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Post by eburbsleaf on Aug 23, 2014 21:17:41 GMT 11
With the Tesla Model S test drives starting - has anyone had a chance to get in one yet ?
I'd be keenly interested in your thoughts / comments.
(still waiting for response to my test drive request)
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Post by Phoebe on Aug 23, 2014 22:18:07 GMT 11
Had the opportunity to get in one at the Hunter Valley EV Festival on Saturday, but I don't really like them, everything is too big for me, so I didn't bother as I prefer my LEAF, which is very convenient since I can't afford one any way. At least I now know I will never be envious  |
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Post by leafboi on Aug 23, 2014 22:42:26 GMT 11
I got a call this week to book it in. Seems most weekends are full already. I requested the 3rd September for mine. Slightly excited.  |
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Post by markrmarkr on Aug 24, 2014 0:31:28 GMT 11
Hey guys,
I don't mean to rain on anyone's party or anything but personally if I'd wanted to have a Tesla I'd have waited, taken out a second mortgage and a divorce and bought one, when they become available.
You know when I first joined this forum, before I even bought a Leaf, I was so excited that I'd finally found somewhere I could talk to a lot of Leaf owners. I'd already found and joined the AEVA forum, so if I wanted to talk about other cars I could, but this was a place for Leaf owners (sorry Gab).
I don't know maybe it's just me that's out of step, but can we tone down the Tesla wetness.
Mark
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Post by Brian on Aug 24, 2014 0:45:02 GMT 11
For most of us, it is probably champagne tastes on a beer income.
Ain't nothing wrong with dreaming, but at the same time we LEAFIES know that we are fortunate to have our hands on such a great car, so let's enjoy it to the max.
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Post by gabzimiev on Aug 24, 2014 8:44:48 GMT 11
I'm not sure how great it is Robert Llewellyn has driven everything (EV related) and he still owns a LEAF. I’m pretty sure he can afford a Tesla.
I got over it when I saw exactly how big it is..larger than a commodore. there are plenty of things I still hate about Tesla... the same reason I hate apple. at least with the euro and Australian models they used a standard plug for level 2 charging.
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Post by leafboi on Aug 24, 2014 9:37:18 GMT 11
Hey guys, I don't mean to rain on anyone's party or anything but personally if I'd wanted to have a Tesla I'd have waited, taken out a second mortgage and a divorce and bought one, when they become available. You know when I first joined this forum, before I even bought a Leaf, I was so excited that I'd finally found somewhere I could talk to a lot of Leaf owners. I'd already found and joined the AEVA forum, so if I wanted to talk about other cars I could, but this was a place for Leaf owners (sorry Gab). I don't know maybe it's just me that's out of step, but can we tone down the Tesla wetness. Mark It sounds like your raining on your own parade? Although this thread is probably not in the correct area, you do realize the first category on our LEAF board is 'Alternative Vehicles'? Every good forum dedicated to one specific subject includes an area to discuss the alternatives available. The Model S is an awesome car that is a more costly alternative the the LEAF, just as the iMiEV is a cheaper option to the LEAF and as you stated, you can't afford a Model S, nor can I really. Why didn't you opt for the even cheaper iMiEV? I'm guess ing the LEAF came across as 'more car' but that doesn't make an iMiEV owner any less than us... Most people buy the best they can afford then discuss, dream and awe over what is out of their reach. And to put this in context, one week before I purchased the LEAF I was about to sign on the dotted line for a brand new iMiEV for $40,000. I was so excited, it was not the LEAF but it certainly wasn't $57,000 either. But had a purchased the iMiEV I certainly wouldn't have denied anyone who had the opportunity, to talk about the LEAF with me. For most of us, it is probably champagne tastes on a beer income. Ain't nothing wrong with dreaming, but at the same time we LEAFIES know that we are fortunate to have our hands on such a great car, so let's enjoy it to the max. I've enjoyed mine to the tune of 39,780kms as of yesterday. Can't wait for the big 40,000!  I'm not sure how great it is Robert Llewellyn has driven everything (EV related) and he still owns a LEAF. I’m pretty sure he can afford a Tesla. I'm not sure it has to do with greatness on his choice of EV. He gets the chance to test drive every upcoming and available EV. I'm very envious of him. You would also know he has had other cars for extended test periods. We all need our own daily driver. |
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Post by markrmarkr on Aug 24, 2014 21:36:47 GMT 11
It sounds like your raining on your own parade? Although this thread is probably not in the correct area, you do realize the first category on our LEAF board is 'Alternative Vehicles'? Every good forum dedicated to one specific subject includes an area to discuss the alternatives available. The Model S is an awesome car that is a more costly alternative the the LEAF, just as the iMiEV is a cheaper option to the LEAF and as you stated, you can't afford a Model S, nor can I really. Why didn't you opt for the even cheaper iMiEV? I'm guess ing the LEAF came across as 'more car' but that doesn't make an iMiEV owner any less than us... Most people buy the best they can afford then discuss, dream and awe over what is out of their reach. And to put this in context, one week before I purchased the LEAF I was about to sign on the dotted line for a brand new iMiEV for $40,000. I was so excited, it was not the LEAF but it certainly wasn't $57,000 either. But had a purchased the iMiEV I certainly wouldn't have denied anyone who had the opportunity, to talk about the LEAF with me. I can see I have upset you. I can only apologise. I'm sorry for my thoughtlessness. |
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Post by leafboi on Aug 24, 2014 21:47:50 GMT 11
Haha I'm not upset. I drive a LEAF and love it just as much as you do. |
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Post by markrmarkr on Aug 25, 2014 8:13:37 GMT 11
Where I'm coming from: Setting aside the fact it's electric, the Leaf (Autumn) is by far the best, most pleasant car I've ever driven. Add on the fact it's electric and all sorts of additional nice things become apparent. One of many is that she makes me happy to drive responsibly. This may sound like a strange thing to say, and it's not easy to explain unless you just get it, because you have a Leaf too. This is important to me because I have a long history of driving like a fool. And although I still do a bit it's like with Autumn I don't have to any-more. I really don't want to bag the Model S. I've sat in a Model S and had a good look at it, but not driven it. And yes it looks like a nice car. A bit expensive for me but very nice. The extra range it has would be nice, but again not at that price. Actually thinking about this - It isn't really about the money either. Even if I had the money I don't think I would buy one. I just feel like it's too much of a statement. A statement I don't want to make. For me EVs are about being smarter and more efficient. Not driving huge distances effortlessly. And creating yet another charging infrastructure seems like a mistake to me. It just seems to me that Model S ownership makes a statement about what kind of person you are. And I don't want to be that person. This probably all just sounds like a load of cr@p ramblings. But I think I have a way of putting it back into context. There is a music-video clip by "They might be Giants", called " Electric Car". This really rings a bell for me, but I just can't see a Model S in this song. |
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Post by riddick on Aug 25, 2014 21:09:22 GMT 11
Guys, I am happy to celebrate anything electric! Both Nissan and Tesla are making fantastic attempts at turning people away from ICE cars. None are perfect but anything is better then fossil fuels.
And once one gets to drive an EV, only then one realizes how badly ICE cars are made and how natural EV designs really are!! Therefore I wish well for all companies in this space. As Elon Musk said, their competition is not other electric cars, but all other ICE makers!
Good on Tesla and good on Nissan and Mitsubishi and anyone else! As for myself, I have never seen a real Tesla and I can't wait for my test drive.
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Post by riddick on Aug 25, 2014 21:18:14 GMT 11
Although this thread is probably not in the correct area, you do realize the first category on our LEAF board is 'Alternative Vehicles'? I moved the thread as suggested. |
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Post by Brian on Aug 26, 2014 1:34:41 GMT 11
Where I'm coming from: One of many is that she makes me happy to drive responsibly. This may sound like a strange thing to say, and it's not easy to explain unless you just get it, because you have a Leaf too. This is important to me because I have a long history of driving like a fool. And although I still do a bit it's like with Autumn I don't have to any-more. Very nicely put, Mark - I agree completely. " driving like a fool " . . . sure did, to the point some years ago that The Constabulary relieved me of my license for a period. This reduced me to a push bike, which was a novel mode of transport from which to sell real estate |
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Post by Deleted on Aug 26, 2014 10:34:50 GMT 11
ooh you hoon Brian, I would not have guessed. was it your mid life crisis? i've got 1 year to go to get rid of my demerits for speeding in the imiev. one karaoke participant has lost his license till november. the model is also too big 4 me though I might not say no if I was given one. probably will wait for the model 3. e-Golf pricing is out www.greencarreports.com/news/1094048_2015-volkswagen-e-golf-price-to-start-at-36265-top-trim-level-onlybetween LEAF and i3 won't go for golf though tempting cos it is front wheel drive. e-Golf has SAE CCS DC fast charge; one good thing is that this is included in the price, unlike i3 which is a $AUD1000 option will be interesting to see if it gets to Oz ooh has heated front seats and LEDs hmmm I might be tempted ... NOT. Must remember to follow Feng. I normally drive like a Prius driver this was even before I got a 2004 Prius. One of the reasons I got rid of the Golfs was that the turbo diesels kept tempting me to put my foot down. Dragging some commodore utes. Perhaps learner drivers, tailgaters and those who have lost their license through speed should be forced to drive an imiev as their penance. This may teach them to keep their distance and not speed. ooh I want my electric car to go underwater too like in the video clip and also the ability to increase the capacity of the vehicle from 2 seater to 8 seater. this was mooted about 10 years ago a modular vehicle |
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Post by markrmarkr on Aug 26, 2014 15:40:18 GMT 11
ooh you hoon Brian, I would not have guessed. was it your mid life crisis? i've got 1 year to go to get rid of my demerits for speeding in the imiev. one karaoke participant has lost his license till november. ... the ability to increase the capacity of the vehicle from 2 seater to 8 seater. Back in the 90's I had a 5.8 litre ford with 3 stage Nitros Oxide. Talk about your neck snapping acceleration. Needless to say I lost my license too. Oh the shame. I asked James (was that his name) at the Centennial Park meet about the 7 seat option on the Model S. He said they couldn't get it past Australian safety regs. So it looks like 5 seats only. I told you it didn't belong in the video. |
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Post by riddick on Aug 26, 2014 16:13:03 GMT 11
We are the club of lost licenses... I had mine taken away for driving at 130km/h on an open dead straight country road driving downhill with noone else in sight except the cop at the top of the next hill. Yet I do not think I drive like a fool at all. I drive well and always to conditions. Yet I get charged regularly for speeding. And I never ever had a speed related accident or even a higher speed accident. In fact, the only fines I have ever received were speeding fines.
In most countries 130km/h on highways is normal. Why in an enormous country with sparse population we can only drive at 110km/h (ok, except parts of NT) on empty roads is more to do with being able to build cheap roads then anything else. I drove on the German autobahn at twice the speed, and the roads are full of cars. But people learn to drive at that speed and the roads are fantastic. I drove through all over Southern Germany and have not seen one accident. So much for the hype...
However, I do not think I have taken my Leaf beyond 110km/h :-) So I agree with the rest of you in that regards.
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Post by Brian on Aug 28, 2014 0:22:47 GMT 11
Yep, my fines were all for ' Exceeding the speed limit ' - I just refuse to define that as ' speeding ', whereas autobahns do qualify I was taught to drive according to the conditions. So a totally clear, good country road, dry conditions, visibility infinity, daylight, 8 a.m., good tyres, 2 y.o. car, driver alert after a good sleep . . . all these conditions indicated to me that 145 kph was eminently safe and reasonable. When I explained to The Beak that I had this medical condition ' Pedus Plumbii ', my case was thrown out of court . . . can't think why  My other problem is that I get bored at low speed, and I have to stop my attention wandering. Whereas at speed I am totally focused . . . on self-preservation. |
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Post by riddick on Aug 28, 2014 13:18:38 GMT 11
My other problem is that I get bored at low speed, and I have to stop my attention wandering. Whereas at speed I am totally focused . . . on self-preservation. Brian, I could not agree more! 110km/h on a freeway on a long drive to say Sydney is dangerous IMHO. At higher speeds your interest is focused on what you do and you enjoy the drive instead of just staring at the speedo all the time bored out of your mind and hence people falling asleep at the wheel, especially as the drive takes significantly longer (now they created a different problem). Also, constantly varying your speed according to conditions engages you a lot more. I remember on the autobahn my vision was absolutely focused on the environment as far as I could see. I did not even glance at the speedo not to take of my eyes off the road, so I was prepared for anything. Funny story, I got to Munich and was talking to the clerk at the hotel about how we can't drive at half the speed in Australia even thought it is a much bigger country with empty roads. He says, "there is talk in Germany to introduce speed limits as well." My Victorian trained mind clicked and I commented "yeah, you must have lots and lots of accidents". He looks at me with a strange look saying, "accidents? no, it is a problem with pollution..." Interestingly that problem could be solved in the future with electric cars (not the LEAF though)... With all the new technology coming online, we should be allowed to drive faster and not slower on freeways. |
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Post by Brian on Aug 28, 2014 21:54:15 GMT 11
The solution ? I.C.E.s restricted to 70 k.p.h. ( ? optimum economy / emissions ) and left lane, whilst E.V.s are unlimited . . . love it But I don't have to watch the speedo much on the freeway - just engage cruise control, adjusting with the trim lever occasionally as necessary. Very relaxing, but boring as . . . |
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Post by riddick on Aug 29, 2014 14:06:53 GMT 11
Maybe one day in the future, the government may introduce a cash for ICE clunkers to get the remaining ICEs off the road.
It happened to 2 stroke engines in the past, could happen to 4 stroke...
Maybe one day...
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Post by leafboi on Sept 3, 2014 13:10:16 GMT 11
Just had my test drive.
It's a great car to drive putting aside the EV aspect of it. It feel every bit of refinement it should in the handling department.
It has so much power on acceleration. I haven't driven a powerful car like that before. My first car was a 3.9lt Falcon and that was as powerful as I have been.
But this Model S was something else.
Our LEAF is a great commuter car as it should be.
Model S is a true luxury car competitor hands down.
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Post by eburbsleaf on Sept 3, 2014 16:06:03 GMT 11
Got mine in Oct.
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Post by riddick on Sept 3, 2014 18:51:59 GMT 11
Mine is on Monday.
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Post by Deleted on Sept 3, 2014 22:23:18 GMT 11
Was it the top of the range model s. The one with everything? Or at least the one with the most performance?
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Post by leafboi on Sept 4, 2014 9:46:26 GMT 11
Was it the top of the range model s. The one with everything? Or at least the one with the most performance? Yeah it was the P85. As far as I'm aware it was fully optioned. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2014 10:12:00 GMT 11
was it the P85+?
panoramic runroof
harman kardon stereo
air suspension
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Post by leafboi on Sept 4, 2014 15:05:50 GMT 11
was it the P85+? panoramic runroof harman kardon stereo air suspension Yes |
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Post by Phoebe on Sept 4, 2014 23:24:29 GMT 11
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Post by riddick on Sept 8, 2014 20:54:39 GMT 11
I finally had my test drive today. I have driven a fully optioned P85 with sports suspension and 21" wheels. Supposedly I was the first one to drive this one for a test as the black one has been swapped out for this show model just before me. This was supposed to have every possible feature.  Wow, this car is truly a monster! The power it has is about 4 times the Leaf. We all know how the Leaf drives, so you can imagine this. As Leafboi says the acceleration and drive is truly amazing. However, to me, this is probably the biggest negative in the P85. It is a waste for this country... where can you use it?! When we got to the freeway, it got to a 100+ so fast that by the time I would have enjoyed it, I had to slow down! It was all over within 1-2 secs. This car was screaming to go faster. I wonder if Elon Musk had mixed up his rocket plans with the Tesla plans somewhere along the line... I tried to be truly critical, being an experienced EV driver. However, they had an answer for everything when I thought I picked something! Everything is just perfectly thought out. I won't list what I liked about it, because everyone else talks about that. However, here are two lists on what I think are the biggest issues with it and what I think are the biggest issues with the Leaf in comparison. Tesla Model S issues: 1. Does not currently work with any external charging infrastructure in Australia as it has a Mennekes plug. 2. You literally need to have your home rewired to charge at 40 or 80A. 3. I was not overly impressed with the general interior, I like the Leaf better! 4. Gear shifting in place of the indicator is very confusing! I have driven plenty of European cars, yet I shifted it to reverse (which the car refused to do, of course), instead of indicating. Missing in Leaf : 1. Automatic software upgrades! The Tesla guy just showed me that in the latest update, the car got Hill Start Assist. For the Leaf to have that, you need to buy a new model! Why oh why, Nissan?! 2. Some extra range would be nice (maybe an extra 50-100km reserve would be enough) 3. Leaf B mode regen. Very nice to be able to drive without using the brakes. Nissan could send this out via a software patch. 4. Voice recognition. How come Tesla could make it work for Australia, but not Nissan? 5. No DAB radio. This is particularly the case as the intergrated radio cannot be swapped to a third party one as in older cars. The Tesla is a true luxury car. Looking at it does not give it true justice, it must be driven to be appreciated! |
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Post by gabzimiev on Sept 8, 2014 22:15:55 GMT 11
Tesla Model S issues: 1. Does not currently work with any external charging infrastructure in Australia as it has a Mennekes plug. 2. You literally need to have your home rewired to charge at 40 or 80A. 3. I was not overly impressed with the general interior, I like the Leaf better! 4. Gear shifting in place of the indicator is very confusing! I have driven plenty of European cars, yet I shifted it to reverse (which the car refused to do, of course), instead of indicating. Number 4 is probably my deal breaker. Number 1 actually it works with all the better place stuff if it still worked... chargepoint have been selling us American gear which technically isn't the best solution for this country (after a bit of reading if your going to have big on-board charger mennekes is the best solution for australia). and Number 2 depends on your home my parents house no problems it could go to 22kW 32amp my house only 7kW 32amp as don't have a 3phase supply. |
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