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October 11, 2016, 10:31:13 AM |
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Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk revealed a large van to the Tesla lineup today called the Tesla J - code name Jackrabbit. The large vehicle will compete with the Mercedes "sprinter", Nissan NV, Ram Promaster, and the Ford Transit vans. The vehicle is expected to capable to be used to transport cargo, seat 20 passengers, or be used as conversion recreational vehicle. The interior roof height will be 75 inches, width 55.9 inches at the wheel well and 75 inches at the side panel. Unlike the competitors the initial jackrabbit will only come in one size, 150 inch wheelbase, cargo length of 12 feet 6 inches or 150 inches, and overall length 240 inches.
Solar will be pre-installed on all vans, however there will be light solar and full solar that covers even the side, rear, and hood areas. Even on the sides you can generate good power, Musk states. Front, rear, and side collision avoidance technology will be use to make the vehicle safest in the category. Using state of the art photovoltaic technology, the array will generate from 1.5 to 3.2 kW of power. This can be increased to 6.9 kw with optional trailer which exactly carbon matches the dimensions of the cockpit/coach. Musk claims the trailer is really exciting as it is a complete empty box than can also be used with the X, S, and 3 models. Winnebago is working with Tesla to further increase size and solar with various pull-out options. However, all class-B manufactures expected to use the Tesla chassis for their own RVs.
Musk claims in order for the country to compete with Chinese and India we have to figure a way to lower the cost of living. We don't need tariffs we need to get our own act together. As an example Tesla employees in Sparks will be given a free boondocking spot with restroom and showers. We plan to hire many employees at minimum wage who will live like kings since they will be paying little land rent. Some people with 10 kw arrays will not even have to refill at a charge station as they will get over 50 mile daily range. 300 kwh battery systems will propel the vehicle for up to 500 miles. Some models might have 1200 mile ranges. 0-60 times with full battery and trailer never expect to exceed 7 seconds. The jackrabbit alone will hit sub 3 second speeds.
People will have bathtubs, heated water, water via air technology, 100% water reuse, solid waste incineration, incinerating toilets, beds, bathtubs, refrigerators/freezers, induction and convection stoves, 50 inch 4K TVs, microwaves, washer/dryer, heat pumps, as options. Energy is everything Musk states, with energy, solar, and electric cars you don't need anything else. "Some people might even have greenhouses to grow food." blasts Musk. There will be no gray or blackwater water tanks, optional trash disposal, and no hook-ups. Even the LTE broadband will choose the best available network and even use satellite in remote areas if needed. Ash will be released by computer (in areas that allow it) or sold to help re-fertilize the land, the vehicle can even refill with salt water if available.
Cost for basic van will be in the range of $109,000 with $67,000 for the extended trailer. Musk notes even the basic package will be better than most RVs. Musk or his sons plan to live in the jackrabbit for a year on his property. Orders will take place early 2017. They are also considering a $35,000 barebones jackrabbit.
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