Another Tesla fire (video)

Credit: Fox/YouTube

R.I.P. Brian Griffin.

Brian Griffin, star of the long running TV drama, Family Guy, is dead, struck down by what it is alleged might possibly be a Tesla Model S electric vehicle.

Mr. griffin was 8 years old.

Another Tesla tragedy. Video of the tragedy is available, but law enforcement has indicated that an early arrest is not expected, because, tragically, the number plates had been obscured! See image at the top of this item, & the tragic video linked below.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Motors was unavailable for comment.

Readers are advised that some viewers may find this video tragic:

http://youtu.be/adzkOv0vvDI

Surprisingly, it has been alleged that the vehicle involved in this tragedy may not have caught fire! / Fox News video tragedy tragic EV electric vehicle LiIon battery penetration charge recharge range armored Tesla Model S Elon Musk EV electric vehicle lithium ion LiIon battery cell charge recharge energy electricity kWh Volt Watt kiloWatt hour discharge range safety fire petrol fuel first fire October 1 Kent Washington outside Seattle Model S ran over piece road debris later described curved section fell semi trailer semi-trailer Tesla Model S in flames Kent Washington punched 3 inch 3-inch hole quarter inch thick 1/4-inch-thick armor plate protecting battery pack force 25 tons according report Tesla car alerted driver fault pulled over exited exit car car's owner Robert Carlson Tesla investor performed very well extreme test during accident plan plans buy replacement Model S National Highway Traffic SafetyAdministration NHTSA release released statement Thursday indicate recent battery fire involving Tesla Model S result of a vehicle safety defect non-compliance with federal safety standards second fire October 18 Mérida city Mexican Yucatán apparently occurred Model S driver jumped curb took out several feet concrete wall hit a tree driver reported drunk under the influence alcohol Jalopnik fled the scene not uncommon in Mexico video of the aftermath here NSFW issued statement saying driver appreciative safety performance car expedite delivery of his next Model S fire generated less controversy driver at fault /

Via Motors to make a solar tonneau for its plug-in pickup — video — update

Credit: Via Motors/Charged EVs

Think GM Volt: electric vehicle (EV) with an internal combustion engine (ICE) connected to a generator to provide power to the electric motor when the battery is flat. 100+ mpg (US) overall (better than 120 mpg UK, 2.35 litres/100 km).

Via Motors thought Volt too. Backed by Bob Lutz (driving force behind GM's Volt), they took a big GM V6 pickup, removed the tailshaft & added 800 horsepower of electric motors. Result: a large GM pickup with all of the advantages of an EV drivetrain, (including stump pulling torque — perfect for moving heavy loads & really shines in poor traction conditions) that gives 100+ mpg (US). Just like a Volt.

In a power outage, it can power an entire suburban street.

Have you ever thought, "Electric vehicle — put some photovoltaic (PV) solar cells on the roof, sun shines on roof, PVs make electricity, charge battery, battery drives electric motor, drive for free. Easy!

A lot of people have had the same thought.

Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Problem is, the surface area of a car isn't big enough, the angle to the Sun is less than optimal, & the curved roof of a car makes fitting PVs difficult & expensive.

Things are just a little better with a big pickup. Fit a tonneau cover over the load space & you have a surface which reduces most of the problems of fitting PVs to the roof of a car. That's what the folks at Via Motors thought:

http://chargedevs.com/newswire/via-motors-presents-solar-tonneau-for-its-plug-in-pickup/

Jay Leno, Bob Lutz & Via Motors VTRUX
/ solar panel technical details surface area insolation voltage levels level vehicle design produce energy cost effective Via Motors VTrux commercial market fleet operators but buying stylish looks environment environmental statement demonstrable fuel savings Bob Lutz company’s company new solar tonneau pay for itself bed full size full-size pickup ute utility vehicle surface area soak up the sun run power tools VTrux power outlet remote construction sites site additional source of energy tonneau improve improves fuel economy aerodynamic drag reducing wind resistance roof of a vehicle Jeffrey Esfeld reporter reporters LA Auto Show industrial grade industrial-grade solar panels rigid hinged bed cover handle a fair amount of abuse new solar tonneau 400 800 Watt versions version VIA says add up to six ten miles of range release released price solar tonneau taking orders Vtrux pickup starting at $79,000 /