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Why Are Tesla Cars So Expensive?

Tesla, Inc. (TSLA), the brainchild of entrepreneur Elon Musk, made waves by challenging the auto industry and producing its own all-electric car. Initially, Tesla’s main competitors remained faithful to the internal combustion engine or introduced models that blended gasoline with batteries by way of hybrid vehicles. But now traditional car companies including Toyota (TM), Ford (F), and General Motors (GM) have all launched or have plans to launch all-electric cars that they hope will rival Tesla’s models. Not all of them will be ultra-luxury rides. Even Tesla has introduced new models that are relatively affordable. Compared to traditional cars or hybrid vehicles, Tesla’s all-electric cars are more expensive; for example, the flagship 2020 Model S sedan has a starting price of $74,990. The demand for Tesla cars is high and the company has not been able to keep up with production, leading to a waitlist of vehicles on backorder. Consumer demand for Tesla’s cars is spurred by modern design, innovative technology, and high performance that makes the cars a “green energy” favorite. In addition to high demand, the other reason for Tesla cars’ high price is the high cost of the electric battery packs that supply the vehicles with power. One reason traditional automakers hesitated to undertake electric vehicle (EV) production was that the costs were so high that the cars would end up being prohibitively expensive. The earliest Tesla cars rolled out at high price points. Tesla still produces its flagship 2020 Model S sedan at a base price of $74,990, while the Model X starts at $79,990. But the 2021 Model 3 starts at under $40,000. Supply and Demand There is clearly a demand for Tesla cars. Every month the company seems to set new sales records. But despite the demand, there is a bottleneck in production, creating a waitlist for backordered vehicles that is growing steadily. Unlike established car companies, Tesla does not have the manufacturing capacity to meet the current demand all at once. Because the demand exceeds the current supply, basic economics suggests that the price would be bid up. Tesla seems to be constrained by production, not demand. The demand is fueled in part by the green energy movement. Because Tesla cars are all-electric, they do not consume greenhouse gas-emitting gasoline and do not directly create carbon dioxide. It remains true, however, that CO2 is a by-product of the electrical generation needed to charge the car’s batteries. Demand is also driven by Tesla’s sleek, modern design and its high-tech driver interface and dashboard that features an impressive all-digital, touch-sensitive display. In addition, Tesla cars are high performance. The Model S can cruise for over 400 miles on a full charge, and recharging is a user-friendly task. The Model S can accelerate from 0-60 miles per hour in as little as 2.3 seconds. Combined with all of this is the fact that electric cars are virtually silent when they drive, a truly desirable feature for many. The Tesla Model X is a more family-friendly SUV that can comfortably fit seven passengers. By expanding its product line, Tesla is sure to increase demand for its cars. The question remains as to whether it can build out enough capacity to produce those vehicles in a short amount of time. To that end, Tesla has completed building phase one of its enormous “Gigafactory” in the Nevada desert, which allows the company to scale up production of both its cars and the battery packs required to power them. About a third of the factory was up and running in early 2021. At about 30% done as of June 2020, Tesla’s Gigafactory houses approximately 5.3 million square feet of operational space over several floors. When completed, Tesla expects its factory to be the biggest building in the world. Battery Technology Is Expensive Batteries to store and use electrical power are the most expensive single component of these cars. One of management’s main goals has been to reduce the battery costs per kilowatt-hour for its cars, and the company has made some significant headway toward that goal. Forbes estimates Tesla’s battery costs have declined from roughly $230 per kilowatt-hour in 2016 to $127 in 2019. Because of the company’s higher volumes, Tesla’s battery costs are about 20% lower than the industry average. A lot of research and development is going into battery technology, and the hope is that in a short time the cost of battery power storage will be able to compete with the cost of gasoline or other fossil fuels. How Tesla and the Electric Vehicle Market Are Changing The electric vehicle market is changing fast, with Tesla among those leading the way. In mid-2020, the average sticker price for an electric vehicle was a hefty $19,000 higher than the average for a gasoline-powered car.1 Small-scale production simply costs more. But the gap is beginning to close. The 2021 Tesla Model 3 starts at $37,900, while the Model S base price is $69,420 and the Model X is $79,900. This reflects Musk’s initial assertion that his company had to start out with a luxury offering in order to get established before ramping up to include (relatively) more affordable models. For the sake of comparison, a gas-powered Mini Cooper starts at about $22,400 while the electric model starts at $29,900. If you qualify for the $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles, it’s pretty much a wash.2 (The federal tax credit of “up to” $7,500 for electric and hybrid vehicles may help some buyers of electric vehicles, but this credit is being phased out model by model as sales increase. Tesla buyers no longer qualify.3 A federal government website lists credits by year, make, and model for electric and hybrid vehicles.) The Bottom Line Tesla cars are expensive, but that hasn’t stopped people from lining up to buy them. One reason the price is so high is that, at the moment, demand is outstripping supply. Expanding production capacity and building new factories is sure to help moderate prices. The other >>Read more
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Preparing for and Responding to Earthquakes: Understanding and Mitigating the Effects

Earthquakes are a natural phenomenon that can occur anywhere on the planet and cause significant damage to infrastructure and communities. They are caused by the sudden movement of tectonic plates that make up the Earth’s crust, which can result in ground shaking, vibrations, and in some cases, even tsunamis. Understanding the science behind earthquakes can help people prepare and respond to these events. Earthquakes occur when energy is released from the Earth’s mantle and transferred to the surface. This energy is released through the movement of tectonic plates, which are large pieces of the Earth’s crust that float on top of the mantle. The movement of these plates can create friction, causing the plates to become locked and build up energy. When the energy is released, it creates seismic waves that travel through the Earth’s surface, resulting in an earthquake. Preparation is key when it comes to earthquakes. People can reduce the impact of earthquakes by making sure their homes and workplaces are earthquake-resistant. This can include securing heavy objects, such as bookcases and televisions, to prevent them from falling during an earthquake. People should also have a disaster preparedness kit that includes essential items like food, water, first-aid supplies, and a flashlight. If an earthquake occurs, it’s important to take action to protect yourself and others. During an earthquake, people should drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy table or desk, and hold on until the shaking stops. If outside, people should move away from buildings, power lines, and other potential hazards. If driving, people should pull over and stop the car, avoiding overpasses and bridges, which can collapse during an earthquake. Earthquakes can have a profound impact on communities, both in terms of the immediate damage and the long-term effects. Response efforts following an earthquake may include search and rescue missions, providing medical care to those who are injured, and providing temporary housing and essential supplies to those who have been affected. In conclusion, earthquakes are a powerful force of nature that can have a significant impact on communities. Understanding the science behind earthquakes and taking steps to prepare can help reduce the impact of these events. If an earthquake occurs, it’s important to take action to protect yourself and others and to work together to recover from the event. The Science Behind Earthquakes: Understanding the Concentration of Tectonic Plate Boundary Zones and Their Impact on Seismic Activity Earthquakes occur more frequently in certain places due to the concentration of tectonic plate boundary zones in those areas. Tectonic plates are large pieces of the Earth’s crust that move and interact with each other, causing earthquakes when their movement releases energy. Plate boundary zones, where two or more tectonic plates come together, are the areas where earthquakes are most likely to occur. These boundary zones can be found along the edges of continents or along the mid-oceanic ridge, where tectonic plates are spreading apart. Some of the most active plate boundary zones in the world include the “Ring of Fire” around the Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean region, and parts of South America and Asia. Additionally, the frequency of earthquakes in a certain area can be influenced by geological factors, such as the type of rock formations present and the amount of stress they are under. The intensity of earthquakes can also be affected by human activities, such as the construction of large dams, underground mining, and the pumping of fluid into the ground. In summary, earthquakes occur more frequently in certain places because of the concentration of tectonic plate boundary zones in those areas, as well as other geological and human factors. Frequent Earthquake zones Let’s take a look at countries prone to earthquakes along plate boundaries. There are several countries that experience earthquakes frequently due to their location along plate boundaries or in areas of high seismic activity. Japan: Located along the “Ring of Fire” in the Pacific Ocean, Japan experiences a high frequency of earthquakes due to its location on the boundary of the Pacific Plate and the North American Plate. Indonesia: Situated on the “Ring of Fire,” Indonesia is also prone to frequent earthquakes and tsunamis due to its location along the boundary of several tectonic plates. Philippines: Similar to Indonesia, the Philippines is located along the “Ring of Fire” and experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location on the boundary of the Pacific Plate and the Philippine Sea Plate. Turkey: Turkey is located on several active fault lines and experiences frequent earthquakes due to the interaction of the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Mexico: Mexico is located along the boundary of the North American Plate and the Pacific Plate, making it prone to earthquakes. Iran: Iran is located in an active seismic zone and experiences frequent earthquakes due to the interaction of the Arabian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. Italy: Italy is located in an area of high seismic activity and experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location on the boundary of the African Plate and the Eurasian Plate. These are just a few examples of countries that experience earthquakes frequently. It’s important to note that earthquakes can occur anywhere in the world, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared and informed about what to do in case of an earthquake. The Most Devastating Earthquakes in History Earthquakes are a reminder of the immense power of Mother Nature, capable of shaking the very foundations of our world and causing widespread destruction in just a matter of seconds. Throughout history, there have been many earthquakes that have left an indelible mark, both in terms of their magnitude and the toll they have taken on human lives and communities. Here are some of the biggest earthquakes in history: 1960 Valdivia earthquake, Chile: This magnitude 9.5 earthquake, which struck Chile on May 22, 1960, remains the largest earthquake ever recorded. It caused widespread damage and resulted in more than 1,000 deaths. 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, Indonesia: This magnitude 9.1 earthquake, >>Read more
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A dog who kept sneaking into a store for a unicorn toy gets a new start

The animal control officer who moved Sisu from the Dollar General store to the shelter bought the stray dog his unicorn toy before bringing the canine in Dogs may be man’s best friend, but apparently, a unicorn — a stuffed purple one at that — is a dog’s best friend. Animal control officers were called to a North Carolina Dollar General store after a stray dog kept coming into the store and beelining for the toy aisle. “He went straight for the unicorn, the same one every time,” says Joe Newburn, a supervisor at Duplin County Animal Services. “It was so strange, one of the strangest calls I’ve ever dealt with,” Newburn adds. Workers at the Kenansville store (about 80 miles from Raleigh, North Carolina, USA) told animal control officers that they caught the Lab mix darting into Dollar General every time a customer exited. Each time the stray dog made it in, he went to grab the same plush purple unicorn toy. “Finally, they had to lock the door and called us,” Newburn tells about how animal control became involved in this playful pooch’s story. Samantha Lane, the officer who responded to the Dollar General store’s call, was so taken with the dog’s devotion to the unicorn that she bought the $10 toy for the dog. According to Newburn, the canine was happy to head off with Lane once he had his beloved stuffed animal. Lane brought the dog to a Duplin County Animal Services shelter, where workers named him Sisu after the dragon cartoon character in Disney’s new film, Raya and the Last Dragon. The only thing we can think is that he came from a home where he had a similar stuffed animal or kids in the home did,” Newburn adds. Shortly after Sisu arrived, the shelter posted a picture of the pup and his unicorn on their Facebook page with a caption that read, “This is what happens when you break into the Dollar General consistently to steal the purple unicorn that you laid claim to but then get animal control called to lock you up for your B & E and larceny but the officer purchases your item for you and brings it in with you.” Sisu is currently considered a stray intake at the shelter because no one has come forward to claim him, but the pooch obviously loves affection. He spends every night curled up with his unicorn at the shelter. “It’s so sweet. It’s amazing. I mean, he’s obviously super smart, and even when we got him to the animal shelter, he’s been very obedient. He sits, shakes. Someone should be looking for him,” Newburn says. “I don’t know of any other reason why he would focus on the unicorn other than he had one at home. If the store had called and said he tore open dog food, that would make more sense but not hunting for a purple unicorn.” Newburn says the shelter has received numerous calls from people interested in giving Sisu — and his beloved unicorn — a forever home. And it looks like it’s time for the pair to pack their bags because, according to a Friday Facebook post from Duplin County Animal Services, Sisu and his stuffed animal have an adopter and will be moving out of the shelter soon. Dollar General spokesperson Crystal Luce tells that Dollar General plans to send a “few extra purple unicorns for the adoptive family,” a thank you gift to animal control officer Lane and a pet food donation to Duplin County Animal Services. “We are glad to see Sisu is happy with his new toy!” Luce added. Source: ExpressDigest.com
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IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

Ukraine informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that a backup power line between the country’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and a nearby thermal power station was deliberately disconnected today in order to extinguish a fire, but the line itself was not damaged. The ZNPP continues to receive the electricity it needs for safety from its sole operating reactor. After the ZNPP’s connection to its last remaining operational 750 kilovolts (kV) line was lost late on Friday, the 330 kV reserve line had been used to deliver electricity from the ZNPP to the grid. Ukraine informed IAEA that this backup line will be reconnected once the fire has been extinguished. One of the ZNPP’s six reactors continues to produce the electricity the plant requires for cooling and other nuclear safety functions. The reactor will be connected to the grid when the 330 kV line is switched on again. Also today, four IAEA experts left the ZNPP as planned after several days of essential nuclear safety, security and safeguards work. Two others are staying to maintain a continuing IAEA presence at the site, enabling the Agency to observe the situation there and provide independent assessments. The six experts arrived at the ZNPP on 1 September as part of a team led by Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi that crossed the frontline to establish the IAEA Support and Assistance Mission to Zaporizhzhya (ISAMZ) at the plant in southern Ukraine. The ZNPP is held by Russian forces since early March, but its Ukrainian staff is continuing to operate the plant. The IAEA experts on the ground have been assessing the physical damage at the ZNPP, determining the functionality of the main and backup nuclear safety and security systems, and evaluating the staff’s working conditions as well as the plant’s current emergency response capacities, among other important activities. Over the past few days, safeguards inspectors have also performed urgent safeguards activities on the site. The plant’s Ukrainian staff told the IAEA experts today that they plan to repair the 750 kV line that went down on Friday but that it would take several days to do so. A secure off-site power supply from the grid and backup power supply systems are essential for ensuring nuclear safety. This requirement is among the seven indispensable nuclear safety and security pillars that the Director General outlined at the beginning of the conflict. Over the past month, there have been numerous shelling incidents at or near the ZNPP, causing damage at the facility and raising widespread concern about the risk of a severe nuclear accident potentially jeopardizing human health and the environment. Shelling at the ZNPP on 1 September damaged an oil tank containing turbine lubrication oil, and there was renewed shelling today. Director General Grossi will on Tuesday issue a report about the nuclear safety, security, and safeguards situation in Ukraine – including the findings from the mission to the ZNPP – and later the same day brief the United Nations Security Council about the mission to the plant. Source: iaea.org
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Advantages and Disadvantages of Trenchless Sewer Repair

Considering the advantages and disadvantages of trenchless sewer repair? You’re in the right place for a comprehensive overview. Let’s dive into a quick introduction to trenchless sewer repair, followed by its merits and demerits. Understanding Trenchless Sewer Repair Emerging in the 1970s in Europe, trenchless sewer repair was initially designed for large-scale municipal and industrial pipe projects. Over the past two decades, technological advancements have enabled its application to smaller-diameter pipes, such as those in residential homes and multi-story buildings. Unlike traditional methods, trenchless repair doesn’t involve uprooting gardens or tearing down walls. Plus, in most scenarios, residents can remain in their homes during the repair. Nevertheless, prior to and post-repair, camera inspections are mandated to ensure the quality of the job. Additionally, obtaining a construction permit is necessary. Let’s delve into the four predominant trenchless sewer repair techniques: Structural Pipe Lining or Cured-In-Place-Pipe Lining (CIPP) Spray Lining and Brush Coating Pipe Bursting Slip Lining Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis of its pros and cons. Benefits of Cured-In-Place-Pipe Lining (CIPP) Cost Efficiency: Opting for CIPP can result in a cost reduction of approximately 30-40% in comparison to conventional repair methods. The savings arise due to reduced labor hours and the absence of extensive excavation. Reduced Disruption: The CIPP technique is minimally invasive, minimizing disruptions to one’s property. Most repairs can be conducted through pre-existing access points like outdoor cleanouts, manholes, or roof vent openings without the need to create new access points. Quick Turnaround: Speed is a notable advantage. The entire CIPP process, spanning cleaning, lining, and reinstatement, usually wraps up within 2-3 days, while traditional methods might extend over weeks. Durability: Once rehabilitated using CIPP, the pipes showcase enhanced longevity. They are not only robust but also resistant to corrosion, boasting a life expectancy of around 50 years. Drawbacks of Cured-In-Place-Pipe Lining (CIPP) Pipe Condition Restrictions: The liner molds to the shape of the original pipe. Therefore, it’s crucial that the existing pipe isn’t collapsed or incorrectly sloped (backpitched). Curing Downtime: The epoxy integral to the CIPP method might necessitate up to a day to fully set. Yet, even with this consideration, CIPP remains speedier than traditional techniques. Pipe Suitability: CIPP isn’t a universal solution. It’s incompatible with Orangeburg (a type of tarpaper) pipes, especially brittle ones. The latter might sustain damage during the hydro-jetting cleaning procedure, which precedes the lining insertion. Spray Lining and Brush Coating Overview Though these trenchless sewer repair techniques share some similarities with CIPP, they differ in their non-structural nature. Instead of employing a felt or fiberglass liner like in CIPP, they involve coating the internal structure of the existing pipe with resins like epoxy, flexible polymers, or other suitable materials. These resins can be sprayed or brushed onto the pipe, achieving the desired outcome either way. (It’s worth noting that various resins cater to different needs. For instance, flexible resins are the go-to for vertical pipes in skyscrapers, as traditional rigid epoxy might fracture due to building movement.) Opting for spray lining or brush coating can effectively counteract corrosion in cast iron pipes and curb sewer gas emanating from compromised joints. Impressively, these methods can be adapted to pipes with diameters as small as 1.5 inches. Pipe Bursting Pipe bursting stands as an alternative trenchless approach to mend compromised sewer pipes. This technique employs an HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe, either of identical size or more significant than the existing one, which is winched into the old pipe. Leading the replacement pipe is a bursting head, which fragments the damaged pipe, making room for the new one to assume its position. Sewer Pros advocates for this method, especially when replacing sewer lateral lines (those connecting your private sewer system to the public main). This recommendation stems from the fact that pipe bursting is not only cost-effective and rapid but also yields a sturdier final product. Moreover, the expense associated with restoring grass or turf post-repair remains relatively low. Pipe Bursting Overview Pipe bursting is a trenchless approach to address damaged sewer pipes. The procedure involves drawing a replacement HDPE (high-density polyethylene) pipe, of the same or larger size, into the old pipe using a winch. A bursting head shatters the old pipe, allowing the new one to occupy its position. Sewer Pros vouches for this method, particularly when addressing sewer lateral lines. This preference is due to its affordability, speed, and the superior durability of the resulting product. Plus, the cost of restoring grass or landscapes post-operation is modest. Advantages of Pipe Bursting: Affordability: It’s cost-effective compared to other trenchless alternatives, and the reduced need for digging translates to savings on restoration. Minimal Disruption: Only two small pits, each measuring 4′ x 4′, are required at the pipe’s ends, reducing the need for extensive excavation. Speed: Less excavation means swifter completion. Durability: The replacement HDPE pipes are robust, boasting a lifespan ranging from 50 to 100 years, with resistance against rust and erosion. Additional Benefits: Capability to install a wider sewer line. Proven long-term solution for damaged pipe replacement. Drawbacks of Pipe Bursting: Pipe Length: Replacement pipes need to be over 15 feet, considering the space needed for two pits. Eligibility: In cases of already collapsed pipes or improperly graded ones, this method isn’t suitable. Slip Lining Overview Originating in the 1940s, slip lining targets larger pipes. The method pulls a narrower HDPE pipe into the existing one, sealing the gap with grout. This can diminish the pipe’s flow capacity. Note that Sewer Pros doesn’t engage in slip lining for pipes between 2” and 12”. Advantages of Slip Lining: Cost-Effective: As a trenchless method, costs related to destruction are minimized. Less Disruption: Compared to traditional methods, less excavation is involved. Speed: Depending on the pipe length, the process is swifter than conventional methods. Durability: The HDPE pipes are resilient, with a life expectancy of 50-100 years. Drawbacks of Slip Lining: Pipe Size: Suited mainly for larger, non-residential pipes due to diameter constraints. Inflexibility: Not suitable for pipes with bends or those significantly >>Read more
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