A few years ago, an American company Tesla Motors, who decided to produce electric cars, no one took seriously, however, today it is the world leader in the production of electric cars, and the Model S sedan has become a kind of standard for all automakers. Recently, the lineup has replenished. Both machines are assembled at a factory in Fremont, California, USA, which this post will give us a short tour of.
The Tesla factory is located on 150 hectares of land in Fremont, California, USA.
For the first 20 years of its existence, this plant was an assembly unit General Motors until it was closed in 1982. In 1984, the plant reopened as NUMMI or New United Motor Manufacturing Inc.
nummi was joint venture General Motors and Toyota, which assembled vehicles from both automakers. This allowed GM to learn Toyota's legendary "Lean Manufacturing" methods.
The NUMMI joint venture ceased to exist in 2009, allowing Tesla to buy the plant in 2010.
Believe it or not, this is the last remaining major car factory in California, USA.
Near Tesla factory whole line Model S electric sedans charge their batteries at the SuperCharger station.
Nearby you can see new branded cars Model S, next to the sales center.
In the end, we find ourselves inside a huge enterprise. Square industrial premises The factory is about half a million square meters.
How do workers move around the long factory floors? With bikes!
Near the entrance to the workshop, a number of Tesla prototypes are on display.
They range from this wood composite layout Tesla roadster, created for testing in wind tunnel…
... to the first Model S mockups.
This is Red Alpha, the first moving prototype of the Model S. Tesla says they spent about $2.2 million on it.
Have you ever wondered what a Tesla looks like without a body? Exactly.
This is a front engine.
At the entrance to the production workshops of the plant, all visitors get the impression of extraordinary cleanliness and accuracy.
This Schuler press is used to stamp aluminum body panels for Tesla vehicles.
According to Tesla, this press is the largest in the world. North America.
On these racks are panels waiting to be assembled.
The Tesla factory consists of two main production lines. Currently, one line is dedicated to the Model S, while the other is dedicated to the Model X.
This Model S is starting to take shape.
While this one just went through control check weld quality.
These cars are fresh from the paint shop.
Packages batteries!
These robots assemble Tesla's electric powertrain.
A sea of electric motors.
This is the smaller of the two engines that Tesla offers.
One of them headed towards the Model X.
Mysterious Model S in a case.
Robot Mystique assembles the Model S. The factory's large robots are named after characters from the X-Men.
The two coolest robots in the factory work in tandem with each other. They are called Wolverine and Iceman.
Here's how they work. This Model S is getting closer to the robots...
Wolverine is activated.
She lifts the car up and turns 180 degrees.
At this point, Iceman activates and receives the car from Wolverine.
After that, Iceman turns the car another 180 degrees, after which he allows him to continue his journey further along the production line.
In total, the Tesla production line is equipped with more than 150 robots.
However, robots do not do everything here. The plant employs several thousand people.
Many car parts such as interior decoration, while can only be set manually.
These Model S's are waiting for their interior.
There is nowhere to sit here.
And voila! Assembled Model S.
However, the work is not yet completed. Assembled cars sent for power measurement and only then they are ready for shipment.
Overall, Tesla produces about 1,000 Model S sedans a week and will ramp up Model X production in the near future.
New company car Tesla Model S-P85D. The new generation of Tesla received four-wheel drive. The car will be able to accelerate to 100 km per hour in just 3.2 seconds, standing on a par with the supercars of Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi and others.
CPU assembled Interesting Facts from the history of the company.
Tesla was not founded by Elon Musk
The idea of creating a sports electric car came up with engineer Martin Eberhard. He wanted to create a car with low fuel consumption. However, the engineer was well versed in batteries, but did not understand anything about cars. Therefore, he focused his attention on the development of lithium-ion batteries.
The project required money. Eberhard for a long time I was looking for sponsors until I found them in the person of Elon Musk from PayPal and the founders of Google - Sergey Brin and Larry Page.
Thanks to their support, in 2003 was founded new company named after the Serbian scientist Nikola Tesla. The co-founder of the company was another engineer - Marc Tarpenning.
Tesla's first car - a converted Lotus Elise
The first electric car was based on a serial petrol model Elise, which was produced by Lotus Cars. Tesla just changed the whole "stuffing" of the car. Instead of the engine, engineers placed 6381 batteries.
The complex system of the car's power supply required special system cooling. Since the founders of Tesla Motors did not understand cars, they began to poach specialists from Lotus Cars, which almost ended in a scandal. In total, the company at that time employed about a hundred people.
Tesla Roadster could reach speeds of 100 km per hour in 4 seconds, reaching top speed 210 km per hour. The charge was enough for 400 km of run. You can “refuel” an electric car using an ordinary outlet. The car went on sale in June 2006 for $100,000.
Tesla Motors for over 10 years
The company was registered in July 2003, and did not appear in the press for three years until the presentation of the Tesla Roadster in July 2006.
Tesla nearly went bankrupt in 2007
Tesla was in a crisis. In December 2007, Zeev Drori, a successful high-tech entrepreneur, was appointed president of the company. Under Drori's leadership, 10% of the employees were laid off, but the company became profitable.
Nevertheless, Drory did not work even a year. In October 2008, Elon Musk removed him from office CEO. Drory became vice chairman and then left the company two months later. By this time, Musk had invested $70 million of his own money in Tesla.
However, under the leadership of Musk, things did not go uphill. In four years, the company has sold only 2,250 electric cars. Tesla was having trouble delivering on time. Even the participation of the car in the most popular car show Top Gear did not help.
The largest auto concern Daimler AG owns a share of Tesla
The strategic partnership agreement was signed on May 19, 2009. Concern Daimler AG acquired a 10% stake in Tesla for $50 million.
Tesla took out a loan from the US government
In June 2009, Tesla Motors took out a $465 million loan from the US Department of Energy. The company was able to repay the loan ahead of schedule - in May 2013, nine years ahead of schedule.
The first slogan of the company
Only 6 Tesla Model S Parts Need Periodic Replacement
According to the operating conditions of the car, four wheels and wipers need service replacement. brake pads on cars practically do not wear out, since most of the stops occur with the help of regenerative braking.
Tesla costs more than Fiat, Mitsubishi, Suzuki, Isuzu
The market capitalization of the company (approximately 21 billion) exceeds that of Mitsubishi, Suzuki and Isuzu.
Cars with the memorable name "Tesla" have long been cut through the roads of Europe and Russia. Another thing is that due to the relatively high cost and problems with charging, they are not yet very common. Nevertheless, many experts say that Tesla cars will soon become extremely popular and in demand. Let's talk in more detail about the new generation of electric vehicles. Consider their advantages, disadvantages and more.
General information
Currently, Tesla cars have a huge number of modifications - these are the Roadster, Model S, and many others. In any case, it makes sense to say that all cars are unique and interesting in their own way. All this causes unprecedented interest among potential buyers. But there is a large number of limiting factors. For example, a 2008 Tesla Roadster costs about $100,000. Naturally, not everyone could afford such a car. However, its characteristics are good level. Electrical engine 250 horsepower accelerates the car to 100 km / h in 4 seconds and can travel 400 km without recharging. There are other manufacturers of electric cars, but Tesla is considered the most promising and interesting.
Tesla car: characteristics and something else
First of all, let's deal with technical specifications. Unlike petrol cars, in which power is the determining factor, it makes sense to pay attention to the power reserve. This indicator indicates how much the vehicle will travel on the road without recharging. Naturally, on different machines Batteries are different, as is the electric motor, however best performance managed to achieve Tesla Model S, where there is a battery of 85 kW / h. The manufacturer says that such a battery will last for 470 km, but in practice it turns out somewhat less. If you completely drown the accelerator pedal to the floor, you get no more than 300 km. Car body from this manufacturer made of special fiber, which is much lighter than steel. This improves the dynamic performance of the vehicle by an order of magnitude. Engines are also installed very different, starting with 100 and ending with 300 horses. This is enough for both calm and aggressive driving.
Can you drive in winter?
This question is actually of interest to many buyers. Everyone knows that battery capacity drops during the cold season. This is especially true for electric vehicles, which rely entirely on their batteries. But company representatives say that you have nothing to worry about. For example, if necessary, regenerative braking is turned off, and interior heating is turned on only when the vehicle is charging. Also, before leaving for work in the morning, you need to put the electric car on charge, at the same time it will warm up.
As for regenerative braking, there will be some limitations in using this feature. If earlier, in order to slow down, it was enough to release the gas pedal, then in winter you will have to remember that there are also brakes. Disabling this function is due to the fact that until the battery warms up, it is impossible to obtain additional energy while driving. In any case, you will have to come to terms with the fact that the energy supply will fall by about 20%.
Tesla (car): Model S test drive
According to the manufacturer, this unique car. Nevertheless, a test drive was carried out, which showed that the car is worthy of attention, but there is nothing supernatural in it. The interior is quite simple, the only thing that catches your eye is on-board computer. But the volumes of the trunks are pleasantly pleasing, and there are two of them, and the amount of space in the cabin, especially in the front seats.
There are no complaints about the suspension of the vehicle. It copes with the task perfectly and completely protects the driver and passengers from vibration. This model boasts incredible power. Just imagine - 416 horses under the hood! There are some rolls when driving on high speeds, otherwise the steering is just excellent, the “Standard” mode is especially pleasing. As for the power reserve, it's hard to say something specific. Tests have shown that energy consumption increases dramatically when you press the accelerator. In general, Tesla cars of this model show good dynamics and stability on the road.
A few interesting details
As noted a little higher, Tesla cars are very rare in Russia. This is due solely to the fact that there are practically no special stations for recharging. If you can see a regular gas station almost every kilometer, then charging an electric car will be problematic. This, along with the cost, is the main limiter when buying cars from this manufacturer. To date, such chargers are already being installed in users' garages, but not everyone can afford such a luxury. Besides, Charger not so easy to pick. There are those that charge the vehicle for several days, and there are those that charge in half an hour. Some will not allow you to drive a car for several days, others destroy the battery in front of your eyes. In any case, when solving such an issue, it is better to consult with the specialists of the company where the purchase is made.
Conclusion
For many Europeans, electric vehicles have long been familiar, unlike us. It is safe to say that they are more convenient and easy to maintain. Of course, this does not mean at all that the electric motor does not require maintenance, but there will definitely be fewer problems than with gasoline engine. Nevertheless, the Tesla car, the price of which is quite high, has its drawbacks. One of them is cost. Modern electric car won't be cheap. "Roadster" - 90-110 thousand dollars, Model S - even more expensive. But we can say that prices will change somewhat with increasing demand. According to preliminary forecasts, prices may fall by 20-25%. This will make electric cars equal to cars powered by gasoline engines. If even 10 years ago they could laugh at the idea of creating such a car, today it is a reality that has taken root well.
Tesla Motors Inc.
Company Tesla
Motors Inc. http://www.teslamotors.com/ ) (NASDAQ:TSLA) is engaged in the development, design and production of next-generation electric vehicles, as well as the production of various components (batteries, electric motors, gearboxes, transmissions, etc.).
Foundation of the company
Tesla, named after the eminent scientist Nikola Tesla, was founded in 2003 by Canadian-American engineer billionaire Elon Musk. Elon is a very talented person, he excelled in rocket science, and in the automotive industry, and in information technology. It was Ilan who founded the world famous PayPal payment system and sold it in 2002 for $1.5 billion. Tesla Motors is headquartered in Palo Alto, California, USA.
Activity of the company
The company operates a network of 80 stores in North America, Europe and Asia. The pride of the company is three developed models cars: Tesla Roadster, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X. The debut project of the company is sport car Tesla Roadster, which was presented by the company on July 19, 2006. The price of the electric car was $100,000. In 2011, the Tesla Roadster was discontinued with only 2,500 copies made. The company's next development was Tesla electric car Model S, presented March 26, 2009. The company planned to produce 25,000 units of the model's sedans, priced at $57,400 each. The latest project of the company is a crossover Tesla models Model X, introduced February 9, 2012. The company plans to deliver the new model in the second quarter of 2015. For its electric vehicles, Tesla Motors has developed "gas stations", which are charging stations for electric vehicles. The company plans to create a network of “gas stations” throughout the United States, and in the future in Europe and Asia, which will remove spatial restrictions on the movement of Tesla cars. According to the company, charging the battery by half in 20 minutes will be free.
Financial position
Since the beginning of 2013, Tesla's capitalization has increased 8 times, its first major investors, including the founders of Google Inc, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the creator of the ebay online store Daimler, and others, made the right decision by investing in this company.
The public offering of the company's shares on the American stock exchange NASDAQ took place in June 2010 under the ticker “TSLA”. On the first day, the company's shares rose by 41%, which increased the company's capitalization by $226 million. Since the IPO, the capitalization of Tesla Motors has grown 56 times, and currently stands at about $31 billion. Tesla's share price on November 26, 2014 is $247.5.
New manufacturers appear regularly. They claim their market share, but Tesla Motors successfully creates competition for them. The company is well known for its high quality and advanced power of their vehicles. The history of Tesla Motors has deep roots, from its formation to the market leader.
Origin
The company is named after the great inventor and electronics engineer Nikola Tesla. Cars of this production use alternating current technology, as the scientist himself had previously done in 1882. Tesla Motors is a company founded by Marco Tarpenning and his colleague Martin Eberhard. In the early stages, they financed the project before the arrival of Elon Musk. He created PayPal. This man attracted large investments in the work of the firm and became its chairman.
The main goal of Tesla Motors was to produce electric cars to translate them into mass production. Musk took up the development of the flagship Roadster, having worked. Thanks to this, he bothered to win the Global Green 2006 Product Design Award, and presented it to Mikhail Gorbachev, for the thoughtful design of the car. This was followed by the Index Design Award in 2007.
Timeline of development
The history of the creation of Tesla Motors was not without active capital investments. It consisted of the head’s own funds and the help of investors (eBay head Jeff Skoll, Capricorn Management, Draper Fisher Jurvetson and others), the volume of which amounted to more than 105 million. his mask. In 2009 by Tesla 187 million was raised to create 147 units of electric cars for sale. May 19 famous Mercedes-Benz bought a 10% stake in Tesla, and in July Aabar Investments received 40% of its assets.
Everyone knows that the United States supports ecological production, so in June 2009 the company was granted a $465 million loan from the Department of Energy. Thanks to this capital, it was possible to engage in the production model range sedan S and improve transmission technology. This economic stimulus, which was an initiative of George W. Bush, allowed Tesla to become the first among companies that do not have debt to the state.
Pinnacle of Profitability
At the beginning of 2009, the company announced that it had managed to achieve the maximum profitability in production for that year. This is made possible by the 2010 Roadster, an award-winning performance sports car. September 2009 was the beginning of a new round, for which 82.5 million were allocated. It had to expand its retail network to increase its market share.
The history of the creation of the Tesla Motors car is impossible without gliders (transport without the use of power transmission) - this is the main activity of the company. The contract dated July 11, 2005 lasted until 2011, and in 2014 the company gave up its shares.
Strategy
Under Musk's leadership, the main principle of the company's work was the production of electric cars focused on mass sales. Dynamics with a decrease in value by ecological cars has become a significant challenge for Tesla. The roadsters were originally priced at $109,000, but the company plans to build models in the $30,000 range. Such a line will be called BlueStar. The launch of such production is planned for 2017. It should become widespread and affordable in order to increase the environmental friendliness of vehicles.
Introduction of batteries
Like all electrical devices, Tesla cars use a battery for their work. The main difference between the production of this company is the galvanic type of batteries. Thousands of lithium-ion batteries are combined into a single device. Similar technology is used in laptops and household appliances. Tesla uses cheaper manufacturing principles and also reduces the weight of products.
Contrary to popular belief about the dangers of batteries in the operation of vehicles, the history of Tesla Motors cars shows that the company provides them with anti-bloat protection and thermal management. For this, a special substance is used that prevents the ignition of batteries, so cars are absolutely safe. Tesla has taken care of convenience, so the battery pack is located in the floor of the car, unlike models from other manufacturers.
Engine use
The engine used in Tesla vehicles is a recycling classic motor developed by Nikola Tesla. It is liquid cooled and runs on alternating current V three phases and four lanes. The company's strategy was to create small engine, which would be in many ways more practical than a classic motor internal combustion. This power point allowed to completely abandon the transmission, in favor of direct drive. Tesla cars received great success and received a driving speed of up to 208 km / h.
Safe movement
For all the time the company has been operating, it has set itself the goal of making not only environmentally clean car but completely safe. For this, it was decided to use steel in production, which would absorb shocks. Additionally, eight airbags were installed, which are the entire passenger cabin.
Best Representatives
Tesla Roadster is a sports class product that became the brand's first car in 2006. The history of models began in Santa Monica, California. Lotus then helped Tesla create the look of the future car. One hundred units were completed in just one month, and the mass production of vehicles started in March 2008. This electric car had a cost of $100,000. Including until 2012, the flagship took high places in the sales ratings, until the Lotus contract regarding the right to sell expired.
Tesla Model S
This car is a continuation previous model. In 2009, it was introduced at Hawthorne under the name WhiteStar. The development of transport was taken up by a branch in the city of Detroit. average cost flagship was $57,400, and the battery came in one of three power options. A year later, the car won the Motor Trend 2013 Car of the Year award.
On February 9, 2012, the company announced a flagship in the form of a fundamentally new crossover called the Tesla Model X. According to Elon Musk, its release will start in 2014. At the initial stages, the plan included only small batches of an electric car, but later in 2015 it was decided to organize mass production models.
Unlike Model S this flagship had extra seating as well rear doors With automatic opening. It was decided to replace some of the mirrors with cameras that had economical energy consumption.
Project BlueStar
Initially, the model was called Model E. The release of this electric car is planned for 2016-2017. Its declared cost will be $40,000. It will provide a trip of 230 km on a single charge.
Supercharges
Driving a Tesla is impossible without a charging station. They allow you to make a full charge in less than one hour. This innovation is actively gaining momentum, spreading throughout the country, and in plans, and in the world.
Tesla Motors is a company that has big plans for the future. , development and prospects would not have been possible without Elon Musk, who set a plan to create environmentally friendly transport. He recently announced his readiness to introduce new technologies in the production of cars.
Future models plan to be equipped with artificial intelligence that can take over driving vehicle. Also among the ideas of the company there is an expansion of the model range, crossovers and SUVs with an electric drive are being developed.
Tesla Motors has become the best company in the field safe transport. Today, the cost of such a car is gradually becoming more affordable, so you should think about buying it. It is worth thinking not even about the conservation of nature, but about the real benefits and reliability of such cars, because their refueling does not depend on the unstable cost of gasoline.
