Electric cars are in thrall to their suppliers whims

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Electric cars are in thrall to their suppliers whims

This topic has 9 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 12 September 2017 at 11:24 by Martin Kyte.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

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12 September 2017 at 09:10 #316620
Ady1
Participant
@ady1
Not something I would have considered… but everything is "connected" nowadays

They can switch you off if they want to?

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Car giant Tesla remotely unlocked the battery capacity on its Model S and X 60/60D vehicles in Florida to enable drivers fleeing Hurricane Irma to go further between charges, the firm confirmed.

The battery capacity on these models is usually locked down unless the owner chooses to pay for extra power.

One Model 60 owner in Florida told the website Electrek that he had noticed 40 extra miles in his full charge.

The firm said it had temporarily put the measure in place using its wireless software update system.

**LINK**
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12 September 2017 at 09:10 #35003
Ady1
Participant
@ady1
12 September 2017 at 09:29 #316624
Martin Kyte
Participant
@martinkyte99762
Depends if your default if you see everything as a threat or a help. Rolls Royce continuously monitor engines 'on the wing' and organise stopover service checks for out of spec readings making flying with their engines safer.

I woud be more worried about someone who is not Tesla switching you off.

regards Martin

Edited By Martin Kyte on 12/09/2017 09:30:13
12 September 2017 at 09:49 #316629
Ady1
Participant
@ady1
I woud be more worried about someone who is not Tesla switching you off.

Like the DVLA if you forget to pay your road tax

Or the bank manager

Or council tax arrears

Or wee Jimmy the 14 YO hacker

Or your insurance company

The possibilities are truly endless
12 September 2017 at 10:22 #316633
Vic
Participant
@vic
Same with a smart meter coming to your area soon?!
12 September 2017 at 10:40 #316635
Phil H1
Participant
@philh196021
I thought about getting a smart meter but then heard that they open the door for suppliers to bombard you with 'helpful' new purchase suggestions for all your electrical appliances i.e., you could save xxp per wash if you had a new AA* washing machine – and oh look we can sell you one at a bargain price. Can anybody confirm that?
12 September 2017 at 10:51 #316641
not done it yet
Participant
@notdoneityet
Do not worry! Big Brother will look after you!

Twitface, loyalty cards, bank cards, any cards, using the internet for 'surfing', in fact most things you do on line or by card are being watched by someone.

Smart meters are yet another – they could tell what time you get up in the morning by extra lights, or first kettle boil, if they really wanted to.

Join any government scheme and they want to know everything they can get from you – and everything is then shared by the rest.
12 September 2017 at 11:14 #316645
Muzzer
Participant
@muzzer
Depth of discharge has a significant affect on the cycle life of the battery – and warranty liabilities have always been one of the biggest issues for EVs. So "locking down" the capacity isn't just a cynical way of hobbling your vehicle but actually for ensuring a decent lifetime. Cycle life testing is key to ensuring this, so it's far from a black art. If you are happy to compromise on battery life / warranty period in return for extra performance, they will probably get you to sign a waiver.

Quite illuminating how some people manage to spot a conspiracy rather than seeing this as technological bonus enabling live monitoring, emergency and routine updates etc. I prefer to celebrate technological advances. Glass half full – or glass smashed to oblivion? Can I assume this made one of the tabloids this morning?

Murray
12 September 2017 at 11:20 #316648
Neil Wyatt
Moderator
@neilwyatt
Bear in mind that if you don't use the full capacity of Lion batteries, they last considerably longer.

My laptop updated and brought in a scheme where it wouldn't charge the batteries the last 10% to extend their life.

I switched this off as I rarely use the machine unplugged, but when I do maximum battery capacity matters.

Neil
12 September 2017 at 11:24 #316651
Martin Kyte
Participant
@martinkyte99762
Posted by Muzzer on 12/09/2017 11:14:14:

Quite illuminating how some people manage to spot a conspiracy rather than seeing this as technological bonus enabling live monitoring, emergency and routine updates etc. I prefer to celebrate technological advances. Glass half full – or glass smashed to oblivion? Can I assume this made one of the tabloids this morning?

Murray

Well said. With a bit of thought it's not that difficult to discern 'motivation'.

regards Martin
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