Electric Cars: The Basics
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The All-Electric Tesla Model X SUV
Tesla Inc. (formerly Tesla Motors Inc.) was founded by American engineers, Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning in 2003. They named the Palo Alto based company, Tesla, as a tribute to the engineer Nikola Tesla. In fact, Elon Musk (Co-Founder, Tesla) become involved with the company post the founding of Tesla Motors. He was the lead investor in the 2004 Series A investment round.
In 2008, Tesla unveiled its first zero-emission electric vehicle (EV), the all-electric Roadster. As they say, the rest is history. Tesla, Inc is a publicly listed company and has a market value higher than any other automotive manufacturer. Elon Musk is also ranked as one of the richest individuals in the world. According to Bloomberg Billionaires Index, he is ranked second with a net worth of US$187 billion.
Tesla has the following battery-electric vehicle (BEV) models either in production or in development. In 2020, the EV company surpassed a production volume of 1 million plug-in electric cars.
- The all-electric Tesla Model S
- The all-electric Tesla Model 3
- The all-electric Tesla Model X
- The all-electric Tesla Model Y
- The all-electric Tesla Roadster
- The all-electric Tesla Cybertruck
The Model X prototype was unveiled in 2012. The all-electric family SUV with its Falcon wing doors has certainly contributed to Tesla’s cache. The Model X was designed from the Model S platform and still retains much in common with the Model S. The Model X deliveries commenced in late 2015 in the U.S.
Like other Tesla electric cars, the Model X has also claimed its fair share of awards. In 2017, Forbes named the zero tailpipe emission SUV the ‘Best Vehicle of the Year’. In the same year the Model X was also awarded the ‘Top Green Vehicle’ by the American Automobile Association.
The Model X SUV also holds the unique distinction of achieving a Guinness World Record for the ‘heaviest tow by an electric production passenger vehicle’. In 2018, the zero-emission electric vehicle (EV) towed a Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
The Tesla Model X electric SUV is available in two variants: the entry-level Tesla Model X and the Model X Plaid. The entry-level is a dual motor all-wheel drive (AWD), while the Plaid is a Tri motor all-wheel drive (AWD).
In terms of pure electric range, neither of the variants disappoint. The entry-level variant has a claimed zero-emission electric range up to 560 km (WLTP), while the Plaid has a range up to 536 km (WLTP).
Even adjusting for real-world driving conditions, the range for the Model X is impressive. For the entry level, expect a real-world electric range closer to 510 km. For the Plaid, a pure electric range up to 480 km is more realistic. For those new to electric driving, a number of factors impact the EV range. Some of these include: road conditions, speed, weather, payload, passenger load, tyre size, driving profile and more!
Tesla owners benefit from the Tesla Supercharger network. In fact, Tesla owns and operates the largest fast charging network globally (35,000+ globally) and the network continue to expand rapidly. Tesla claims that Superchargers can add up to 270 km of electric range in just 15 minutes. The Superchargers offers a maximum DC charging rate up to 250 kW. For single-phase (7.4 kW) EV charging at home, the EV will take up to 15 hours to fully charge.
We at e-zoomed encourage using a dedicated single-phase residential EV charger like myenergi zappi for charging at home. Though electric cars can be charged via a domestic 3-PIN plug, we at e-zoomed do not encourage using a domestic plug for charging an electric car.
In terms of performance, the entry-level dual motor all-wheel drive Model X can achieve 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed up to 250 km/h. The Tri motor all-wheel drive Tesla Model X Plaid can achieve 0-100 km/h in 2.6 seconds, with a top speed up to 262 km/h. Really impressive performance given the additional weight of the onboard EV battery. Of course, the Tesla electric car also benefits from instant torque.
The interior of the electric car is designed for minimalism and space. The EV includes a 17 inch touchscreen display and a number of advanced features, either available as standard or an additional option. Some of these include: all-glass roof, 360 degrees rear, side and forward-facing cameras, Tesla Vision (detects nearby cars, helps prevent potential collisions and assists with parking), Tesla Autopilot, summon, smart summon, auto park, auto lane change and more.
The EV is practical and offers up to 7 seats. The boot size is up to 2,180 L with the rear seats folded. The electric car also has a ‘frunk’ under the bonnet (187 L).
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Class-leading EV range and access to Supercharger network | Expensive. Cheaper pure electric alternatives available |
| Powerful and fast electric performance | Build quality issues |
| Practical. Up to seven-seats e-SUV | Full Self-Driving option not cheap |
Gallery
The All-Electric Tesla Model X SUV (credit:Tesla)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Vehicle Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (2 Options) |
|---|
| Tesla Model X (€ N/A) |
| Tesla Model X Plaid (€ N/A) |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in one battery size: 95 kWh |
| Charging: | Up to 250 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger 16.5 kW AC (3-Phase) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1684 |
| Width (mm): | 1999 |
| Length (mm): | 5036 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2965 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 12.4 |
| Cargo Volume (L): | 544 |
| Tesla Model X | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 95 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 560 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | N/A |
| Charging: | Up to 250 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger 16.5 kW AC (3-Phase) |
| Top Speed: | 250 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 3.9 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 500 |
| Max Power (hp): | 670 |
| Torque (Nm): | N/A |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Weight (kg): | 2,352 |
| Colours: | 5 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
| Tesla Model X Plaid | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 95 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 536 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (Wh/km): | N/A |
| Charging: | Up to 250 kW DC Rapid Charging (10%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger 16.5 kW AC (3-Phase) |
| Top Speed: | 262 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 2.6 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 760 |
| Max Power (hp): | 1,020 |
| Torque (Nm): | N/A |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 7 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Weight (kg): | 2,455 |
| Colours: | 5 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Air Quality: An Overview
If there is one common theme that unites many of us, it is the concern over worsening air quality in our villages, towns and cities. This concern is not unique to Ireland, but a narrative that is now firmly centre stage globally. The detrimental health consequences of higher pollution, in particular, on the vulnerable, like children and the elderly is significant, and well documented.
According to the WHO (World Health Organisation), the PM2.5 concentration in Ireland is currently 1.6 times higher than the WHO annual air quality guideline value. WHO has described air pollution as the ‘single biggest environmental health risk’, leading to an increase in the risk of stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and respiratory diseases.
Electric vehicles and in particular, zero-tailpipe emission EVs, also known as battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), help improve local air quality i.e. a pure electric car does not have a tailpipe/ exhaust, hence, zero-tailpipe emissions! Without an iota of doubt, all types of EVs, to include, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are better for improving air quality, compared to conventional petrol and diesel vehicles. We encourage all drivers in Ireland to migrate to lower emission electric driving.
| Type Of Pollutants |
|---|
| Particulate matter (PM or PM 2.5) |
| Ammonia (NH3) |
| Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) |
| Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) |
| Non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCS) |
| Primary Sources Of Pollutants |
|---|
| Road transportation |
| Industrial processes |
| Farming and agricultural processes |
| Waste industry |
| Energy generation |
| Domestic burning |
| Other forms of transportation, such as aviation, shipping and railroads |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
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