In the electrifying realm of electric vehicles, Tesla's offerings continue to rev up more miles than any other brand. A study by iSeeCars, based on data from over 860,000 vehicles, reveals that all four Tesla models outpace the average electric car mileage of 9,059 miles a year. Topping the list is the Tesla Model X, defying the norm by clocking in an average of 10,378 miles annually.
Considering the broader automotive market, the average three-year-old gas-powered vehicle covers 12,758 miles per year — a figure EVs have yet to match. However, Tesla drivers consistently come closest, significantly increasing the EV average. Without Tesla's influence, the average EV mileage would drop to 6,719 miles per year.
The Least Driven EV: Porsche Taycan Trails Behind
Delving deeper into the data, the study found a noticeable discrepancy with Tesla's competitor, Porsche. The Porsche Taycan, a direct rival to the Tesla Model S, came in as the least-driven electric car, at just 4,846 miles per year, about half the distance driven by Model S owners. Model S came in second, Model 3 was third and Model Y fourth.
The study also explores the relationship between vehicle cost, use, and range. While electric cars generally cost 47% more than internal combustion cars, they are driven 29% less. This discrepancy can be attributed to several factors, such as EVs often being the second or third vehicle in a household or used less frequently for long trips. However, the pivotal factor appears to be battery range and the associated range anxiety.
Indeed, the iSeeCars study unveils a clear correlation: more range equals more use. Data shows that for every additional mile of range an EV offers, owners are willing to drive an additional 23 miles per year on average. This suggests that to match the average annual mileage of gas-powered vehicles, EVs need to add about 161 miles to their range.
Cost and Range: The Challenge for Wider EV Adoption
Achieving this increase in battery range at today's battery costs seems unfeasible. It would require an additional $60,000 on average, making the average EV price skyrocket to an unrealistic $105,147.
The study also reveals that range anxiety doesn't align with real-world use cases. According to the Department of Transportation National Household Travel Survey, almost all three-year-old EVs offer ample range for typical trips. The central issue seems to revolve around the time it takes to recharge an EV, which, in most instances, spans multiple hours.
“Range anxiety is less about being stranded in the middle of nowhere and more about the ‘refueling’ process for electric vehicles,” commented Karl Brauer, Executive Analyst at iSeeCars.
While Tesla's continuous strides in EV technology are closing the gap, overcoming range anxiety and matching the convenience of traditional gas-powered vehicles will be crucial for the broader adoption of EVs. With Tesla leading the charge, the day when EVs surpass gas-powered vehicles may not be too far off.
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Tesla appears to be planning an ambitious project to build a private 5G network. This initiative would revolutionize connectivity for its vehicles and the robot, Optimus, as well as any other plans the company is likely to develop in the future.
Innovative Job Posting Reveals Big Plans
Although now removed, a recently spotted job posting for a Cellular Systems Integration Engineer on Tesla's career page shed light on the company's intentions. The role demands expertise to elevate Tesla's vehicle and Optimus robot connectivity, promising to push the boundaries of low latency and high data rates.
Tesla's journey from 3G to the anticipated 5G upgrade will bring about ultra-reliable communication and high-speed data transfer, crucial for over-the-air software updates, autonomous driving features, and real-time data analytics. These communications could be product to product, such as vehicles communicating with each other or with other products such as Optimus. However, the job posting also talks about products being able to communicate with Tesla’s internal 5G network. It’s not clear whether the private network would be internal such as at a Gigafactory, or a broader network out in the world.
Tesla is pursuing an internal 5G network for product communication
The Strategic Role of Private 5G Networks
Deploying its private 5G network, Tesla aims to create a seamlessly connected environment in its manufacturing facilities, research labs, and outdoor spaces. This infrastructure is not just about enhancing vehicle connectivity; it's also pivotal for the operational efficiency of the Optimus robot in various scenarios, including warehouse operations.
Tesla's foray into private 5G networking places it in an advantageous position in the automotive and tech industries. This strategic move aligns with the global trend towards adopting private 5G networks, which promise to revolutionize industries with their reliability and speed. Tesla's efforts to develop a private 5G protocol stack that integrates with any cellular infrastructure globally will set new industry standards.
With 5G, Tesla vehicles and Optimus robots will benefit from significantly reduced latency, offering under 5 milliseconds compared to the 60-98 milliseconds of 4G networks. This technological advancement is expected to enhance the functionality and responsiveness of Tesla's products, paving the way for advanced autonomous driving capabilities and efficient robot operations.
Tesla's interest in developing a private 5G network is a logical step. By building an infrastructure that supports the fastest connectivity standards, Tesla is preparing for its vehicles and laying the groundwork for sophisticated robotics applications. This endeavor reflects Tesla's ongoing commitment to innovation and its role in shaping the future of transportation and automation.
Italy has been discussing with Tesla about potentially establishing a factory producing electric trucks and vans. This information came to light in an Italian media outlet, Il Sole 24 Ore, which reported that the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy (Mimit) spearheaded talks to secure Tesla's investment.
Tesla and Italy: A Strategic Dialogue
Since last summer, Italy has broadened its industrial horizons by engaging in talks with Tesla, alongside negotiations with prominent Chinese manufacturers such as BYD, Great Wall Motors, and Chery Automobile. Notably, the discussions with Tesla have centered around producing electric commercial vehicles, highlighting a departure from conventional car manufacturing and reflecting the evolving demands of the global market.
Under the leadership of Minister Adolfo Urso, Italy aims to invigorate its automotive sector by encouraging the presence of multiple manufacturers. This approach is designed to stabilize the national components sector, which faces challenges due to the shift towards electric vehicles. Italy aims to produce 1.3 million vehicles annually, including a significant contribution from a new yet-to-be-determined manufacturer.
A Geopolitical and Industrial Balancing Act
Italy's engagement with Tesla occurs amidst a delicate phase of negotiations with Stellantis for increased vehicle production within the country. This strategic dialogue with Tesla, alongside discussions with Chinese competitors, is a pivotal element in Italy's industrial and geopolitical maneuvering.
A multipurpose van is the next logical step for Tesla to produce once the less expensive next-gen platform is released (code name Redwood). However, engineers seem to be busy perfecting the next-gen Roadster, and the van has had little discussion. Given the company's leaks, if a van were in the works, you would think we would’ve heard about it. Perhaps this is the nudge Tesla needs to get the van into production.
As Italy endeavors to become a key player in the electric vehicle industry, its negotiations with Tesla signify a promising development. The possibility of Tesla establishing a facility for electric trucks and vans in Italy underscores the country's commitment to sustainable transportation and positions Italy as an attractive destination for automotive innovation.
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