12-03-2008, 06:51 PM
JoeH wrote:
[quote=davester]
[quote=JoeH]
Tesla in the end is mostly repackaging existing technology into a vehicle
That is not even remotely close to being true. The three main components of the Tesla (battery, controller, motor) all incorporate significant and fundamental technological advances that are far beyond any EV technology used before.
Tesla uses licensed technology from AC Propulsion for the controller, charger and motor. AC Propulsion's founder and the technology he started up the company with in 1992, dates back to working on the predecessor car to the GM EV1. It is also licensed to other makers. As for the batteries, they use standard LiIon cells just like in laptop batteries. Only "new" thing is to use it in a car and to use thousands together. Being not as subject to weight concerns, they chose to liquid cool the cells to keep them all at similar temperatures and to prevent overheating. Most of the rest of the tech in the battery module is existing off-the-shelf, just put together in new ways.
Who cares it it's repackaged existing tech? The make a product that they can sell. Is it completely impossible that they expand their offerings? Ramp up production? The Koreans started from almost nothing (selling cars made mostly of mitsubishi parts), and now the Chinese are entering the frey. Why couldn't we accomplish what they are? I think GM's doomed. Put the bailout money toward a new start. kj.