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Tesla Energy
Tesla’s Battery Revolution Just Reached Critical Mass
In its wake, Southern California Edison (SCE) rushed to deploy energy storage deals to alleviate the risk of winter blackouts. There wasn’t any time to waste: All of the projects rolling out this week were completed within 6 months, an unprecedented feat. Tesla moved particularly nimbly, completing in just three months a project that in the past would have taken years. “There were teams working out there 24 hours a day, living in construction trailers and doing the commissioning work at two in the morning,” Straubel said. “It feels like the kind of pace that we need to change the world.”
Congrats to the Tesla team for completing the largest lithium-ion battery storage project in the world, and in record time.
Elon Musk and electric vehicles will win the energy battle against Trump's favorite fuels
For example, the cost of solar photolvoltaics has plummeted by 85 percent during the last seven years alone, the report notes, leading to rapid growth in residential and commercial solar installations. Using updated information that includes these recent shifts, the research team found that solar power could supply about 30 percent of global electric power by 2050, with coal phasing out completely and natural gas left with a measly 1 percent global market share. Outlook for road transport by fuel type, showing significant growth in electric vehicles (EVs) during the next few decades. Exxon sees a far different future ahead, with all renewables providing just 11 percent of global power generation by 2040.
US should dump Trump's coal plans and should get behind where the future is headed, namely renewables.
Model S
Tesla buyers now have access to Ontario’s generous $14,000 EV incentive
Ontario’s government is offering one of the most generous direct electric vehicle incentive – between $6,000 and $14,000 to support the purchase or lease of eligible battery-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Tesla buyers had no access to this full incentive since cars with MSRPs between $75,000 and $150,000 were capped at a $3,000 incentive. The government lifted the cap this week and lowered the entry price of the Model S and X in Canada in the process.
Great time to consider buying a new Model S/X if you live in Ontario, Canada.
Tesla escapes ban in Indiana by being ‘grandfathered in’, but the state moves forward with ban on direct sales
Good news for Tesla in Indiana:
As we have been reporting during the past few days, Indiana’s legislature has been pushing for a new ban on direct vehicle sales by automakers that would have forced Tesla to stop its operations in the state or to go through third-party dealerships – something the company refuses to do. After a public hearing yesterday where several consumers and Tesla representatives expressed their concerns over the bill, they introduced a new amendment that “grandfathered in” Tesla. The house bill 1592 was then approved 9-1 in the Roads and Transportation committee earlier this morning.
Tesla Model S fails to achieve top IIHS crash rating, made ‘production change’ last week to improve results
The Model S, a large luxury sedan, earns good ratings in all IIHS crashworthiness evaluations except the challenging small overlap front crash test, in which it earns an acceptable rating. Despite lengthening the side curtain airbags to improve small overlap protection in the Model S, Tesla ran into problems in the test when the safety belt allowed the dummy’s torso to move too far forward. That allowed the dummy’s head to hit the steering wheel hard through the airbag. Measurements from the dummy indicated that injuries to the head, along with the lower right leg, would be possible in a real-world crash of the same severity.
Very surprising to find out the Model S did not get top marks on IIHS crash rating. Nevertheless, Tesla is doing the right thing and making the necessary changes as quick as possible so they can get the car retested.
Model X
eBayer Offering Tesla Model X & S Battery Upgrades For Just $15,000
Interested in upgrading your Tesla Model X or S battery via eBay? Well, now you can…apparently. For just $15,000, eBayer k-ash is offering Tesla battery upgrades for most versions of the X and S. From the Ebay ad, "We would like to offer a service of upgrading your Tesla Model X from 60D or 75D to a 90D version. The service includes the battery, labor and all necessary changes done to the car. At this price you will be expected to leave your old battery with us. The new battery will be no more than 12 months old with less than 10k miles on it. We will also give you a 7 year unlimited miles warranty on the new battery."
An interesting possibility especially for those with a 60D Model X interested in upgrading to a 90D.
Model 3
People Are Canceling Tesla Orders Because Elon Musk Is Advising Trump
Nate Erickson, who lives in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and describes himself as “a huge, huge fan of Elon Musk and pretty much everything he’s done,” paid his $1,000 deposit on the first day the company began accepting reservations last spring. He canceled the order Monday morning, after watching Musk’s reaction to Trump’s immigration ban. “To see someone that I’ve always looked up to so much, give such a half-hearted, mealy-mouthed statement — it was really disappointing,” Erickson told BuzzFeed News. “I understand what he’s trying to do. It’s just that I don’t really agree with it,” Erickson said. “He’s somehow deluded himself into thinking that by having a seat at the table, he’ll actually be listened to.”
Last week I mentioned Elon was walking a fine line when expressing public support of Exxon CEO Tillerson for Secretary of State. This week Elon crossed the line for some with his politically-insensitive comments on the Muslim ban.
TSLA
Tesla Announces Date for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2016 Financial Results and Webcast
Mark your calendars:
Tesla will post its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2016 after market close on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. At that time, Tesla will issue a brief advisory containing a link to the Q4 and full year 2016 Update Letter, which will be available on the Tesla IR website. Tesla management will hold a live question and answer webcast that day at 2:30pm Pacific Time (5:30pm Eastern Time) to discuss the Company's financial and business results and outlook.
Tesla Motors, Inc. is now officially Tesla, Inc.
Tesla Motors, Inc. is now officially Tesla, Inc.:
Tesla has officially changed its name to Tesla, Inc., from its previous official corporate title of Tesla Motors, Inc. The name change likely reflects the expanded nature of its business now that it own SolarCity, and creates battery packs for both home and commercial use, aspects of the company which Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said previously will take on growing importance to its business overall.
Now we can all dream of what else Tesla, Inc. will make in the future...