicle had some surprising features.
The introduction of the skateboard design battery pack with a rugged protection system and features like the “Tank Turn”, the gear tunnel, and adaptable list of camping accessories makes the Rivian R1S a more than a capable vehicle for the outdoors.
Image courtesy of Rivian.com
At first glance, the Rivian looks familiar like current trucks/SUV on the road which will make it extremely appealing to the average person who is looking to Buy.
Image courtesy of Rivian.com
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Charging infrastructure.
Up until recently the assumption by most is that Rivian would utilize the Charge America chargers to power their dream of the future.
However, the chargers that are required for outdoor adventures are not located in the exact locations. So Rivian has developed their own. These chargers are to be in numerous locations across the United States as a starting point and are in wilderness areas.
The Rivian Adventure Network will be the connection you need when seeking adventure.
Rivian has also developed home chargers and portable charging cables as well.
My introduction to the Rivian Brand
Rivian – Adventure is a lifestyle. I had heard of Rivian as they came out of stealth mode. It wasn’t until the “Long Way Up” documentary that they really captured my and many others’ interest. The vehicles that were used through the show were the first ever built. They were rough but practical and capable. They proved that electric vehicles could be used when off-road and going through rough terrain.
Since this show was developed and aired Rivian has moved forward with leaps and bounds. Development of the vehicles along with the creation of the factory in Normal has given them the capability of creating their original dream after pivot of an adventure vehicle for the masses.
A dream was realized for RJ Scaringe and the team at Rivian.
Rivian is mostly focused on the American market currently, however they have deployed test vehicles to Australia and New Zealand currently. These vehicles are, by my best guess, to prove they can handle Australian and New Zealand terrains and also have them reviewed and hopefully approved for sale in Australia in the years to come.
I for one will be watching how Rivian proceeds and grow over the coming years. Their passion and mission again inspire the imagination of where the vehicles can go, but more importantly how they can help to improve the environment and maintain an adventurous spirit.
Master Plan Realised – Tesla PowerWall 2, Self-sufficiency is key to a sustainable future. This last week has seen a massive step forward for my household, and reduction of our environmental footprint with the realisation of our master plan.
I finally have a Tesla………………………………………. Powerwall 2
Over the last number of years, just like Elon Musk, I have been working towards a master plan.
That plan was conceived many years ago when I became aware of Tesla and their amazing vehicles.
I had always loved driving and enjoyed certain vehicles over my lifetime, most notably the original Mini that I owned as my first car.
When I first took a test drive in a tesla all those years ago, I understood I knew that this was the vehicle I wanted to own.
Now I will be honest back then it was all about the cars, but since that time I have come to realise that the vehicles are a means to help reduce my environmental impact on the planet.
So, I created my master plan.
Master Plan
The plan was simple
Install solar panels.
Install home battery to capture solar power and use power for home.
Buy an Electric vehicle
Sometimes the best plans are the simplest. Focused and clean.
I have stayed true to the plan over the years and finally, the benefits are now being realised.
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Step 1 – Install Solar panel
Originally, we installed solar panels many years ago and at the time they worked well but they just were not enough to help with the current needs of our house. Especially if you consider the needs by the time, we were able to afford an Electric vehicle.
So, we replaced our panels about 4 years ago and installed 5.5 kw solar system with Solohart. They provided a premium service, fantastic quality, and price. The solar panels have done extremely well over that time frame producing more than enough power for our home. I regularly maintain them and keep them clean of debris and dust.
My Rooftop Solar Panels
As with any solar system they operate only in daylight or when the sun is shining. We have had several blackouts over the years, and it has been frustrating not to have any back up of power during these times.
Step 2 – Install home battery
The introduction of the Tesla Powerwall 2 has always been something we had planned when the price became more reasonable. It turns out that in the years since I made the plan the price had gone up, so the battery was not viable.
The price jump occurred as Model 3 production was hitting its ramp and having challenges. So, the delay of the battery was to be expected.
In more recent years several power companies in Australia have been making it easier to afford home battery storage.
So, I investigated and found that it is much easier to have a Battery installed than it was just a short number of years before.
I proceeded with the Powerwall 2, and it is with such satisfaction that I am now a proud self-sufficient PowerStation. Of course when the sun doesn’t shine we have to pull from the grid but otherwise happy customer.
Installation
Master Plan Realised – Tesla PowerWall 2, The installation took 1 full day to accommodate not only the battery but also the integration to the current solar and house power board.
The battery is the standard Powerwall 2 configuration with a 13.5kw size battery, a small footprint, and the usual isolation switches for safety. It has been mounted on an external wall of my Garage and looks incredible.
My Powerwall 2 installed
The profile of the power wall is smaller than expected and the glowing green light adds to the awesome ness and design.
The Powerwall 2 was not the only thing installed. Tesla also provides a Power box to manage the flow of Electricity from the Powerwall 2 to the main grid and house.
In true Tesla Style the powerboat is just as gorgeous as all their other products.
Tesla Powerbox
To know that it is helping bring about better power consumption for my family and we are reducing our climate footprint brings a massive smile to my face.
Since the Powerwall 2 installation last week, we have seen incredible power management. Not only is it filling up to full capacity daily, but it is helping to keep our power from the grid to almost nothing overnight.
1st week with Powerwall2
There is no doubt in my mind that this is the way forward for all new builds, old builds, and anything in-between.
It will be a game-changer for the future and will give the choice for those to help do their part to assist with the reduction of emissions into the environment.
Personally, I have not been able to wipe the smile off my face. Step 2 o the master plan is finally complete. Now on to step 3.
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Step 3 – Buy an electric car
Well, this last step of owning an electric vehicle has been the main driver for me to achieve the first two steps.
Of course, I am passionate about helping the environment, but no one said it couldn’t be fun doing it.
This step is the one that will truly feel like we are moving into the future.
I have made no secret of the fact that a Tesla is the car for me.
A vehicle that can do long distance and be family orientated whilst scratching the techno nerd itch I have had for many years.
It has been a challenge to run the EV-HQ.com website, and Blog, and not own an electric vehicle.
Well, that ends now
I have been keeping a secret from my followers, my family, and friends.
We are now the proud owners of a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range plus.
Master Plan Realised – Tesla PowerWall 2, Tesla Model 3 and it started with the Solar panels and an idea.
I cannot wipe the smile of my face.
To achieve the master plan after 6 years just demonstrates, the drive, passion and determination that I and anyone can achieve.
It has not been easy, and we have had to make some big choices. But we planned, budgeted, and had a bit of luck and timing that assisted us to be able to complete the Master plan set out all those years ago.
I cannot say how proud I am of achieving the this goal and I hope you enjoy reading my blogs about the Powerwall 2 and the Tesla into the future.
It does not mean that I will forget the great other vehicles starting to hit the market. There is so much great activity from the EV market place starting to ramp up globally this is just the beginning.
Thanks for being here for the journey and I hope we have greater adventures to share ahead.
Tesla drops the Australian price again. 6 months after the last price adjustment Tesla has delivered another drop in price.
Unexpected, or was it?
Since the beginning of the year, many from the Tesla Australian community have felt a price drop would occur in the first quarter.
The introduction of the new Model 3 deliveries coming from China helped to drive this belief.
I was lucky enough, back in January, to spot, in the Tesla store online, that the new Model 3 had the updated newly designed interior being manufactured in China.
So many have felt that a price adjustment was inevitable.
That price adjustment happened early Saturday morning 17th April 2021 Australian time.
Model 3’s price dropped between approximately $4000 to $7000 AUD depending on the Model 3 purchased and the date purchased.
Tesla working to the mission
This price reduction once again proves that Tesla is trying very hard to help as many people as possible transition to sustainable transportation.
The goal of owning an EV continues to be a struggle for most average people. Prices of electric vehicles is considerably higher than ICE vehicles. Currently it is possible to purchase two ICE vehicles for the price of a Tesla model 3.
It is this disparity with prices that is still proving a barrier to the mass uptake in Australia.
If the Australian government both federal and state were serious about the uptake of electric vehicles in Australia they would introduce incentives that would help to increase their uptake.
Climate Change
Climate change is the pandemic that most people ignore because they believe that it won’t happen to them. They cannot do anything to make a difference. That is where they are wrong and governments have a responsibility to help.
Tesla continues to strive to meet their mission of transitioning the world to sustainable energy, including transportation. This continues to motivate and drive Tesla to improve their products and their prices, to make them more attainable for the general public.
This is certainly the case in the USA with a considerable uptake of Tesla products in both energy and transport. It is this passion to make a positive impact upon the environment and help turn around the catastrophic impact we, as humans, have made to the environment.
Change is hard, resistance is futile, we are NOT the borg.
All change takes time and is resisted by those that have a vested interest in the old technologies. Motivation like this is generally driven by money.
However, with new ideas comes, new opportunities. Opportunities that are finally being understood by countries in the northern hemisphere.
Not only that, but our closest neighbour, NewZealand, has also started the journey to make electrification more prominent in the minds of the citizens and help to increase the uptake of EVs as a priority.
Australian political leaders who work in the Australian Federal Government are stuck in the past. The perception is that they are not looking to the future.
So to see companies like Tesla try to make a difference to the average person by adjusting prices in a downward direction helps to keep pressure on governments to make change. It also helps continue to get more and more people into the electric vehicles market.
Prices drop
Model 3 price adjusted
Once again it is brilliant to see a price reduction.
The below image is of Tesla ordering page for Model 3. this is to compare prices from January.
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
Currently the prices show as follows on Tesla.com. 4000 AUD price reduction is a nice price drop and hopefully will get more uptake of the vehicles.
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
The Long Range and Performance models also received price reduction.
Long Range
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
Performance.
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
The colour choices continue to remain at the same price with Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic and Deep Blue Metallic remaining at 1500 AUD and Red Multi-Coat at 2900 AUD.
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
The wheels continue to remain at the same price of 2200 AUD for the 19” Sports Wheels which are selectable for the Standard Range Plus and the Long Range Model 3.
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
Performance Model 3 retains the 20” Überturbine Wheels.
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
Tesla continues to improve on price, range and perception. They continue to push the industry kicking and screaming towards a better future. The only thing in Australia holding them back is the federal governments policies that are stuck in the past.
Tesla Dropped the Mic !!! The Model S and X put on a show this week after the earnings call. Tesla.com updated their lineup of Model S and X vehicles with some dramatic flair.
This was on top of their first profitable year by posting a profit of $575M for Q4 earnings. It is amazing that a company which just a small number of years ago were struggling to be able to meet production of the Model 3 and now going from strength to strength.
Speculation
The refresh of the Model S and X has been rumoured for a while since the modified Model S achieved some phenomenal lap times at the Nürburgring last year.
At the time the exterior refresh seemed to be the only update with and increase in motors and performance. These exterior changes were subtle as they conformed to the same shape as the original 2012 design.
Many speculated that any changes to the interior would more than likely align with the Model 3 and Y.
Some of this speculation certainly hit the mark however there were a number of areas that many had not guessed.
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
The Model S is the “flag ship” of the Tesla fleet. It helped to bring the fledgling startup in 2012 into the broader market. Reliability, quality of design and quality of manufacturing gave the Model S exceptional standing at the time of its release. That reputation continues to this day.
It was imperative that if Tesla were to update any of the Model S’s features it would have to build upon that success, whilst bringing the vehicle almost 8 years old now, into the next decade.
Tesla has not disappointed. Its ability to take the pieces of the Model 3/Y and morph them into the luxury sedan has proven to be a challenge they can meet.
The updated interior of the Model S reflects similar characteristics to the Model3/Y including the display and other standardized functions. They did deviate in the styling by the inclusion of an extra display and a new steering wheel.
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Refresh S and X
Images courtesy of Tesla.com
The Model S and X have had a refresh of the interior as outlined in the images below.
The centre display features a 17” Horizontal orientated display as opposed to the vertical display from older vehicles. The instrument cluster conforms carefully into the new dash. Retaining the aesthetics of the original design.
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
Yoke steering wheel
One of the best examples where Tesla dropped the Mic is the “YOKE” steering wheel. It appears similar to the one found in the cyber truck. This particular change will have buyers either loving it or hating it. However there has been images of a standard steering wheel being available.
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
A new minimal dash similar to the Model 3/Y and the center console phone charger is also present.
On the doors there is the same button exit to open the door. This again is a throwback to the Model 3/Y.
Back seat additions
Interior Model S
interior of Model X
Images courtesy of Tesla.com ( Model S and X)
Beyond these subtle changes a more significant change has been made to the back seat of the vehicle with the inclusion of a 3rdscreen. This third screen has been indicated to be able to change the environmental setting in the back and also deliver games and movies to the seats in the back.
Whether this is practical is yet to be seen as the location of the screen does appear to be quite low in comparison to the people seating position. Time will tell. Dedicated charging ports have also been included allowing charging of devices.
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Roof
Tesla Dropped the Mic by updating the exterior of the Model S with the inclusion of the panoramic roof. The influence upon the Model S is taken directly from the Model Y, the panoramic roof. Gone is the sunroof and the cross beam that divides the front and back and instead the panoramic roof takes its place.
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
Falcon wing doors
The Model X retains is large windscreen and Falcon wing doors. I would believe that it also retains the Fabergé egg status that Elon alluded to with the last Model X.
Model X
Model X frame
Images courtesy of Tesla.com
As for the specs it would seem that both vehicles have had a significant bump in performance and drag coefficient with the plaid models.
These changes are in combination with exterior changes the most resolved update that Models S and X have had since their unveiling many years ago.
It is something that customers have been asking for many years. It is hoped that these changes will help to drive new customers into the luxury vehicles and deliver greater distribution of the Tesla Brand to new customers.
Australian Conundrum
Earlier today while scrolling through the conversations of EV’s in Twitter an Australian EV enthusiast highlighted something I had not truly comprehended. They explained that in Australia in 2021 the only vehicle that is available to be delivered is the Model 3.
As many of you may have seen I have posted a number of times on Twitter to Elon Musk regarding the availability to order the Model Y. Up until the refresh of the Model S and X austrlia had the ability to order Model s/x and 3 and have them delivered within weeks.
It seems that Australia now has no other option when purchasing a tesla to choose the Model 3 if you wish your vehicles to be delivered in 2021. Currently when ordering a Model S or X the delivery date just says, EST delivery:2022 as shown in the image below.
Image courtesy of Tesla.com
This would be lessened if the ability to order and have delivered the Model Y to Australia would be enabled.
I will give Tesla and Elon the benefit of the doubt and suggest they did not realize this oversight. However now that I and others are aware, I hope we can pass this information along so that, at a minimum, Model Y ordering could be enabled with a delivery date before the beginning of 2022.
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Leading the pack
I still believe that the Tesla brand is leading the pack when it comes to reliable and appealing EV’s and as I have said a number of times before Model Y is built for the Australian consumer.
It’s capabilities and cargo carrying ability aligns with the current feelings of SUV in Australia. SUV market has been growing exponentially across the world and Australia is no different.
The rise of the Australian Dollar and the growing acceptance for electric vehicles will only strengthen the uptake of electric vehicles in Australia and the globe which will inevitably help to reduce emissions from vehicles by increasing the purchase of electric vehicles.
Tesla Dropped the Mic !!! The new refreshed Model S and X will become a sort after commodity. Its interior refresh helps to capitalize on the consistent design choices Tesla is making and will continue to excite buyers with their performance and safety.
As the world moves towards a renewable future including electric vehicle transport it is encouraging to be part of the story and help to share the passion for EV’s and the impact this will have on the environment around us.
Dave
David McCann
EV-HQ founder, passionate about sharing the passion for Tesla and Electric Vehicles everywhere.
Tesla Big Year Ahead, At the close of 2020 Tesla had achieved some incredible objectives. This was whilst some of the most difficult political, environmental, logistical and health related emergencies being experienced in recent history.
These achievements culminated due to a number of factors. The most important of these is leadership. Tesla has been led by Elon Musk since the very yearly days. At the time he was a reluctant CEO, however he has become one of the world great leaders. He is unconventional, smart, clever and pragmatic when dealing with issues at hand. He also understands that problems that need solving require a team effort and lateral thinking to achieve positive outcomes.
Over the last number of years Elon has focused solely on the CEO role. Tesla board has bought some stability and clear focus to guide Tesla through the challenges of 2020. Previous challenges, like the Model 3 “Production Hell”, taught Elon and Tesla valuable lessons. These lessons helped to teach Tesla, responsiveness, resilience and adaptability that stands it apart from contemporary car manufacturers.
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Tesla has had over the years many challenges when dealing with the pressures of growing a business in a highly competitive and hostile environment. With a laser focused on their drive to achieve the impossible.
As the beginning of 2021 has started, we are about to see the strength that tesla will bring to the table. The years of resilience and trepidation has taught Tesla many life lessons and these lessons are starting to pay dividends.
Tesla demonstrated this with the delivery and production numbers from Q4 of 2020. With just under 500000 vehicles delivered and just over 500000 produced, Tesla has finally achieved a goal set by Elon Musk almost 6 years prior. This outcome will be the catalyst to move tesla from a fledgling start up to a fully-fledged Global powerhouse in the electric vehicle community.
These numbers in combination with the finalizing of two new factories in Berlin and Austin respectively, will strengthen Tesla’s car manufacturing capabilities and strengthen their ability to grow and expand.
Anticipation for refresh
Anticipation has been building for the redesign of the Model S and X. This has not happened for almost a decade. Just shows the caliber of the design in the first place.
The semi-truck will move from concept to production. Along with the cybertruck starting to see production and deliveries before the year is out.
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Energy is Important too!
Of course, Tesla is not just a car company, energy is at the core of the philosophy that Tesla promotes. Their passion to grow all aspects of their business still continues to be a focus for the board and Elon.
The solar roof and solar panels will continue to grow and be innovated upon. This business will become a pivotal part of Tesla moving into the future as the world continues to pivot towards renewable energy production and storage.
The creation of the new battery technology with the 4680 cells is a revolution in how energy storage can be developed. This new way of thinking will help to improve the storage density and capabilities of the vehicles but will be essential for the battery storage technologies as well.
The global shift to renewables of all types has one major hurdle to overcome. The ability to store large useable quantities of energy. Demand driven energy production is one of the major hurdles for renewables yet battery storage may help to reduce this challenge. Tesla Batteries provide a good way of retaining energy that would otherwise got to waste and can be called upon at a moment’s notice. A great example that Tesla champions is the Hornsdale mega battery in South Australia.
Tesla has been developing battery storage on many scales both for residential and commercial purposes. This arm of the business will see exponential growth over the coming years and offer opportunities that previously were too expensive and unreliable.
To say that Tesla is planning for a big year might just be the tip of the iceberg. They never rest on their ideas and never stop innovating.
The marketplace for electric vehicles is slowly starting to grow and become more than it ever has before s the world continues its transition to electrification and renewable energy.
Tesla has been instrumental in their ability to see what the marketplace needs and to move in that direction. They have had challenges along the way but at no time have they or Elon ever faulted from their mission of transitioning the world to sustainable transport and energy.
If you are buying a Tesla Use a referral code, Andrew the optometrist referral link – https://ts.la/andrew53106
Tesla, Rivian, NIO, ACE, and hundreds more car companies are hoping that 2021 will be the year of the electric vehicle(EV).
The EV movement has continued to grow in strength globally in recent history. Unfortunately 2020 changed a number of plans.
The pandemic became the leading story and focus in 2020. Plans were postponed.
Vaccines are becoming more prevalent which is improving the community confidence. This in turn is growing confidence in the EV marketplace.
Electrification was subject to much discussion over the last 10 years.
Taking a view that shifting towards electric vehicles is considered the solution to improving the environment.
Introducing Electric vehicles to the marketplace has taken on new life recently with many established car manufacturers starting to shift their fleet towards an all-electric lineup.
Nissan, Mercedes, GM and many more have all started to unveil a plan to transition to electric in the coming years.
Image courtesy of Nissan.com
Transitioning would not have been possible had it not been for the pioneers of the electric vehicles.
Since the invention of the electric motor, notably attributed to the inventor Nikola Tesla, to the modern-day technological advancements of autonomous driving, the electric car is offering very compelling reasons to transition away from the ICE vehicles of the last century.
Since the beginning of 2021 a number of Electric car manufacturers have been given confidence that 2021 will be a year to remember.
The end of 2020 was a race for Tesla to deliver a record-breaking delivery/production of Tesla vehicles in one Year. Elon musk himself in 2014 predicted that Tesla would manufacture 500000 vehicles by 2020. This prediction was right on point.
Tesla had an encouraging year with Production of 509,737 vehicles from their factories in Fremont California and Shanghai, China. This production rate is quite impressive considering that both factories has to shut their doors and manufacturing for a number of weeks in the earlier part of 2020 due to the pandemic.
What is even more significant about these numbers is the evidence that Elon Musk prophesized 6 years ago that 500,000 was possible. 499,550 deliveries for 2020.
The response to these figures along with the acceptance to the S&P 500 has seen the Share price in the beginning of 2021 surge close to 5% and the share price is currently at $880.02 (USD) a share.
The market is now realizing that the electric vehicles market will grow into the future and become the dominant vehicles sales leading into the next decade.
Rivian has been an exciting company to follow and understand. After spending 10 years in stealth mode developing their new platform of off roading vehicles, they revealed to the world just a few short years ago 2 compelling and exciting vehicles, the R1T, and R1S.
Recently, Rivian worked with Ewan McGregor and Charlie Borman’s Long way Up as part of an epic road journey. This journey sent them on a 12000 miles journey from the tip of south America to the Las Angeles home.
As the support vehicles they selected the Rivian R1T to be their vehicle of choice. Rivian’s vehicles became the first two ever built and they were a test bed for the vehicles to perform. Perform they did. Not only did they make the journey, but they also helped to develop their technology further and show the real capabilities of what the years of development have led too.
2021, for Rivian, will be a year of growth and deliveries. R.J. Scavenger the CEO of Rivian, and the whole team at Rivian should be proud of what they have done and what the future holds.
NIO released details of another vehicles that will help to compete in the marketplace both in China but also globally.
This introduction of the new ET7 will be their first step towards the Sedan market. This will be a direct competitor with eh model 3 that Tesla produces.
Up till now has been focused on the sports car and SUV market. Their development of Battery swap technology and autonomous driving gives them an established footprint to grow their customers and market value.
They have demonstrated one thing above all, you need to compete with, or better than, your competitors. The introduction of the ET7 may just be the vehicle to do that.
Here in Australia we have not been as prolific with our uptake of electric vehicles. This is due to a number of challenges including lack of understanding the shift to the global transition of electrification.
Federal government lack luster attempt to support the economy with propping up the Gas, Coal and Oil industries to the tune of Billions a year whilst missing the opportunities that electric vehicles and renewables could offer the Australian economy.
However, Australia has some bright lights in this shadow.
ACE EV is an Australian electric vehicle company. They continue to take strides to develop and grow the uptake of electric vehicles.
They have shown how passionate they are about their products. This will help drive the uptake and transition to the electric vehicles market.
They has been developing a lightweight, compact vehicles. Their focus is on last mile delivery vehicles and is looking to the consumer market in the coming years.
Australian ingenuity and innovation is driving the industry. It is hoped that it will drive further innovation and growth in this marker.
These 4 car companies and the hundreds more that exists with their innovative thinking and passion towards improving the environment, hoping to develop and introduce safer and autonomous driving experiences demonstrate that 2021 just might be the year of the electric vehicle.
The excitement that has occurred in late 2020 and is now starting to ramp up in 2021 only encourages me to think that this year will be transformative and will be the year that history looks back on saying how amazing it would have been to see this transition in person.
The Model 3 refresh is here, rumoured for many months, seen in posts on Twitter, and now finally hitting Australian shores.
Finally, the updated 2021 Model 3 interior/exterior updated features have finally been seen in Brisbane Australia.
Brisbane Tesla
In the carpark of the Tesla showroom I found in the car park being readied for delivery the new refreshed 2021 Model 3.
Seeing the new Model 3 refresh up close and personal shows the strides Tesla is taking to make their fleet of vehicles better. The new console looks gorgeous. These cars are stunning. The quality of the cars looks incredible with little no visible issues identified.
The number of Model 3 s being prepared numbered in the 20-30 vehicles. This is encouraging as the popularity and uptake of electric vehicles can only be good for the environment.
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Model Y thinking
I had an opportunity to talk to a Tesla representative who was excited for the new refresh.
The representative advised that a lot of the model 3 buyers would have liked to buy the model Y. However they did not want to wait till the end of next year. So they decided to purchase a model 3 with the intention of trading up when the Model Y hits the shores.
I am super excited about this type of thinking as it encourages the uptake of electric vehicles and increases the availability of used Model 3 towards the end of next year.
For those who may be looking to get into a car but cannot afford brand new, this may be the hopeful step they can look forward to.
I was grateful for the opportunity to take some photos of the new vehicles and just want to say thanks to the representative who didn’t mind.
Model 3 refresh images
Below you can see the white on white performance model 3 with the turbine wheels and red calipers. (on the right)
Performance model 3 ( on right), Dual Motor (central)
Next to this is an all wheel drive model 3 white on black with the new sports wheels.
Up close the Sport wheels look much better in person.
new sports wheel
Lastly there are a large number of standard range model 3 with the new aero wheels.
The chrome delete door handles and trim looks spectacular and a really nice feature to the Model 3 2021 refresh.
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Andrew the optometrist.
The Model Refresh is here!!! After seeing the vehicles I texted Andrew the optometrist. I explained that the new vehicles had arrived at Tesla in Brisbane. He advised me he is picking up his car this week. I am super excited for him.
It is amazing to me that we live in an age when technology and beautiful design are merging to deliver incredible products that can make the world a better place to live.
With the Model 3 refresh I know that Tesla is moving in the right direction.
I just hope that these vehicles become more prevalent and available to the average person and allow more electric vehicles onto the roads.
