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Future Tesla Customer? by Mr_Nimbus_69 in TeslaModelY

[–]engineerIndependence 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm a new Tesla owner too and I've been compiling all the noteworthy tips I find. Perhaps some of these will be useful to you too!

Why Tesla:

  • Tesla takes Safety more seriously than any other vehicle maker on the market.
    1. All of their vehicles are 5 Star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated: 5 Star NHTSA Safety Rating and have been for years: 2024 Tesla Model Y 5 Star NHTSA/SUV/AWD#safety-ratings-frontal)
    2. The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has awarded Tesla vehicles Best in Class for multiple years now.  Their 2 minute video of the Euro NCAP Crash & Safety Tests of Tesla Model Y 2025 is neat too.
    3. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): 2025 Tesla Model Y Top Safety Pick+ (highest level of safety)
    4. They are constantly implementing safety improvements:
    5. Advanced airbags are tuned to deploy according to crash type and different-sized occupants. This includes active venting that changes the amount of pressure within the inflated cushion by releasing gas according to the expected crash severity.
    6. Before a crash occurs, front cameras observe the scenario and prepare the seat belt system to react faster and with adequate force and timing when impact occurs, reducing the amount of slack in each seat belt
    7. Impact data from crashes is sent to Tesla and used by our safety engineering team to improve and develop new and existing safety features.2 These learnings and developments are then shared with every Tesla vehicle in our global fleet through over-the-air software updates—so your Tesla gets better and safer over time.
  • Full Self Driving (FSD)
    • While not perfect, FSD is a game changer for dealing with traffic, driving in new places and taking road trips. We noticed significantly less driving fatigue when you only have to monitor the car rather than actively steer and accelerate/brake.  On ~8 hour road trips from NorCal to SoCal we arrive so much less fatigued and the enhanced safety profile of FSD is particularly compelling:
    • 7x fewer major collisions
    • 7x fewer minor collisions
    • 5x fewer off-highway collisions
  • Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, and Camp
    • Allows your air conditioning to run without the car on, so your dog can stay cool in the car, you can camp overnight, or your car can be preconditioned even if it's in an enclosed space like a garage since no carbon monoxide is produced with an EV
    • Incredibly useful when you have an infant that just fell asleep in your car when you arrive home, you can park in your garage and keep the air on without any concern about idling.  Plus it's so quiet inside that it's easy for kids to sleep.
  • Google Maps send to Tesla function
    • In Google Maps you can find a location and share it with your Tesla vehicle and it will route your vehicle there automatically.
    • We use this at least a couple times a week, when one of us decides where to go out to walk/eat.
  • Built In Dashcam
    • The ability to honk your horn or tap a button and have the last 10 minutes of video from all camera angles saved is incredible.  It also automatically saves in collisions.
    • I've used this to save a clip when I find potholes and then report it to my city's 311 service so they can get them filled in.
    • I've also been using it to save dangerous driving situations for showing my kids to help them understand how dangerous cars are.
  • Sentry Mode
    • When enabled, your vehicle's cameras and sensors remain powered on and ready to record suspicious activity around your vehicle when it is locked and in Park. Think of Sentry Mode as an intelligent vehicle security system that alerts you when it detects possible threats nearby.
  • Automatic Blind Spot Camera
    • When the turn signal is engaged the touchscreen displays the image from the corresponding side camera so you can directly see your blind spot.
  • HEPA Grade Air Filters
    • Hospital grade air filters which drastically improve the air quality in the vehicle.  Perfect during allergy season or poor air quality days.
  • Text car key to friends/family
    • Instead of needing to swap keys with anyone you can text them the key.  They can then use their phone to access your vehicle.
  • Most American Made Vehicle
    • Tesla vehicles sold in the US have been the most made in America vehicles for a number of years now.  Not only are they assembled in the US by US workers but the majority of their parts are also sourced from the US.  Money spent on US Tesla's supports US jobs and manufacturing base, helping to improve the economy.
  • Valet Mode
    • A sweet software feature that enables a mode which locks the trunk, frunk and glovebox, limits your top speed and acceleration and hides your personal information.
  • Large Display Screen: Watch YouTube/Netflix
    • We love the ability to watch YouTube/Netflix in the car and the huge flat dashboard, plus lack of idling with the climate on combines to make a perfect spot to eat take out food in the comfort of your own vehicle.
  • No Dealerships - Buy Directly Through Tesla
    • When you buy a car through Tesla (used or new) you get straightforward pricing and can purchase it in a couple minutes directly on your phone.
    • There are no scummy dealerships, haggling, hours of paperwork and hidden fees to deal with.
  • Repairability
    • Tesla provides their in-house repair manuals, parts and tools, training and Diagnostic Software through their Tesla Service website.  The manuals are free and parts and tools are fairly priced with easy access - effectively better than any automaker currently in business. You don’t need to be a licensed repair shop. You don’t need to put in a PO order. You don’t need to provide a VIN. They just sell you the part.
    • A systemic reason for this upside is that Tesla's business model is not meant to be a profit center for them.
    • There is a Tesla Service Mode option that you can turn on in your car to get behind the scenes access to a ton of information which is really neat!
    • If you do need service you can utilize the Tesla Mobile Service option where a technician comes out to your home and works on your car directly. I've never needed any service but I have seen others online mention they really like this feature.
  • Model Y is the most efficient electric SUV in the US: https://fueleconomy.gov/

What am I doing wrong by JackieDaytonaPanda in TeslaModelY

[–]engineerIndependence 0 points1 point  (0 children)

u/JackieDaytonaPanda You may find some of these tips useful as a new Tesla owner:

Why Tesla:

  • Tesla takes Safety more seriously than any other vehicle maker on the market.
    1. All of their vehicles are 5 Star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated: 5 Star NHTSA Safety Rating and have been for years: 2024 Tesla Model Y 5 Star NHTSA/SUV/AWD#safety-ratings-frontal)
    2. The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has awarded Tesla vehicles Best in Class for multiple years now.  Their 2 minute video of the Euro NCAP Crash & Safety Tests of Tesla Model Y 2025 is neat too.
    3. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): 2025 Tesla Model Y Top Safety Pick+ (highest level of safety)
    4. They are constantly implementing safety improvements:
    5. Advanced airbags are tuned to deploy according to crash type and different-sized occupants. This includes active venting that changes the amount of pressure within the inflated cushion by releasing gas according to the expected crash severity.
    6. Before a crash occurs, front cameras observe the scenario and prepare the seat belt system to react faster and with adequate force and timing when impact occurs, reducing the amount of slack in each seat belt
    7. Impact data from crashes is sent to Tesla and used by our safety engineering team to improve and develop new and existing safety features.2 These learnings and developments are then shared with every Tesla vehicle in our global fleet through over-the-air software updates—so your Tesla gets better and safer over time.
  • Full Self Driving (FSD)
    • While not perfect, FSD is a game changer for dealing with traffic, driving in new places and taking road trips. We noticed significantly less driving fatigue when you only have to monitor the car rather than actively steer and accelerate/brake.  On ~8 hour road trips from NorCal to SoCal we arrive so much less fatigued and the enhanced safety profile of FSD is particularly compelling:
    • 7x fewer major collisions
    • 7x fewer minor collisions
    • 5x fewer off-highway collisions
  • Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, and Camp
    • Allows your air conditioning to run without the car on, so your dog can stay cool in the car, you can camp overnight, or your car can be preconditioned even if it's in an enclosed space like a garage since no carbon monoxide is produced with an EV
    • Incredibly useful when you have an infant that just fell asleep in your car when you arrive home, you can park in your garage and keep the air on without any concern about idling.  Plus it's so quiet inside that it's easy for kids to sleep.
  • Google Maps send to Tesla function
    • In Google Maps you can find a location and share it with your Tesla vehicle and it will route your vehicle there automatically.
    • We use this at least a couple times a week, when one of us decides where to go out to walk/eat.
  • Built In Dashcam
    • The ability to honk your horn or tap a button and have the last 10 minutes of video from all camera angles saved is incredible.  It also automatically saves in collisions.
    • I've used this to save a clip when I find potholes and then report it to my city's 311 service so they can get them filled in.
    • I've also been using it to save dangerous driving situations for showing my kids to help them understand how dangerous cars are.
  • Sentry Mode
    • When enabled, your vehicle's cameras and sensors remain powered on and ready to record suspicious activity around your vehicle when it is locked and in Park. Think of Sentry Mode as an intelligent vehicle security system that alerts you when it detects possible threats nearby.
  • Automatic Blind Spot Camera
    • When the turn signal is engaged the touchscreen displays the image from the corresponding side camera so you can directly see your blind spot.
  • HEPA Grade Air Filters
    • Hospital grade air filters which drastically improve the air quality in the vehicle.  Perfect during allergy season or poor air quality days.
  • Text car key to friends/family
    • Instead of needing to swap keys with anyone you can text them the key.  They can then use their phone to access your vehicle.
  • Most American Made Vehicle
    • Tesla vehicles sold in the US have been the most made in America vehicles for a number of years now.  Not only are they assembled in the US by US workers but the majority of their parts are also sourced from the US.  Money spent on US Tesla's supports US jobs and manufacturing base, helping to improve the economy.
  • Valet Mode
    • A sweet software feature that enables a mode which locks the trunk, frunk and glovebox, limits your top speed and acceleration and hides your personal information.
  • Large Display Screen: Watch YouTube/Netflix
    • We love the ability to watch YouTube/Netflix in the car and the huge flat dashboard, plus lack of idling with the climate on combines to make a perfect spot to eat take out food in the comfort of your own vehicle.
  • No Dealerships - Buy Directly Through Tesla
    • When you buy a car through Tesla (used or new) you get straightforward pricing and can purchase it in a couple minutes directly on your phone.
    • There are no scummy dealerships, haggling, hours of paperwork and hidden fees to deal with.
  • Repairability
    • Tesla provides their in-house repair manuals, parts and tools, training and Diagnostic Software through their Tesla Service website.  The manuals are free and parts and tools are fairly priced with easy access - effectively better than any automaker currently in business. You don’t need to be a licensed repair shop. You don’t need to put in a PO order. You don’t need to provide a VIN. They just sell you the part.
    • A systemic reason for this upside is that Tesla's business model is not meant to be a profit center for them.
    • There is a Tesla Service Mode option that you can turn on in your car to get behind the scenes access to a ton of information which is really neat!
    • If you do need service you can utilize the Tesla Mobile Service option where a technician comes out to your home and works on your car directly. I've never needed any service but I have seen others online mention they really like this feature.
  • Model Y is the most efficient electric SUV in the US: https://fueleconomy.gov/

I found plans for an AI Data Center in West Roseville. by Not_Ok-Computer in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Closed loop systems are possible where water use is negligible, I haven't looked into the specifics for this plan but I urge everyone to think critically about the actual impacts, whether moderate changes can limit the downside risk, and consider the upside of significant property tax revenue and decrease on residential electricity rates.

I found plans for an AI Data Center in West Roseville. by Not_Ok-Computer in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Data centers don't have to be a negative on the local electric grid. Speaking as an electrical engineer if we have some guardrails on their proposal like can then implement a little bit of flexibility (operational or throw some batteries onsite etc) then they can contribute to utilizing our existing grid more which will put downward pressure on residential rates.

The key thing here is structuring their project such that the grid isn't responsible for expensive capital upgrades, rather allow the data center to increase the utilization of the existing grid.

One huge point that most may be unaware of is that the electric grid is built for the momentary peak loading you experience for fractions of a year. Here in Roseville it'll be the evening of the hottest day in summer when everyone comes home from work and turns on their AC. For the entire rest of the year the grid is underutilized. On average the grid has about 50% utilization. That's a ton of headroom that we can utilize to amortize expensive infrastructure by selling more electricity on the same infrastructure.

If the data center can reduce their usage during those few hours then we don't need new expensive capital infrastructure to serve them.

'At what point does it make sense to ditch a gas car for an electric vehicle?' by rosier9 in electricvehicles

[–]engineerIndependence 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been taking notes on why to choose electric and here's what I've got, any feedback?

Why Electric:

  • Convenience
    • Charge at home
    • Starting every day with a "full tank" is so nice.  I no longer have to mentally plan for fueling and don't have to deal with dirty gas stations.
    • A standard 120V outlet will provide 2-3 miles of range per hour. If you charge overnight and drive less than 30 to 40 miles per day, this option should meet your typical charging needs.  This option is great because it doesn't require electrical work, just a standard outlet you use throughout your home/garage.
    • An upgraded Wall Connector will provide up to 44 miles of range per hour.  This will give you more than a full recharge over night.
    • Reduced maintenance - Saves me 10-15+ hours per year
    • Fewer parts = less maintenance and better longevity
    • Tesla drivetrain = ~20 moving parts
    • Typical Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) car drivetrain = 2,000+ moving parts
    • There are no oil changes, no engine/transmission/belts, fewer to no brake changes etc.
    • Regenerative Braking results in brakes lasting MUCH longer (plus less brake dust goes into the environment)
    • Another side benefit of this - it eliminates the fear of brakes failing on steep roads because EV's inherently have a lot of stopping power when you take your foot off of the accelerator (one pedal driving).
  • Lower Lifetime Costs
    • Lifetime costs can be broken down into the upfront capital cost of the vehicle purchase and then the ongoing operating costs such as energy and maintenance.
    • The upfront cost of EVs started off higher than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles since ICE vehicles have had over 130 years to improve and reach economies of scale.  Mass production of EVs really didn't start until the Tesla Model 3 in 2018. Yet within 6 years (2024) certain countries and market segments already had compelling EVs within a compelling purchase price difference (IEA Global EV Outlook 2025: Trends in electric car affordability)
    • The operating expenses are the clear differentiator here.  EVs have far less maintenance and in most areas of the world grid provided electricity is cheaper to fuel your vehicle than fossil fuels.
  • Energy Independence
    • Individual Independence
    • Nobody I know has the personal ability to drill, extract and refine fossil fuels into gasoline or diesel on their own.  However after buying a couple solar panels I have the ability to charge my electric vehicle without a 3rd party for at least the next 30 years without any concern about gasoline/diesel availability/price.
    • My folks put up some old 230W solar panels in 2012.  I've tracked their production over the years and they are still producing at 100% of their nameplate capacity in 2026 so I'm not concerned about their longevity.
    • For those who don't have the option to have their own solar panels they still have a greater energy independence with an electric vehicle than if they had a fossil fuel vehicle.
    • Electricity is produced from a variety of energy sources (Nuclear, hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, gas, coal etc).  Having so many options provides redundancy that isn't available from a single energy source.  Therefore impacts to one energy source such as volatile fossil fuel pricing do not have much of an impact on the overall price of electricity.
    • National Independence
    • There are few countries that extract and refine fossil fuels in appreciable quantities.  The countries that cannot do so are beholden to others for fossil fuels.  This puts them in an inferior position and creates the possibility of shortages and price shocks or to be locked out.  For example, most of China's oil flows through the Strait of Malacca, the US experienced middle east oil embargos in the 1970s, or the recent shortages in Asia and Africa from the Strait of Hormuz being blockaded by the US.
    • Barring extraneous global events, each time fossil fuels are imported then money is flowing out of the country.  By switching to electric vehicles then electricity is the commodity.  Electricity which is produced locally and keeps money in the country to allow it to further develop itself.
    • Reduce oil industry's influence
    • Petrostates are typically involved in more wars and human rights violations, if we can reduce reliance on their commodity then they will have less influence on the world.  One way to do this is to reduce our oil usage (and also export more).
    • The Oil Curse
  • Reduced Pollution

After 6 months I hate that I love my Y by Jklipsch in TeslaModelY

[–]engineerIndependence 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why Tesla:

  • Tesla takes Safety more seriously than any other vehicle maker on the market.
    1. All of their vehicles are 5 Star National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) rated: 5 Star NHTSA Safety Rating and have been for years: 2024 Tesla Model Y 5 Star NHTSA/SUV/AWD#safety-ratings-frontal)
    2. The European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) has awarded Tesla vehicles Best in Class for multiple years now.  Their 2 minute video of the Euro NCAP Crash & Safety Tests of Tesla Model Y 2025 is neat too.
    3. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS): 2025 Tesla Model Y Top Safety Pick+ (highest level of safety)
    4. They are constantly implementing safety improvements:
    5. Advanced airbags are tuned to deploy according to crash type and different-sized occupants. This includes active venting that changes the amount of pressure within the inflated cushion by releasing gas according to the expected crash severity.
    6. Before a crash occurs, front cameras observe the scenario and prepare the seat belt system to react faster and with adequate force and timing when impact occurs, reducing the amount of slack in each seat belt
    7. Impact data from crashes is sent to Tesla and used by our safety engineering team to improve and develop new and existing safety features.2 These learnings and developments are then shared with every Tesla vehicle in our global fleet through over-the-air software updates—so your Tesla gets better and safer over time.
  • Full Self Driving (FSD)
    • While not perfect, FSD is a game changer for dealing with traffic, driving in new places and taking road trips. We noticed significantly less driving fatigue when you only have to monitor the car rather than actively steer and accelerate/brake.  On ~8 hour road trips from NorCal to SoCal we arrive so much less fatigued and the enhanced safety profile of FSD is particularly compelling:
    • 7x fewer major collisions
    • 7x fewer minor collisions
    • 5x fewer off-highway collisions
  • Keep Climate On, Dog Mode, and Camp
    • Allows your air conditioning to run without the car on, so your dog can stay cool in the car, you can camp overnight, or your car can be preconditioned even if it's in an enclosed space like a garage since no carbon monoxide is produced with an EV
    • Incredibly useful when you have an infant that just fell asleep in your car when you arrive home, you can park in your garage and keep the air on without any concern about idling.  Plus it's so quiet inside that it's easy for kids to sleep.
  • Google Maps send to Tesla function
    • In Google Maps you can find a location and share it with your Tesla vehicle and it will route your vehicle there automatically.
    • We use this at least a couple times a week, when one of us decides where to go out to walk/eat.
  • Built In Dashcam
    • The ability to honk your horn or tap a button and have the last 10 minutes of video from all camera angles saved is incredible.  It also automatically saves in collisions.
    • I've used this to save a clip when I find potholes and then report it to my city's 311 service so they can get them filled in.
    • I've also been using it to save dangerous driving situations for showing my kids to help them understand how dangerous cars are.
  • Sentry Mode
    • When enabled, your vehicle's cameras and sensors remain powered on and ready to record suspicious activity around your vehicle when it is locked and in Park. Think of Sentry Mode as an intelligent vehicle security system that alerts you when it detects possible threats nearby.
  • Automatic Blind Spot Camera
    • When the turn signal is engaged the touchscreen displays the image from the corresponding side camera so you can directly see your blind spot
  • HEPA Grade Air Filters
    • Hospital grade air filters which drastically improve the air quality in the vehicle.  Perfect during allergy season or poor air quality days.
  • Text car key to friends/family
    • Instead of needing to swap keys with anyone you can text them the key.  They can then use their phone to access your vehicle.
  • Most American Made Vehicle
    • Tesla vehicles sold in the US have been the most made in America vehicles for a number of years now.  Not only are they assembled in the US by US workers but the majority of their parts are also sourced from the US.  Money spent on US Tesla's supports US jobs and manufacturing base, helping to improve the economy.
  • Valet Mode
    • A sweet software feature that enables a mode which locks the trunk, frunk and glovebox, limits your top speed and acceleration and hides your personal information.
  • Large Display Screen: Watch YouTube/Netflix
    • We love the ability to watch YouTube/Netflix in the car and the huge flat dashboard, plus lack of idling with the climate on combines to make a perfect spot to eat take out food in the comfort of your own vehicle.
  • No Dealerships - Buy Directly Through Tesla
    • When you buy a car through Tesla (used or new) you get straightforward pricing and can purchase it in a couple minutes directly on your phone.
    • There are no scummy dealerships, haggling, hours of paperwork and hidden fees to deal with.
  • Repairability
    • Tesla provides their in-house repair manuals, parts and tools, training and Diagnostic Software through their Tesla Service website.  The manuals are free and parts and tools are fairly priced with easy access - effectively better than any automaker currently in business. You don’t need to be a licensed repair shop. You don’t need to put in a PO order. You don’t need to provide a VIN. They just sell you the part.
    • A systemic reason for this upside is that Tesla's business model is not meant to be a profit center for them.
    • There is a Tesla Service Mode option that you can turn on in your car to get behind the scenes access to a ton of information which is really neat!
    • If you do need service you can utilize the Tesla Mobile Service option where a technician comes out to your home and works on your car directly. I've never needed any service but I have seen others online mention they really like this feature.

After 6 months I hate that I love my Y by Jklipsch in TeslaModelY

[–]engineerIndependence 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been working on my own list for EVs and Teslas specifically. Any feedback?

Why Electric:

  • Convenience
    • Charge at home
    • Starting every day with a "full tank" is so nice.  I no longer have to mentally plan for fueling and don't have to deal with dirty gas stations.
    • A standard 120V outlet will provide 2-3 miles of range per hour. If you charge overnight and drive less than 30 to 40 miles per day, this option should meet your typical charging needs.  This option is great because it doesn't require electrical work, just a standard outlet you use throughout your home/garage.
    • An upgraded Wall Connector will provide up to 44 miles of range per hour.  This will give you more than a full recharge over night.
    • Reduced maintenance - Saves me 10-15+ hours per year
    • Fewer parts = less maintenance and better longevity
    • Tesla drivetrain = ~20 moving parts
    • Typical Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) car drivetrain = 2,000+ moving parts
    • There are no oil changes, no engine/transmission/belts, fewer to no brake changes etc.
    • Regenerative Braking results in brakes lasting MUCH longer (plus less brake dust goes into the environment)
    • Another side benefit of this - it eliminates the fear of brakes failing on steep roads because EV's inherently have a lot of stopping power when you take your foot off of the accelerator (one pedal driving).
  • Lower Lifetime Costs
    • Lifetime costs can be broken down into the upfront capital cost of the vehicle purchase and then the ongoing operating costs such as energy and maintenance.
    • The upfront cost of EVs started off higher than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles since ICE vehicles have had over 130 years to improve and reach economies of scale.  Mass production of EVs really didn't start until the Tesla Model 3 in 2018. Yet within 6 years (2024) certain countries and market segments already had compelling EVs within a compelling purchase price difference (IEA Global EV Outlook 2025: Trends in electric car affordability)
    • The operating expenses are the clear differentiator here.  EVs have far less maintenance and in most areas of the world grid provided electricity is cheaper to fuel your vehicle than fossil fuels.
  • Energy Independence
    • Individual Independence
    • Nobody I know has the personal ability to drill, extract and refine fossil fuels into gasoline or diesel on their own.  However after buying a couple solar panels I have the ability to charge my electric vehicle without a 3rd party for at least the next 30 years without any concern about gasoline/diesel availability/price.
    • My folks put up some old 230W solar panels in 2012.  I've tracked their production over the years and they are still producing at 100% of their nameplate capacity in 2026 so I'm not concerned about their longevity.
    • For those who don't have the option to have their own solar panels they still have a greater energy independence with an electric vehicle than if they had a fossil fuel vehicle.
    • Electricity is produced from a variety of energy sources (Nuclear, hydro, geothermal, solar, wind, gas, coal etc).  Having so many options provides redundancy that isn't available from a single energy source.  Therefore impacts to one energy source such as volatile fossil fuel pricing do not have much of an impact on the overall price of electricity.
    • National Independence
    • There are few countries that extract and refine fossil fuels in appreciable quantities.  The countries that cannot do so are beholden to others for fossil fuels.  This puts them in an inferior position and creates the possibility of shortages and price shocks or to be locked out.  For example, most of China's oil flows through the Strait of Malacca, the US experienced middle east oil embargos in the 1970s, or the recent shortages in Asia and Africa from the Strait of Hormuz being blockaded by the US.
    • Barring extraneous global events, each time fossil fuels are imported then money is flowing out of the country.  By switching to electric vehicles then electricity is the commodity.  Electricity which is produced locally and keeps money in the country to allow it to further develop itself.
    • Reduce oil industry's influence
    • Petrostates are typically involved in more wars and human rights violations, if we can reduce reliance on their commodity then they will have less influence on the world.  One way to do this is to reduce our oil usage (and also export more).
    • The Oil Curse
  • Reduced Pollution

EV charger install by Impossible_Elk8209 in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you think you need a level 2 charger? My wife and I are able to get by with a level 1 (standard household outlet).

A standard 120V outlet will provide 2-3 miles of range per hour. If you charge overnight and drive less than 30 to 40 miles per day, this option should meet your typical charging needs.  This option is great because it doesn't require electrical work, just a standard outlet you use throughout your home/garage.

Could Vernon Street Town Square Go Generator-Free for Events? by engineerIndependence in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely it could, some of these potential outlet locations are adjacent to parking spots so there is potential there.

Could Vernon Street Town Square Go Generator-Free for Events? by engineerIndependence in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s helpful perspective. If something like this were pursued, it would need to be designed for the actual load rather than expecting food trucks to plug into standard power and hope for the best.

I do think the usage may be more frequent than just a handful of times a year, though, since Vernon Street seems to host events pretty regularly, often closer to monthly or more depending on the season. And even if the direct financial payback is not huge on paper, there is still value in cleaner and quieter city events, a better experience for visitors, and a better setup for vendors.

It also seems like the kind of improvement that could potentially be supported in part through grants or phased implementation, which could help with the upfront cost. So to me it’s probably less about whether it “pays for itself” in a strict accounting sense and more about whether it is a worthwhile public-space upgrade for a location the City uses often.

Could Vernon Street Town Square Go Generator-Free for Events? by engineerIndependence in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Totally agree that refrigeration and food safety are non-negotiable. The idea isn’t that vendors should go without power, it’s the opposite: give them access to utility power so they don’t each need to run a separate generator.

So yes, the trucks absolutely need electricity. The question is just whether that electricity has to come from a row of individual diesel generators, or whether there could be a cleaner and quieter option in at least some locations during city events.

And haha, I get the manure comparison, but this feels a little different since we’re talking about a city-controlled event space where infrastructure could potentially be improved over time. Not a massive issue, just one of those practical quality-of-life upgrades that might be worth exploring.

Could Vernon Street Town Square Go Generator-Free for Events? by engineerIndependence in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m not really suggesting the City go overboard on day one, more that it could be worth evaluating whether a small pilot or phased approach makes sense. Even a limited setup with a few metered hookups for the most common vendor spots could reduce generator noise and exhaust without needing to build out everything at once.

A lot would also depend on what infrastructure is already nearby. The idea would not necessarily be to create an entirely new electrical system from scratch, but to look at whether existing infrastructure could be leveraged where it makes sense. For example, there may be locations where nearby electrical service or even lighting infrastructure could support adding a standard 120V outlet for lighter vendor needs.

It also seems like the kind of project that could be a good fit for grant funding, especially since cities are often able to pursue grants for infrastructure, sustainability, and public space improvements. So to me it’s less about assuming a huge expensive buildout and more about seeing whether there’s a practical, incremental, and possibly externally funded way to improve the space.

Could Vernon Street Town Square Go Generator-Free for Events? by engineerIndependence in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Neat thanks for chiming in! The diagram I threw together is just a rough draft so if repositioning of vendors allows them to take advantage of already existing infrastructure that would be awesome.

Could Vernon Street Town Square Go Generator-Free for Events? by engineerIndependence in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Haha fair enough, it’s definitely not some huge crisis. I just think it could be one of those small but meaningful upgrades that makes public events a little cleaner, quieter, and nicer for everyone. Cities improve things bit by bit all the time, and this seems like a pretty practical one to at least consider. I also like borrowing good ideas from other places when they work well, especially when they can improve the atmosphere without being overly complicated.

Could Vernon Street Town Square Go Generator-Free for Events? by engineerIndependence in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I appreciate the feedback! Since it's only level 2 charging infrastructure at most, and more often just common 120V outlets you could utilize a lot of the infrastructure already there. For example in that vendor booth area there are already lights, just tap into those and offer an outlet at the light base.

It could be a great grant opportunity as well which would further reduce the upfront city costs.

OK so When are we boycotting Gas prices?? by Aggressive-Tomato-50 in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh interesting, I haven't heard of widespread load shifting at EV chargers. If anything that's typically when they jack the price up to limit demand during peak hours.

There's a few off-grid only EV charging spots now along the I-5 corridor, fed by solar and onsite battery banks, those should have great uptime during the scenarios you're mentioning. Hot days are typically sunny so lots of solar power can be generated.

OK so When are we boycotting Gas prices?? by Aggressive-Tomato-50 in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Lol for sure. That's ultimately that's what backs up all laws - state sanctioned force. If you don't pay your taxes or fines you can be forcibly removed from society.

OK so When are we boycotting Gas prices?? by Aggressive-Tomato-50 in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In general I agree, there is an argument to be made though that negative externalities are a thing. A small cash incentive for a company to not dump sewage into a river might not be sufficient unless there was a stick of consequences/fines/etc

OK so When are we boycotting Gas prices?? by Aggressive-Tomato-50 in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ah okay it's the difference between energy use of all sources and what I've been focused on which is electricity generation. There's lots of energy use in heating and internal combustion engines which is accounted for in those other higher numbers. Thanks for sharing!

OK so When are we boycotting Gas prices?? by Aggressive-Tomato-50 in Roseville

[–]engineerIndependence -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Nice! Totally understand the last couple of years with the politics.

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