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04-04-2022

4-4-2022



Good to see back in the studio. It probably feels a bit odd.
I think your earlier comparisons to Ford innovation, vertical integration, and other such similarities, accurate. But come on. The Model T was a single model produced for almost two decades, and Tesla has three with many variations. 
 
One of their aims at Tesla has been to minimize the need for superfluous additional models or model changes which are wasteful, and unnecessary and Tesla is all about efficiency. They championed and have improved upon the OTA update system forcing others to mimic them. Which few have yet to accomplish. When there is a King many want to see him fall especially if his pedigree and family are new to the realm. But he has an army of followers and magnificent machines the like of which the world has never seen. Many have flocked to his banner, and even those that formerly opposed now follow in his wake. Or as Alfred E. Newman would say: “What Me Worry.”

Don’t forget that Ford made several variants of the Model t: coupe, roadster, sedan and truck. They all shared the same platform, kind of like the Tesla Model 3 and Y do today.

John McElroy

04-04-2022

4-4-2022



Would EV’s get better range with less powerful motors? It seems like a lot of EV’s are ridiculously overpowered.

Yes, less powerful motors would help increase range a bit. So would using one motor instead of two or more. Check out the Mazda MX-30 as an example of a single, low power BEV. But performance is a key selling point for a lot of EVs, and right now that’s what BEV buyers are going for.

John McElroy

04-04-2022

4-4-2022



 Dodge Vipers crushed
 
This story and videos will make any car guy cry.

The horror, the horror!

John McElroy

04-04-2022

4-4-2022



why can’t the U.S. do more with methanol production? See the link and what Geely and Denmark are doing.

Methanol and ethanol are transported by trucks, not pipelines, because they absorb water easily. Gas stations need different storage tanks and pumps for methanol. So the infrastructure costs are a hurdle.

Also, most methanol is made from coal or natural gas. Green methanol will cost more.

Green methanol may be used in ships, but it will not catch on in cars or trucks.

John McElroy

03-29-2022

3-29-2022



The full name of CATL is Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited, based in China. Then there is ATL, or Amperex Technology Co. Limited based in Hong Kong, and owned by TDK. In the 1950’s to 1980’s there was a Amperex Electronic in NY, owned by Phillips, that made vacuum tubes. 
 
I’m confused. Amperex is odd name to be used randomly. What is the connection between these different Amperex’s?

Good question, and we can’t find an answer. We do know that CATL was spun out of ATL. Is it possible that ATL acquired the Amperex name from Philips?

John McElroy