Over the past few years, Tesla has revolutionized the automotive industry, building an innovative electric car that also changes how cars are serviced, bought and sold. Instead of having large dealerships, Tesla offers its cars at small storefronts. Tesla’s mission has always been to working towards accelerating sustainable transportation options. The company achieves many of its feats by combining the tech and auto industries in one company.
Tesla Vehicles
Tesla currently only has one vehicle model for sale, the Model S, although previously owned versions of its initial model, the Roadster, are available in some locations. The Model X, a crossover vehicle, is set to debut in 2015, and they have plans for a less expensive model by 2017.
The Model S is a sedan that can drive almost 300 miles in one battery charge, which is a much further distance than most electric vehicles on the market. The capabilities of Tesla motors is set to change the future of the electric motor, despite some problems encountered by the cars.
One of the biggest technological advances in Tesla motors is the battery itself. Most electric vehicles have a small driving range and take several hours to charge. However, Tesla batteries can go for almost 300 miles and can charge in a short period of time, especially at Tesla’s supercharge stations.
Tesla sees the cost of manufacturing the battery as one of the largest limits in their company, as well as the limited number of supercharge stations. That is why they have partnered with Panasonic on a Gigafactory to produce their batteries. They hope this will decrease the expense of the batteries and make them more widely available.
Tesla’s Software
In addition to the impressive battery power, Tesla uses some of the most advanced software in its vehicle management system to help create a better overall driving experience. The vehicles processors controls functions throughout the car, including battery voltage management, motor control, door locks, diagnostics, and touch screen interactions. There are a variety of operating systems and programming languages working together to control all functions in the car.
The vehicle management system manages everything from the security system to controlling the valet mode. For example, the software even controls whether there is any creeping when the brake pedal is released. It also compiles the information to perform all the necessary functions in the car, including how the car drives. There are also processes that manage the temperature of the battery and the charging.
Simple Car Maintenance
Tesla not only uses impressive software in its vehicles, it is also revolutionizing car service by utilize over the air software updates. Just as computers constantly automatically update in order to fix any glitches in the system, Tesla’s software updates automatically, without having to go into a service station.
For example, when some of the Tesla car batteries had a problem with fire, Tesla released an update to fix the problem, and owners received them without having to take their car into the dealership. This software also allows for remote diagnostics.
The Future of Tesla’s Technology
Tesla has recently open sourced their patents to assist other companies in producing similar technology to expedite the development of electric vehicles. Tesla wants to decrease the dependence upon gasoline-powered vehicles, so they feel that other companies should be able to share in their technology to help create compelling electric vehicles. It currently has 203 patents for its batteries and other distinguishing features, and 280 pending applications for more patents.
The company hopes that providing an open source market will help to bring its technology to other car companies, and rapidly move the future of the automobile towards renewable sources. This move will also bring some of the other technologically advanced aspects of Tesla vehicles to more automobiles.
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