As someone whose most likely next purchase is a Kia EV6, I don’t have a problem personally. But as a Texas voter, it’s just gobsmacking how the Governor just took a giant shit from orbit - ironically - on Elon Musk.
Don’t forget that, in addition to the Texas gigafactory, Space X is also based in Texas. Musk is a thin-skinned loon with a history of setting money on fire to sate his ego. There is no reason to assume that he wouldn’t at least terminate any future expansion plans in Texas, or even move one or both of his companies out of the state.
Reports are that the Standard Range AWD Model Y coming out of Austin has a 50kWh battery pack. This is incredible given the size of the car and, if accurate, is a testament to the range gains from the 4680 batteries, the structural battery pack and the gigapressed body structure.
This car is EPA-rated for 280 miles of range from that 50kWhs when its competitors offer less range from larger battery packs. This means that the Model Y will be quicker (and cheaper) to recharge. The 10-80 charge time could be under 15 mins with a pack this small. Maybe as low as 10 mins. It may ride better too, being lighter, with the ride quality of the Model Y being a consistent complaint.
It also means that is cheaper for Tesla to make, which means they will be creaming profits based on the current pricing estimates for this model. There is also a suggestion that the car has a 60kWh battery pack, but it is software-limited to 50kWh so as not to gorvel sales of the Long Range Model Y, as its range would be about the same as the “standard” range model if the latter had 60kWh on board.
Musk has a long history of software-limiting features of his cars and requiring additional payments to unlock the full potential, so this wouldn’t be out of character. His line-up has so many potential overlaps and pricing incongruities, it’s Apple-esque.
I believe pretty much all Buc-ee’s have Tesla supercharger stations. It makes sense really, because if you’re going to be charging for 20-30 mins, you have time to buy some beaver nuts.
