Major automakers are starting to copy Tesla's manufacturing methods which speed up production and reduce costs.
But is this really in the best interest of buyers and
insurance costs?
Tesla car bodies are made by huge presses that form almost
the entire front or rear structure as one piece of metal.
This replaces up to 60 separate parts in a standard vehicle
which require bolting or welding and extra labour costs. (https://europe.autonews.com/suppliers/giga-presses-help-toyota-volvo-hyundai-cut-production-costs)
But what happens if a Tesla or similarly designed vehicle is
damaged in a collision and this large unibody piece is bent or cracked or
broken?
Standard repair shop methods will not work and the costs of
such repairs -- even if possible -- require unique and super-powerful vices,
etc.
And, surely, insurance companies will not absorb such extra
costs for free.
Soon, we may learn Tesla's and vehicles from other manufacturers using this design will have a higher number of vehicles that are too costly to repair and get sent to recyclers and vehicle crushers.
In fact, according to businessinsider.com, June 5, 2023, this is already happening with Tesla models as their high number of electronics, other complex elements and battery design make repairs too costly for insurers.
Collision damage to the popular Model Y is becoming a major Total Loss issue/headache
for both drivers and insurers.
“A
study by two major salvage companies found that "a vast majority" of
the more than 120 Model Ys that were declared totaled had fewer than 10,000
lifetime miles, Reuters
reported.”
https://www.businessinsider.com/why-tesla-cars-get-totaled-insurance-repair-costs-2023-6
Model 3 battery
A new battery design is being used in the Tesla Model 3 to reduce
production time and costs.
The battery is ONE SINGLE UNIT instead of a number of
smaller units linked together.
In case of even a 'minor' underbody damage or a collision,
that super battery unit -- if at all damaged in any part-- will require TOTAL
REPLACEMENT!
At a cost of well over $16,000 -- including labour --
according to https://www.thedrive.com/tech/38915/it-costs-nearly-16000-to-replace-a-tesla-model-3-battery-pack
- One
Model 3 drove over a large rock and needed this replacement which is NOT
covered by manufacturer's warranty. (Ibid.)
- Another
Model 3 drove over debris on the road and ended up with the same expensive
battery cost. Also not covered by warranty. https://carbuzz.com/news/tesla-wanted-16000-for-this-simple-700-model-3-repair
Expect insurance premiums for Model 3's to jump once insurers see these results.
NB: Tesla Model 3 accelerates very, very fast
according to https://www.google.com/search?q=Tesla+model+3+time+to+100+KM&rlz=1C1RNVE_enCA856CA856&oq=Tesla+model+3+time+to+100+KM&aqs=chrom
0
- 40 kph 1.4
seconds
60 - 100 kph
1.6 seconds
PS:
EPA ratings for electric vehicles (EVs) has come into question by car experts using real life testing.
Their conclusion: many EV mileage ratings are
overstated by 12.5%, while internal combustion vehicles are regularly
underrated by 4.0%.
A huge 16.5% difference in the real world.
(https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a43657072/evs-fall-short-epa-estimates-sae-article/ )
