THIS Is Why The Model S Plaid Didn’t Come To The UK

[@Naultarous]

As a Tesla owner, I with you Robert. Some things have been ergo designed a long time ago that just work well. Deleting the 2 levers imho was unwise.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

And forcing everyone to use that silly yoke steering wheel was unwise as well. I believe it is finally optional (should have been that way from the beginning).

[@WouterHermans]

I'm 12000km in on a yoke and buttons, and love it. No worries about moving your hands while turning on a roundabout to start the indicators, they're just on the steering wheel.

[@MrGenAiMan]

Deleting the levers is what made me pick a different EV instead of the new M3. I paid substantially more for the privilege of a gear knob and signal stalk (and a HUD). Whatever cost Tesla thinks it's saving by deleting a bit of plastic and wires is dumb. They can keep deleting parts until there's only the tablet and you have to swipe left and right to turn as well.

[@Bobbydyland]

100% Agree. My interest in the new M3 is massively eroded by this.

[@WouterHermans]

@@MrGenAiMan Don't you miss the buttons on your phone?

[@georgesvak5332]

I agree, I like having levers vs buttons.

[@WebKenth]

would prefer pedals on the back of the wheel instead of levers and buttons tbh

[@WouterHermans]

@@WebKenth Why want solutions that hide behind the screen so you don't see what they mean? It's like having buttons on the back of your phone.

[@stighaaland5357]

Easier to just press buttons

[@al28854]

my humble analog brain agrees also

[@WillFealey]

FYI you can buy it in the UK and it be UK registered with warranty etc etc, but it will be LHD of course which is a deal breaker for many.

[@kingprone7846]

not possible in aus due to regulations... and dumb drivers dont help either

[@SirHackaL0t.]

I think an indicator stalk is a safety feature. Do a left turn with a quarter turn of the steering wheel and then try to use the indicators.

[@netgnostic1627]

I would hate that when using the large roundabout near my house. It's a dual-lane one with 5 branches, and people really fly around it fast. Some idiots don't understand that if you're in the outside lane, you have to turn off onto the very next branch. So when I'm in the inner lane, I have to allow for those idiots - and it takes a lot of my attention. Do I have enough attention remaining to find the signal button as well? Not really!!

[@WILLIAM1690WALES]

The horn and wipers aren’t used that frequently in most traffic conditions but indicators are used every trip and repeatedly so therefore he is making a valid point about having a lever to operate the indicators.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

The term "indicator" is a great description. They should generally be used *before* beginning the manoeuvre, so usually with the wheel straight (some roundabouts or large junctions accepted)

[@andrewgiles6192]

BMW, Audi and range rover drivers won't notice the change

[@silverghini2629]

Americans don’t understand roundabouts so can’t appreciate the ease of an indicator stalk. Totally puts me off Tesla but hopefully an after market conversion can be created.

[@Mark_my_words_YT]

⁠@@rogerstarkey5390Correct but in the UK we have lots of roundabouts and we have to indicate before exiting the roundabout when the wheel is not straight ahead. I just don’t understand why Tesla removed the indicator stalk, its alienating so many people myself included. There are so many things to admire about Teslas in general but they don’t seem to understand what so many people want. Give me the stalks back and a head up display and I would be very tempted.

[@bdtang]

I switch between our X Plaid and Y and have found myself press the steering wheel on the Y to signal. The key is consistency - if I could, I’d retrofit the Y for the same stalkless wheel as the X Plaid. Not better or worse but making it consistent between my cars.

[@BrunoNATI]

Indicator lever are a must have for round about. Tesla did a mistake there...

[@andremattsson]

Yeah it's gotta be pretty complicated to blink out of a roundabout while you're turning your steering wheel.

[@ahaveland]

@@andremattsson Steering wheel is upside down when you're on a roundabout. Not having a stalk is indefensible.

[@lemongavine]

There are third party options for stalks

[@gothmog2441]

No roundabouts in the USA?

[@iyt6407]

@@gothmog2441just a few states where they are common.

[@Tsnafu]

@5:35 Just one thing - the dragster you showed was an 11,000 HP top fuel dragster driven by the current world record holder, Brittany Force. Top fuel dragsters do 0-100mph in 0.8 seconds - not "about 2 seconds"

[@RBickersjr]

I know he said it wouldn't beat the dragsters, but I think he was mixing up the times with F1 cars. (though you're definitely right about his incorrect statement of the dragsters 0-100 times being 2 secs), it's the formula one cars (0-60 in 2.6 seconds) that he is right when he said it would beat them off the line. I don't think he meant to be inaccurate, I believe he either misspoke or got the two confused. I'm wondering if he'll make a retraction. LOL

[@HairyCheese]

Hmmmmmmm, I'd love to see a dragster do a corner.... Didn't Richard Hammond try that 😢

[@Encourageable]

@@HairyCheesehe wasn’t comparing practicality, only correcting the 0-100 times.

[@lemongavine]

Fun fact. Those dragsters now race 1000ft instead of 1320 (1/4 mile). They go too fast in the quarter so they had to shorten it for safety

[@philipmccarthy6175]

The issue for me with Tesla's is that they're not good looking cars. Many other car brands make better looking & better looking EV's.

[@andrewkaiser7203]

Agree on the turn signal stock. On something important like that, you want it to be sort of "hard" to inadvertently to bump the signal the wrong way, or at the wrong time. I want the turn signal to be away from less important controls, not right next to them.

[@Roll_the_Bones]

What is a "stock"? Never heard of it before... have you actually driven a real car?

[@Wol747]

Lack of stalks stopped me going to another Tesla from my model S. I’m surprised it’s allowed in regulations outside the US.

[@Encourageable]

I’m surprised that a Tesla owner would find it so difficult to adjust to such a small change.

[@ytmacskas]

@@Encourageable Yeah it was pretty easy to adapt. Tesla also tested young/new drivers and they had no problem with it. There are situations where the lever is better but 99% buttons are superior. The 1% is when you are at stop and you turned the wheel already and you want to indicate, then you have to click that button in a strange position.

[@raresaturn]

I wouldn't buy one without the stalks.

[@2nd3rd1st]

After-market stalks are available

[@human_brian]

@@ytmacskasThere is no situation where buttons with 0 feel or feedback are a better solution. I can signal a lane change without ever having to take my eyes off the road no matter where the steering wheel might be with a physical stalk. Try doing that with touch buttons. Tesla are idiots for removing the turn signal lever, it can't save them more than a few dollars per car and for a car selling for $40k minimum, not much of a savings. I predict, like the yolk before it, the touch buttons will become an optional extra in a few years. I won't be buying another Tesla without a real turn signal.

[@yorkyone2143]

Removing the indicator stalks is a design failure. They need to return both for safety & ergonomics.

[@lemongavine]

Why do you consider pushing a button harder than sliding a stalk? Serious question.

[@stighaaland5357]

No that is bs.

[@alanrossiter6626]

Try a roundabout...@@lemongavine

[@R-T-F-M]

@@lemongavinebecause the buttons are a moving target as you turn the wheel, a lever is ALWAYS in the same position.

[@nicktankard1244]

@@R-T-F-M that's why tesla tried doing it with a yoke. With a yoke, your hands are always in the same position in theory, But in practice it doesn't work that well.

[@Pletharoe]

Tesla opening up their network to non-tesla vehicles will be an utter game changer to the rest of us EV minions...

[@braddboy5]

Lol why by a non tesla ev?

[@samm4192]

They already have, some stations have been open to non-Teslas for nearly a year now

[@strahlberger]

​@@samm4192 In May 2022 in my holiday i was already charging beside 2 Audi eTron at the Supercharger.

[@m1geo]

Bit annoying having to wait in my Tesla for non-Tesla cars to charge at some of the smaller Tesla sites. But I'm hopeful that oneday we'll all be able to use any charger and not feel robbed! We're in the days of only using your Bank's ATM and extortionate roaming prices! We'll get there!

[@rj7855]

The two nearest Tesla superchargers are open for none Tesla's for over a year... I have so far not seen the need or benefits of going there to charge my VW

[@GaryV-p3h]

Being LHD doesn't bother me at all because the only chance of me ever owning one would require me winning the lottery & if that day ever comes along I will be leaving the UK & relocating to a warmer climate the following day.

[@Shiftheads]

😂

[@-_James_-]

Why wait? There are many countries with better climates that are far cheaper to live in than the UK.

[@GaryV-p3h]

@@-_James_- I'm already on it, I've been saving every spare penny for the last 3 years & have learnt to speak Spanish, I'll be relocating my family and my business within the next six months, just waiting g for the completion of the sale of my house & tie up a few loose ends.

[@kamelsr]

I have to say that Robert's comments about the turn signal switch is spot on. I've been driving for over 45 years and using the switch is ingrained into my muscle memory. But newer drivers are more used to joystick and game controllers so can adapt to the buttons easier.

[@ElizabethJones-pv3sj]

But new drivers aren't the ones who can afford a tesla so it seems weird for a car that new drivers can't afford to have a control system designed for that target market.

[@kamelsr]

@@ElizabethJones-pv3sj but most of the Tesla Owners are younger. Even if they are in their 30's or 40's they have grown up in the digital and video game age. Older people (not Robert) are stuck in the fossil fuel mindset. Tesla isn't the only EV company who had this mindset of digital touchscreen and buttons instead of switches and knobs.

[@Aiello_]

not necessarily, video game controllers use physical buttons, touch only works as a worse mouse for smaller screens

[@teitpoulsen7183]

I replaced my Audi RS6 performance with a Plaid back in January and the car is simply so incredible. Not only is the performance jump similar to when I replaced my A6 diesel with the RS6. But the car is so incredibly efficient, practical and comfortable in everyday use. A hypercar a cruiser and a super efficient environmentally friendly everyday vehicle all in one... Most expensive Tesla, but still incredible value, nothing in its price range comes close.

[@djb730]

How are you getting on with it being lhd? I want one so much but how much does it impact you?

[@teitpoulsen7183]

@@djb730 I live in Denmark, so LHD is not a problem here.

[@djb730]

@@teitpoulsen7183 ah, of course, your English was actually TOO good, I should have realised 😂😂😂

[@GrahamWathey]

No indicator lever is a step too far. It will ba a nightmare indicating correctly on a roundabout!

[@lemongavine]

Doesn’t seem that complicated to me. Rest your thumb on the button before turning the wheel and press it when it’s time to.

[@cerdicw9998]

@@lemongavine It’s because when you negotiate a roundabout you have to turn the wheel one way and then the other while at the same time indicating one way then the other. Your hand will not stay in the same place on the steering wheel during that process, so your thumb will not stay ‘resting on the button’. I’m assuming you live somewhere with no roundabouts? Or maybe even, no corners? Or maybe you just don’t bother indicating at all…

[@junehanzawa5165]

Robert, you must keep in mind that these are currently still version 3 superchargers. They are V4 stalls/dispensers, but the actual chargers are still V3 capable only up to 250kws. Once the actual chargers (the large electrical cabinets in the background) are upgraded, then they'll be capable to charge up to 600kw. Although they'll likely limit them to around 350-400kws in the near term.

[@trevorberridge6079]

But, Robert got 261kw from the charger. So it's not actually limited to 250kw.

[@junehanzawa5165]

@@trevorberridge6079 You can get a little over 250kws for just a little bit from a V3 if the battery is low enough. That's not unussual for a V3 charger. The dispenser has nothing to do with it at this point, other than having a longer, thicker cable. The actual chargers themselves have not been changed yet. Or at least not in all other locations where the V4 dispensers have been installed thus far either in Europe or the US. Only way to confirm is for him to actually go and read the specs on the actual chargers to see if this location is somehow different and they have indeed installed new V4 capable chargers to match the dispensers.

[@oliversolheim4026]

@@trevorberridge6079 telsa chargers dont have hard limits its based of temputeres that is what I have heard

[@trevorberridge6079]

@@oliversolheim4026 The fact remains that it charges notably faster than 250kw. That's not it's actual limit. Temperature variations don't speed up charging, they slow it down from optimum speed if they cause sub-optimum conditions.

[@junehanzawa5165]

@@oliversolheim4026 Their current V3 or older chargers are 400 volts based, and have an amps limit of around 550 amps, so that equates to a little over 250kws. Their new V4 are 800 volts based, which means their amps can be lower, and therfore create much less heat. Those will be capable of 600kws and over 1,000 volts. However, they'll be limited to between 350 and 400kws for the first 2 or 3 years or so, which is still blazing fast. However, that is only if you have an 800 volts based EV. And only their Cybertruck and Tesla semis have that. They also have megawatt chargers for their semis. Not sure yet if Tesla will allow other 800 volts based EVs to charge at those rates, however, as they currently only allow up to 350amps to none teslas on their V3 chargers, while Teslas can use over 500 amps.

[@marianatrench7323]

As a Plaid owner for two years I got used to the yoke very quickly and now I love it. The lack of stalks pissed me off for a good two months. Now I have to say, I find it easier to use. I admit, it took some muscle memory, but I now find it a bit annoying using the normal turn signals in another car. Everything else is insanely good: the acceleration, the interior design, the software, the FSD, the charging network, the OTA, the safety, etc. Best car ever made.

[@MotoGuzziMoto]

There is a reason the stalks are a better design than the buttons. Try selecting the indicator button while the wheel is being turned sharply... Seriously, the Tesla design team are trying too hard to be different and ignoring everything already learnt about good car design. I have seen the same thing happen in software design, where new developers and engineers are trying to be different and miss the point about muscle memory. In the early days Microsoft set a standard pattern for how menus and buttons were arranged, but since around 2005 that has gone out the Windows :) even Microsoft don't adhere to their own principles. Now you can't find anything in Word or Excel, and every new piece of software is a whole new learning curve.

[@dianewallace6064]

The Highland is going to be similar. I like the stalk also and I don't want to have to buy a 3rd party stalk and buttons.

[@PhonicUK]

I'd have liked to have seen more of how the indicator buttons turn out. What happens when you want to indicate your exit on a roundabout for example when you're turning right?

[@fullychargedshow]

You can watch the episode I did about the newly refreshed Tesla Model 3 where I first encounter the indicator buttons. I indicated right by accident twice while driving this car when going around a roundabout. Seriously not good. I think you would eventually get used to it, but it's a pain. A little lever, it's easy, you barely notice it.

[@mikeymike1792]

Also, surely it'd make more sense to do the Ferrari thing and have the right indicator on the right side of the steering wheel?

[@asharak84]

honestly the stalk on the old model 3 is already bad - it's the style BMW used during the period they became a joke for never indicating, and the two things are almost certainly connected. Just use a normal indicator stalk and it works well vs the tesla where it doesn't latch so you've got a race condition between auto-cancel and you trying to indicate the other way, fine on well spaced junctions but a bad joke on small roundabouts etc. Buttons make it worse by adding it being easy to mix them up.

[@PhonicUK]

@@fullychargedshow I would not be surprised if this actually sparked some regulatory response in the EU. This is a move that only makes sense really in the country that doesn't use them because they're too complicated.

[@PhonicUK]

@@asharak84 Whenever I drive my Wife's Model 3 I'm always accidentally indicating in the opposite direction when what I intended to just cancel the indicator that failed to self-cancel. Not a mistake I make in my Model S.

[@MatthewHill]

My Tesla has turn signal stalks. When it comes time to trade it in, in about two years or so, I'm unlikely to replace it with a vehicle that lacks them.

[@seanstewart285]

Here in California, I have encountered MANY Tesla drivers indicating the incorrect direction with their turn signals. This is how I know that their car has placed the indicator buttons on the steering wheel. I suppose as a Californian, I should be happy that someone's at least trying to use turn signals ... since most of the people here don't anyway. 🤷

[@rogerstarkey5390]

"Many"? Since the Y doesn't have the modification and the only 3 with it is the upgrade, not yet available in the US, that leaves just the latest S and X, then only those in California.... I'll say again ... "Many"?

[@DuarteMolha]

I agree with that levers. It is definitely a step back

[@dalee442]

Enough has been said already about the Plaid, but still you make it wonderful to watch. 🎉

[@haruspex1-50]

Couldn’t agree more Robert. It’s the main factor holding me back from getting the refreshed model 3. I hope Tesla reconsider here

[@Morbeyn]

Any car without an indicator stalk is DOA in the UK, and anywhere else there is frequent use of roundabouts. Switching from indicating right (passing exits) to indicating left (before the exit you intend to take) while the steering wheel is in any other orientation than neutral requires a context and attention shift from road awareness to vehicular control manipulation. Vehicular control should be by muscle memory and not require any attention at all. It’s manifestly unsafe to have safety controls not in a fixed position. Edit: It is not a legal requirement to use your indicators, so I guess these new Tesla’s are no less safe than BMWs 🤷‍♂️

[@HairyCheese]

Do you remember switching manufacturers and finding you put the wipers on instead of indicating?

[@Morbeyn]

@@HairyCheese Yes, I have driven a Hyundai. That doesn't take away from my point, though; the stalk is still permanently located in one place, not free-rotating as it is on the steering wheel, even if it is located on the right hand side and not left. You can still rely on a clockwise action being the right indicator, anti-clockwise being left. What I didn't mention is that it's also required to consider the orientation of the wheel when choosing which arrow to press. Once the wheel passes 90 degrees the left becomes the right arrow, and vice versa, and changes back after 270 degrees. It's bonkers. The only way it could work is if the steering rack was as fast racing cars, requiring less than 90 degrees to get to full-lock. That's not suitable for road use where subtle adjustments for manoeuvres such as lane changes are required.

[@andymccabe6712]

you are SO right, dude....it's impractical...and unsafe.....anyone who thinks otherwise shouldn't be driving....!!!@@Morbeyn

[@paulvansteenberghe4644]

I want a stalk for directional and a horn that can be hit more readily, not to mention toggles, buttons and sliders for HVAV, radio, the glove box, ….

[@edwardhackett-jones8126]

So a return the the 90’s! 🤣

[@BenWolkWeiss]

Loved the lecture and the zoom in. The only ICE car that I've ever heard the fuel consumption at speed be discussed in a lot of reviews was the Bugatti Veyron. There was often a mention about how much fuel it gulped when flat out. But nobody bothered to talk about that topic again when faster cars came out.

[@SunsetHaze]

Top Gear used to regualarly joke about how bad fuel consumption was on performance cars. Usually two of them complaining that the third needed to stop all the time for more fuel. Clarkson and the Ford GT comes to mind, I remember it happening a few times to Hammond as well.

[@TRexOne]

Lever is not a step back? Invented in 1929, commercialized in 1939 - that's almost 100 years ago - not a step back.... :) The flip side is, it does take getting used to the buttons, and it's darn hard to turn on/off the blinker while turning. I am a huge Tesla fan, and I have one of these cars with the buttons, and no, you are not an idiot. I totally understand the frustration. :)

[@froggy0162]

You can already buy a retrofit lever kit for the Model S, and they will release a kit for the Model 3 shortly. I imagine they’ll sell a lot of them!

[@dreamburn1]

You are absolutely right. Both the turn indicators on the wheel, that move when you move the steering wheel, is daft. The horn should be in the center. The drive selector worked better when it was on a stalk as well. Reaching the screen and swiping up and down is lame and doesn't feel good on my wrist and hands. Give me a "leever" for the turn signals please. At least you have an actual wheel.

[@arleneallen8809]

Lots of people agree with you on the indicators. If I was determined to get rid of them I would have made it a wheel squeeze. Left gets left and right gets right. The computer knows where the wheel is so even on turns it would work just fine. Easier yet - keep the stalk.

[@-_James_-]

And suddenly you can't indicate in one direction and change gear at the same time. (Although maybe that's no longer possible in the UK anyway? When I learned to drive in the UK the indicator stalk was on the right, but now I live outside the UK and it's on the left. I think new cars in the 90s in the UK had them on the left too?)

[@arleneallen8809]

@@-_James_- In the USA, in theory, the indicator is turned on at least 100 feet before the start of the turn. That said, my having thought further about it, many people 'death grip' the wheel, so using that to trigger a turn signal goes bust. I had a 1971 'cuda that had the optional rim squeeze horn. If I squeezed the rim, the horn would sound. It was a bit lame. I'm firmly in the camp most people are in - taking the stalk away was a poor choice.

[@-_James_-]

@@arleneallen8809 But on a roundabout, depending on where your exit is, you may start indicating before the roundabout (if you're not going straight on), when you pass the exit before yours while on the roundabout, or both (changing while on the roundabout if your exit is more than 180 degrees around from your point of entry).

[@roderickmain9697]

Not sure that I will ever use all the capabilities of my Model 3.... although I did get it over 160kph on an Autobahn earlier this year. But yes, the blistering acceleration when you need it is something else. I have found the inability to easily change wiper speed a bit of a pain. Auto mode isnt very responsive. Even sometimes turning the lights on (hey, car, its raining - put the lights on) can be a faff around some menus (while you are trying to drive in your own lane). Not sure removing more stalks is a sane idea. In fact, I was wondering if someone couldnt come up with a set of buttons the clip on the bottom of the screen for some "quick access". Having a button in a known position that you can get to without looking at it seems to be things I miss most.

[@miyahollands6136]

I am no ludite, but I agree with you regarding the signal level. Why is the horn a button? in an emergency your going to instinctively palm the centre! if it's not broken, don't try to fix it - simple...! 🤷‍♀️ it's the number one reason why I don't see myself buying a Tesla. give me a button any day, it's way safer than having to take your eyes off the road to work a touchscreen, while moving - it's wrong and I don't know how they got it passed safely regulation

[@forton615]

There was that joke where BMW indicators were sold as an option. That's where we are now, they are not designed to be used.

[@LeonRamkumar]

I want a stick for the indicator and gear select. I won’t get another Tesla until they come back.

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

And that’s precisely why I’m looking at Polestars.

[@edwardhackett-jones8126]

😂

[@pauld3327]

Same for me. No stalks no buy.

[@catch_me_if_you_can1147]

Tried a BMW ev?

[@MrSinnerBOFH]

@@catch_me_if_you_can1147 not yet, and don’t like the “beaver tooth look” that new Bimmers have (I drive an older one with no beaver tooth).

[@buffalosoldier7360]

I also find the lack of a turn signal unsafe. You have to look away from the road to activate the turn signal, there are aftermarket devices that allow you to program functions into buttons and place them where you want.

[@uranblut]

the fact this exists is hilarious :).

[@davidbryant2872]

Agree with you 100% on the removal of the stalks!

[@dumpsterG]

Love my model X! Completely agree, technology bar high with operating cost low. Murdering the competition.

[@domramsey]

I don't know who this guy is, but you should get him on more. He's quite funny.

[@iBackBeat]

The funny guy is Robert Lieuwellin, founder of Fully Charged and a british actor as far as I know 🤔😉.

[@philiptaylor7902]

New to the channel?

[@Shagbert]

Amongst other things, he was Kryten in one of the most famous British sci-fi comedy shows ever, Red Dwarf.

[@domramsey]

@@Shagbert Red Worf? Sounds like some kind of Star Trek thing to me. Nope. Definitely doesn't ring any bells.

[@mauricewatts2380]

He use to live in a scrap yard like Stig of the dump and commentate on groups of people building crap outta scrap.

[@DavidKAnderson]

Small correction, re: Top Fuel dragster acceleration: They manage 1-100mph in about 0.8 seconds. 0-60 takes c. 0.4 seconds. ;)

[@FutureSystem738]

Lack of stalks is just fine. I’ve experienced it and it did NOT take long to get completely used to. So many knockers who haven’t actually even tried it!

[@PinkDuckUK]

Except when turning right at a roundabout and switching from right to left indicate with the wheel upside down

[@sg222]

I am a Tesla fan and I am with you and you are not an Idiot. Stalks are just better. Tesla messed it up by removing stalks.

[@iBackBeat]

Me too. You’re absolutely right!

[@davidknell9676]

I didn't hear Robert mention up to 15 tons of Co2 emissions will go into the atmosphere upon production of the the battery alone for this car. A typical internal combustion engine car (the whole car) will give around 5 tons Co2 to the atmosphere . Average mileage (UK) driven will require over 6 years of travel before it begins it's greener than ICE life.

[@waynecharlton6388]

I don't think you are supposed to mention things like that on here 🤣

[@summertyme5748]

It’s also not true but hey this is the internet. You create this lie - by imagining that all electricity used in manufacturing is basically Winston Churchill dropping coal into a 1940’s power plant. Based on this kind of [lie] reasoning - even baby food production produces massive amounts of CO2 and Radiation and caused Covid, Cancer and herpes. But go ahead I know the game and you will just respond by lying some more. 😅

[@MichaelSmith-us9ch]

you don't have to take your eyes off the road to use the old style levers. OR take your hands off the wheel to locate the correct button. Not a fan...

[@jeremyradford5103]

Welcome back, Robert! Useless car review, great rant, and very humorous. Loved every minute of it!!!

[@BombSponge]

Isn't every EV review useless? Try selling an EV in 2023. XD

[@jeremyradford5103]

@BombSponge Selling which EVs and to who? New EV sales in the UK are up 42% YoY and used EVs up 78% YoY. Globally, they represent an 18% market share of all new car sales or roughly 10 million EVs.

[@redoscar540]

I am perfectly happy with my 2016 Model S 70 RWD which we purchased new. It has all the get up and go I could possibly use. And I love my stalks, too. Free supercharging ain't bad either.

[@curtisbme]

I've never seen anyone say that these buttons are better than the stalk and center horn like what is on standard cars. Even irritating Tesla Stans simply say you get use to them. It is only that way for cost cutting and because Elmo though it makes it cool.

[@edwardhackett-jones8126]

It’s nothing to do with Musk thinking it looks cool. They believe that they’re very close to having FSD feature complete. At which point they anticipate high up-take of FSD and therefore controls will become generally unnecessary. And yes, they’re cutting costs. Damned good thing too - that’s how they manage to keep reducing their prices while making a profit while their competitors keep losing money.

[@universeisundernoobligatio3283]

Demo drove a S with yoke and buttons, was used to it by the first km, round about and lane changes, wish my Y had a yoke and buttons.

[@intruder313]

Stalks are a must as are manual AC controls - I’ve never liked the over reliance on the screen

[@lukabosnjak3829]

The screen is working perfectly here

[@rogerstarkey5390]

One button "I'm cold" It warms up. You're not relying on the screen. You're also not looking away to check the setting on the manual control (You DO, however much you think you don't)

[@Frygisk]

You really don't need to interact with the screen while driving, the voice controls are surprisingly good.

[@markmuir7338]

I have a 2016 Model S, and in the nearly 7 years I’ve had it, the voice commands have always been a problem. It transcribes my words perfectly, but if I don’t use the exact right phrase, rather than telling me it didn’t understand, it just changes some random other setting - which then requires 20s of f-ing around the touch screen figuring out what it changed and undoing it. Not to mention how disruptive voice commands are when you’re not driving alone. Programmable buttons please - so I can control the things I care about without taking my eyes off the road.

[@edwardhackett-jones8126]

Here in the 21st century, those of us driving Teslas find it really easy to operate without a bunch of knobs. Try joining us!

[@ram64man]

nope your bang on about the controls Robert, its ok in America due to the block layout and long roads, but Europe with its many corners, roundabouts, left/right turns, I feel its a major safety concern and tesla or government should step in and mandate wheel controls indicators. lights wipers and gear select as mandatory physical controls,

[@LasVegar]

Robert how is the "new" battery in the leaf holding up?

[@JohnBatty]

Worth pointing out, ALL model S are now LHD. RHD has been discontinued since May this year 😢.

[@audiovideophile5317]

NEVER mentioned in 40 years, RE fuel consumption of hyper cars. NOT true. Off hand I can think about Top Gear not only mentioning how much and how quickly the fuel went in the Bugatti Veyron, they make it a highlight of the review. Even going so far as to show the fuel gauge dropping in real time as the car was barreling down the straightaway.

[@theairstig9164]

It empties the tank in 100kms at wide open throttle. At 300km/h the tyres will blow first

[@petervarley3078]

At 1:50, the price at the Supercharger is displayed as £0.50/kWh (US$0.62). That seems very high. Is it high for Britain? Does Tesla use dynamic pricing so if they returned to the same supercharger at 11pm it would a lot cheaper?

[@veeza7001]

Love this, and no shite out the exhaust, have to agree stop burning shite. What a car........

[@RWBHere]

Spot on with the indicators. A stub on each side of the steering column would make much more sense, as would a single indicator lever. Going around a bend with a turnoff on the outside of the curve, such as on a roundabout, leaves the indicator switches in completely wrong positions. That will cause mistakes and accidents. Not 'might', but 'will'.

[@Phrancis5]

Jesus wet? I'm sure it's crazy fast. I got to stomp the accelerator on a Model3 performance a few days ago and that was already insane.

[@TwilightError]

When I got my model 3 performance I took my kids out in it, did the foot down thing and they were both sick 🤢. It’s the best thing though.

[@eeblatter]

wept

[@davefiddes]

"wept" as in 😢

[@wydryfly]

It’s awkward not having stalks for the first few weeks in our S, but you get used to it. Love the auto turn off signal feature after changing lanes.

[@cerdicw9998]

What? So the indicator self-cancels after you change lanes? Just like an old fashioned indicator stalk has always done, then…

[@wydryfly]

@@cerdicw9998 from my driving experience over the past 35 years, stalks will reset after you turn your steering wheel approx. 45 degrees. On the highway, they don’t. The driver has to reset the position continually after changing lanes. Tesla eliminated that. Mic Drop 🎤

[@cerdicw9998]

@@wydryfly So you haven’t driven any cars with the lane changing ‘nudge’ feature on your stalk?

[@wydryfly]

Nudge is for only approx. 1.5 seconds of signal use. I’m tapping out because you simply don’t understand, and I’m sorry for that. Have a great day.

[@gohumberto]

Re. Indicator levers. Europe has lots of roundabouts which require access to turn signals whilst orbiting the roundabout (to indicate you are exiting). How the hell am I supposed to indicate my exit if the turn signals have rotated 90 degrees????? It's just stupid. The same with full beam headlights on country lanes. I need immediate access to full/Dip beam all the time. Just stupid. It's designed by an American driver I expect, used to long straight roads and right-angle turns.

[@iBackBeat]

Exactly!

[@ericpisch2732]

Some plaids did make it to the uk. LHD only, Tesla have red one for sale atm for 95k, along with the one Robert’s driving on a uk plate …

[@tyroneknight]

He went mad….had to give a like for that

[@mikebikekite1]

Not all stalk indicators are equal. The one on my wife's Honda Jazz is a PITA if you need to cancel the indication - sometimes it works, sometimes it just indicates the other way. It's a shame you can't get an optional extra that includes indicator stalks on the Tesla. It wouldn't matter to me though as it's well out side my price range.

[@signpost5596]

Incredible piece of engineering for sure. As for it being able to beat an F1 car to the first corner on a racetrack, I remember back in 1993 Michael Schumacher's car did 0-150mph in 7.5 seconds (according to the commentator Martin Brundle during a race). I suspect the current F1 cars are no worse in acceleration and other performance parameters. Comparing apples to oranges of course.

[@peterbrown6453]

It might beat the F1 cars off the line, but they will come past well before the first corner because they brake so much later, partly because their brakes are so much better and partly because they aren’t slowing down as much.

[@logicalChimp]

@@peterbrown6453 And because their extreme downforce gives them so much more grip / traction that they can brake harder without skidding / losing traction...

[@peterbrown6453]

@@logicalChimp I was thinking more about the downforce enabling higher corner speed and therefore less braking, but you’re right

[@JoshuaPritt]

Perfect zoom in on the rant! Great edit there, bravo. Even the way the music and sound did a crescendo to the full stop. High fives all around.

[@johncipolletti5611]

It is so funny how these videos never talk about the battery degrading more rapidly when you super charge it. Also, these batteries don't like being charged over 80%!

[@fullychargedshow]

It is so funny when someone posts a comment about a topic saying we 'never talk about the battery degrading more rapidly when you supercharge it.' We have discussed that repeatedly and in depth, with, wait for it, actual battery scientists for, wait for it, .... the past 13 years. SInce the very early episodes we made (there are over 850) . Yes, battery scientists, that is, people who actually design and build battery systems. And guess what. I give them a fraction more credence about battery technology than someone commenting from the sidelines who, possibly, has not designed, manufactured, tested and endlessly modified the battery pack in an electric vehicle. Forgive me for being a little snotty about it, but I'm afraid I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt. Plus the independently documented case of a tesla Model S limousine doing the run between LA and Las Vegas which clocked up 500,00+ miles on one battery and this car ONLY ever used superchargers. But on your last point, 80% max charge is a very good idea, but it does not mean that occasionally you can fill it to 100% if you have a very long journey, w hich, statistically, is very rare.

[@johncipolletti5611]

@fullychargedshow Look, you can talk about a topic a million times, but many people in this world (over 8 billion) will not have seen this information. I am a tech designer (help to create the home computer) who has used batteries for years and have EVs. I still want to get those ideas out there to the public. So, for example, one of the most unreliable vehicles out there is the Escalade (52 times in the shop over 3 years), but much of the public still doesn't know this after a decade!

[@GrrMeister]

6:45 *Nothing wrong with the 'B' 200 CDi Class I can get 2 Mountain bikes in rear without dismantling them, and on a Ski Holiday [sadly 2 years ago] got 3 passengers and all luggage including Ski's in with 1/3 seat down. Model W246 B200 CDi and 143 MPH on Autobahn and on non-stop return trip 797 Miles **14:14** hours Average 54 MPH [inc Ferry] and 50.4 MPG. Since then got a W247 B200CDi with all the kit - absolutely amazing and so quiet most passengers think they are in an Electric Version - I kid you not, at 60mph in 8th Gear engine 1100 RPM totally silent, on a good road like floating on air.*

[@akf2000]

Lol can stalks be fitted aftermarket for new Teslas? Absolutely ridiculous

[@iBackBeat]

There will be some aftermarket stalks.

[@z00h]

6:45, no you're not, I mean I get you're old enough to remember the pre WW1 cars but the modern (post WW2) passenger ICE car doesn't consume 70l per 100km (i.e 4mpg imperial) at 140-150mph. Unless it's broken. Don't be ridiculous.

[@dianewallace6064]

Thanks for making me laugh. The opening scene was me riding shotgun in the Rivian R1T in sports mode.

[@zapfanzapfan]

Robert in danger of turning green and ripping his shirt there for a bit 🙂 Agree with you on the stalks, "best part is no part" has its limits...

[@LearningFast]

“Most expensive Tesla ever made”. Except the Model X Plaid is even more expensive.

[@markmuir7338]

And the Plaid is cheaper than the P100D used to be. In fact, the Plaid is only $2k more than what I paid for my 90D in 2016. I am still kicking myself over not spending the extra $50k to get the P100D, which has quite a bit more range.

[@vincentrobinette1507]

As you mentioned, when you drive very fast, a combustion vehicle consumes a lot of fuel. Keep in mind, running the Plaid at 200 MPH will drain the battery in a big hurry! The only thing this car can't pass at 200+ MPH, is a charging station. You've now got a car that competes with Bugatti, McLaren, or Koenigsegg, leaving Ferrari and Lamborghini in the dust. The difference is, it costs 1/3 as much per mile to drive as a Toyota. The Tesla costs only about 1/10 the purchase price of any combustion car that can even hope to keep up. The Tesla can be driven every day, with maintenance costs being the same or less, than a small economy combustion car. The 3 "Hyper cars", and the 2 "super cars" I mentioned, are maintenance "nightmares", and guzzle fuel, costing 10X more per mile, than the Tesla that can out-run(or at least, keep up with) those super expensive supercars.

[@GeniusUnleashed]

The horn is the more dangerous thing here. In a moment of panic, having the horn in the middle is easy since people out of fear naturally put their hands in front of them to "brace" themselves. No amount of Bruce Lee finger pushups will protect me from an impact using a single finger.

[@logicalChimp]

If you leave the horn until you're actively bracing, you've left it a bit too late for it to have any benefit. The horn is best used *before* you reach the 'oh shit' point :p

[@GeniusUnleashed]

@@logicalChimp And yet that's not how horns work in oh shit moments. Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Otherwise you set yourself up for disaster.

[@MrJimbobrude]

The lack of stork is an absolute deal breaker on a Tesla for me now. Lack of CarPlay doesn’t help either. I was considering the move into a M3 SR in a couple of years but I’ll stick to my ICE for a few more years.

[@mooferoo]

I'll never buy a tesla unless they put in proper controls for everything. Buttons and screens instead of levers and knobs is terrible.

[@theunknownunknowns256]

The no lever for indicators is stupid. I'm a Model Y owner and tsla shareholder. It's US centric because those people are too stupid to realise roundabouts are far better and safer.

[@yorkshirejags7410]

The indicators is insane and Tesla arrogance! If it ain’t broke!

[@ruk2023--]

It's not arrogance it's cost saving. They no longer need to purchase or build a couple of levers and attach them to the steering column.

[@edwardhackett-jones8126]

That attitude is the enemy of progress and innovation. If it really doesn’t work out, Tesla will return to using stalks, but so far, reviews have generally indicated that those with an open minded approach find there’s absolutely not difficulty in getting used to it.

[@pauld3327]

​@@ruk2023--It's not cost saving. Elon doesn't want us to drive his cars. He wants us to buy his FSD software that isn't even available in Europe.

[@dereknicol5284]

They may get used to no stalk in the US but they don't live near Milton Keynes.

[@pauld3327]

@@edwardhackett-jones8126 We havn't seen the same reviews.

[@shareksolutions]

Good on you for talking about the fuel issues and how that impacts the earth! Love that you brought that up!

[@test21073]

V8s rule!!

[@jwccornock]

One small point, top fuel dragsters reach 100mph (not Kmh) in 0.8 seconds. But that takes 12,000 hp :)

[@dalroth10]

Another great video, with just the right mix of serious/sensible review, justifiable rant about burning stuff and ......... well Robert 😃 It's fantastic news that Tesla have decided to open up their supercharger network to other EV's and at a surprisingly competitive rate. Let's hope other EV charging networks take note and consider their own rates. As far as the Plaid is concerned I think the performance would genuinely scare many drivers. And in the UK we've got so many speed cameras you'd be knee deep in speeding fines in no time at all. Oh yes ...... and what on earth were Tesla thinking taking away the turn indicator stalks? If it ain't broke don't fix it as they say.

[@stephanblum3354]

I think somone somewhere confused that age old saying with "if it is not broken, it does not have enough features yet." Haha! Honestly, my biggest concern is how small the horn button seemed to be. It is suppose to be a warning, an alert. Why make it small and harder to get to without thought? Would be like making an emergency stop for machines really small in a cluster. Though they always seem small in a pinch, still is relatively large. Other then that, yeah, no stalks is awkward. Could adapt to, but awkward.

[@tonyduncan9852]

You made the point - a point made by every engineer or scientist since industry began. Thanks very much.

[@evostu7814]

There are after market bluletooth indicator stalks coming out soon for the new model 3, S & X for those that cannot get used to the buttons.

[@tacodias]

Do you realize how ridiculous your statement is?

[@fullychargedshow]

Is that right!! That is SO funny. Really makes me chuckle, that said, if I had the new Model 3, I'd be on that bluetooth indicator lever like hungry rabbit.

[@iBackBeat]

Yes, thankfully this „sexy buttons“ company is working on stalks to retrofit on all Tesla models.

[@palemale2501]

Ever noticed LH drive cars are more ergonomic, but for RH cars manufacturers simply transferred the steering wheel to the right and only swopped the main light Switch over, but kept the stalks as they were, plus centre consul A/C is now worked by left hand - my old Morris Minor had indicator stalk on right hand side, and headlamp dip was a left foot floor button lol. LH cars logically have ALL light functions eg switches, indicator/light stalk and cruise stalk on the left, - then ALL windscreen functions eg wiper stalk on the right, plus right hand use centre consul A/C and demist etc buttons. Means they can change gear with right hand at same time as left hand working indicators or flashing lights by keeping left hand on wheel for overtaking - or simple motorway cruising by using just the left hand for all these major controls. Also LH cars has a wheel mounted volume control on left and the radio volume in centre consul on the right, so either hand can quickly say mute volume. After 50 years it is too late for us oldies to learn any new layout on ICE cars, unless EV cars slowly introduce it.

[@TiagoMorbusSa]

no, buttons are a downgrade from a lever, as evidence by the fact that cave men had buttons but didn't have levers

[@funland108]

FYI Top Fuel dragsters accelerate from 0-100 mph in 0.8 sec. Very, very much faster than a Plaid, or any other vehicle on Earth. And have a look at CarWow drag races: F1 car is similar to a Plaid once it hooks up.

[@cupidstunt22]

No ordinary regular person should have access to 1000bhp so easily without some sort of additional training

[@MaxDankOG]

1000hp to most enthusiasts isn’t much anymore I can build a shitty old Mustang with a modern V8 swapped in and turbocharged making those numbers. At least the Tesla is fairly safe.

[@drunkenhobo5039]

​@@MaxDankOGWhat an absurd statement. 1000 bhp is extremely rare and almost nobody anywhere has ever experienced it in a car.

[@cupidstunt22]

@@drunkenhobo5039 agreed 👍

[@robinkarpeta441]

Great clip!. I had an i3s for 3 years and have had an i4 for 1year now. Previously a BMW M2. Lovely car, but driven EXTREMELY carefully I'd get around 22-23MPG. Driven 'briskly' 10-11MPG. So I completely agree that no one mentions the huge fuel consumption when high performance cars are driven fast. As to performance, my BMW i4 does 0-60 in 5.7s (officially) and I have to say that (I admit to getting old) that is quite fast enough. (Despite having owned faster cars).

[@dorianleakey]

The main thing i like about Tesla is they make normal cars instad of big squashy SUVs and crossovers, which people only buy because the manufacturers tell them they are in. No one really likes them, they all pretend, because they are dumb, stupid and impractical.

[@richardstreet2104]

Small correction, Top Fuel dragsters do 0-100mph in under 1 sec not 2 sec and will be over 200mph when the Tesla Plaid reaches 60mph (when you exclude the 1 foot roll out they deduct from their figures) so even though the Tesla Plaid is a ludicrously fast for a road car there is no comparison to a Top Fuel Dragster. No surprise though when you consider a Top Fuel dragster is 10,000+HP and can do a 1/4 mile in around 3.5secs !!

[@leeneal6969]

Whist agree with your view of the corruption around the oil/fuel, you are deluded to think that those same humans are not involved in the cost of energy used for your angelic EV's

[@billienomates1606]

The problem is there is to much mis info about how good e.v's are and very little about the real world practicalities and the immense damage e.v's manufacture is doing to our planet. Sooner the factual sum of how much co2 is produced in manufacturing e.v's versus that of petrol/diesel vehicles is displayed at point of sale. There will be bias towards the supposedly positive lack of co2 emission's on the e.v's. As to infrastructure, in the U.K. it is sadly lacking and even if it were excellent in terms of charger coverage. There still would not be enough electricity from the grid to power all the trucks, vans, taxis, buses, cars in the not to distant future. The e.v. industry will, in my opinion, decline in all those countries that decided to opt for green energy only. As there will be nowhere near the energy available to charge them. Time will tell.

[@Sion_Jones]

Was enjoying until about 7:10, then you went on some babbling, insane rant against the internal combustion engine. You used to be a great presenter. Shame. Why can't you give a decent balanced viewpoint? Some of us are slowly coming round to, and accepting the inconvenience of EV's in favour of some of their benefits and this kind of nutjob crap just puts us off.

[@mebeingU2]

I have a S LR here is the US. I don’t mind the blinker stalk delete (we don’t have many roundabouts), but I do wish the horn was in the center pad/airbag. I have had my car since May and use the haptic blinkers without thinking about them now. Lots of improvements over my 2016 S that I sold.

[@sandersson2813]

Yes, but you do have junctions which require the use of an indicator.

[@Karl-Benny]

I agree the lever is something we use without thinking the buttons have to look for don`t like them

[@phillyphan6117]

Did you mention the cost of tires for the vehicle weight and use? No. Question: What's the ratio miles, wear to replacment? This is another aspect that should be explored.

[@rogerstarkey5390]

While there, discuss the superior traction control which reduces tyre wear....? (Watch a Plaid launching minus wheelspin)

[@Shiftheads]

I mean michelin gives a 40k warranty so they will prorate whatever you don't make it to 🤷‍♂️

[@logicalChimp]

Bear in mind that the Model S isn't that much heavier than the BMW 7-series (the closest ICE equivalent, I think) - meaning that tyre costs (for weight and speed rating) are about the same... as for wear-rates - that's determined by driving style, regardless of powertrain

[@djshotty]

For a car that's supposed to drive by itself (ie. 'hands-free') you'd think it would also have voice activation for traffic signals, wipers, entertainment unit etc.

[@ytsedome]

I can listen your "lecturing" all day long, starting from 6:33 next couple of minutes is on my forever repeat in my mind and heart

[@huwdavies6650]

Getting rid of the stalks and moving that functionality to buttons on the steering wheel is kind of resolving a problem that doesn't exist.

[@johnsmith-cw3wo]

like boring a tunnel for your car to move less than a mile ?

[@logicalChimp]

It's resolving a problem people don't really care about - production cost & complexity. Unfortunately, Tesla seem to focus more on reducing production cost & complexity than they do on driver efficiency and operational safety :(

[@joelroth3651]

I'm a huge Tesla fan. Please bring back the levers!