We had delayed our normal trip to Michigan in search of Fall colors, pumpkins, apples, and other good food for as long as we could. Home renovations had preoccupied our time in September and early October. The rain at home during the past weekend raised concerns that we will have missed the Fall color spectacular.
But we were pleasantly mistaken. The colors were some of the best that we have ever seen. The day trip to Southwestern Michigan was great. Here are some of the pictures taken en route. The vehicle of choice for this trip was our Model 3.
Pumpkins on fence posts near grape vines.
Michigan grape vines and colored trees
Pumpkins at P&M Pumpkins, on Rockey Weed Rd, Berrien Spring
Part of the benefit of owning a Tesla is the periodic software updates that are pushed to your vehicle from Tesla. This over-the-air update is a perfect way to correct bugs, update features, and introduce new functions to the car. Every update is improving the vehicle, or has the capability of making it a better car than when you took initial ownership of it.
Yesterday, I received the version 10 software for the Model 3, which was identified as being a significant update. Version 10 includes:
- a new game (Cuphead)
- Smart Summon (a beta program), allowing you to remotely move your vehicle
- Tesla Theater, including Netflix, YouTube, Hulu and Tesla videos
- Spotify access
- Caraoke -just what you'd think
- Driving Visualization
- Automatic Lane Change
- Feeling Lucky or Hungry
- Maps Improvements
- Mobile App
- Dashcam Improvements
- Sentry Mode Improvements
- Software Update Improvements
- Bluetooth Media Improvements
- Application Launcher
- Driver Profile
We tried the Tesla Theater and were floored by the HD image and great sound system in the Model 3.
And finally, we tried a very simplified version of Summon. I'll test out Smart Summon on a later blog posting. I had a little help with this Summon.
Throughout our vehicle-owning history, I have always tested the capability of our vehicles. This is oftentimes against the rational nature of my better half. I found myself testing the fuel tank capacity of our past conventional gasoline engine, the weight limit of our small pickup truck bed, and the internal cargo carrying capacity of our sedan. I'm always trying to stretch the envelope. Regrettably, the envelope sometimes breaks.
We saw our first Tesla Model S in the Costco parking lot. The owner was packing every nook and cranny of the inside with groceries he had just purchased. It was amazing how much he could store.
We always had station wagons, mini-vans, or hatchbacks, which permitted ample hauling capacity. When we bought the Tesla Model S, our expectations were that the haul habit would be behind us. Or at least we could borrow the hatchback in a pinch. But old habits tend to creep back upon you.
On Sunday we "had" to trek down to Leider's Nursery to insure that we have the correct flower colors for the front step pots and the rear patio planters. I didn't think that we would be returning with as much plant material as we did. With our understanding of the Model S's capability, it was the right vehicle to take. But I also needed to get several bags of mulch. Would there be enough room?
Well, no. See the picture of the filled Model S just prior to the return trip.
Both of the rear seat were folded down to extend the haul space. Ferns occupied the rear seat space behind the passenger while Geraniums occupied the rear space behind the driver.
Glad to report that the plants, the driver and passenger, and the vehicle made the return trip safely and with no degradation.
But I was not quite done yet. I did not get the mulch.
So, today I proceeded to visit the local Big-Box Home Goods store to buy mulch and a few pieces of wood. The wood was to repair the Cedar deck stairs. It seems that 15 years is pretty much the limit of untreated cedar in Northern Illinois. I knew that I would need to use the front passenger seat, so I took this trip solo.
The shopping trip included:
5 bags of Red Cedar mulch (2 Cu. Feet bag),
2 - 2" by 4"s, 10 feet long cedar dimension lumber, and
9 - 2" by 6"s, 8 feet long cedar dimension lumber
Purchased and ready to be hauled home. Loading the mulch was first, creating a padded base for the wood. Next came the long 10 foot planks. But the 10 foot cedar lumber is the maximum limit of the Model S's interior. Padding was a necessity. The Nine 2" by 6" by 8 foot cedar planks were judiciously placed so as to not chafe the interior and to distribute the weight. Our roads after Winter are still in bad shape, so the ride is rough and tends to bounce. Flying cedar planks was not desired.
And here is the haul picture from today.
Made it. Didn't even have to use the frunk. The Model S is both a performance vehicle and a hauler.
Time to provide some Tesla observations for my friends and family. This blog commentary speaks to two separate issues/features: charge retention and Navigation on AutoPilot.
Charge Retention
We had planned a long January 2019 vacation about two years prior. We knew would be away from home for 17 days. No one would be driving our EVs nor recharging the batteries. An option to leave both vehicles plugged in was overturned, considering the remote possibility of spurious electrical spikes during our absence. There was no sense in taking chances. Better to leave the cars unconnected to any charging system.
I expected some loss of battery energy (vampire drain) or phantom discharge while just sitting in our unheated garage. But with a reasonable charge at the start of our vacation, I’d expect plenty of energy to be retained through our absence. I equate battery energy with calculated or expected mile range, since that is the primary purpose of the battery. On Day 0 of the test, the Model S had 203 miles calculated range and the Model 3 had 263 miles calculated range.
I expected both cars (Model S and Model 3) to behave similarly. Both battery packs are rated at 75 KWh. Different design years, vehicle weight, and different motor styles mean different mile range capability. The charge loss at rest should be similar, so I thought.
The phenomena of phantom loss is known. Vampire circuits and devices pull current from the battery. Every time I logged into the Tesla app, I am “waking up” both cars to interrogate their status. The onboard computers read out basic vehicle parameters: range available in miles (battery charge capacity), internal car temperature, lock status, location, controls, and service scheduling options. Waking up the computers consumes battery capacity. It is also possible that the cars may be attempting to download map updates via WiFi. All activities that may drain battery current.
During our vacation absence, I periodically logged into the Tesla app and extracted the expected mileage range of both cars. The plot of this data is below.
What was surprising was the rate of loss difference between the two vehicles. The Model 3 lost approximately 30% of it's expected range, or 5 miles range per day of dormancy. The Model S lost 16% of its expected range, or only 2 miles range per day of dormancy. What would cause the Model 3 to lose at a faster rate than the Model S? And why is the rate of loss flat on the Model S for the first 8 days and then essentially matching the Model 3 rate after day 8?
Some have speculated that the newness of the Model 3 may have the battery system settling in or calibrating. I'm not sure that I buy this. The Model S has a setting for Energy Saving that I had not activated during our vacation absence (forgot) which has been eliminated on the Model 3. I'll need to do a bit more research into this puzzlement.
Navigate on AutoPilot
Today we took the Model 3 (Erik the Red) on a quick road trip to Milwaukee. We started with a full charge - expected mile range of 306 miles. The temperature was about 45 F. The round trip was 183.8 miles, and the end of trip “calculated full range capability” was 232 miles. Since actual range efficiency is affected by external temperatures, I expect a reduced range at the lower temperatures. The calculated reduction in range was roughly 25% due to the lower temperatures.
A new feature added to the Model 3 several months ago is Navigation on AutoPilot. This feature lets the onboard computer system merge the “navigate to” location with the AutoPilot feature. After selecting the target end destination, the computer paints a blue path to follow when AutoPilot is engaged.
But in addition to the convenient ease of AutoPilot drive “without hands”, the Navigate on AutoPilot feature recommends lane changes based upon the navigation path. The feature recommends an action, requests driver confirmation, and executes if confirmed. The computer system looks at the road, senses vehicles nearby, judges whether a lane change is needed and actually executes the lane change without additional driver involvement. Blue lines on the car/road image on the monitor indicate what is happening on the road. Simple.
On the cars monitor below, the left-hand side of the display shows the red Model 3 with a blue path. The feature is actually indicating that the vehicle should change to the right-hand lane (shown with a grey path shifting to the right). The navigation path was indicating an right off-ramp change in direction. The car will automatically make this lane change after driver confirmation (note the Confirm lane change note below the Model 3 image).
In general, the new feature was quite good. It recommended lane changes at several interchanges, and executed flawlessly. The challenge was with ongoing road construction that caused lane restrictions and narrowing. This always complicates the AutoPilot feature.
It comes down to a confidence in the system. With miles of driving using the AutoPilot feature, I have become quite confident in it's capability. The AutoPilot 2 enriched capability with the Model 3 (more cameas and sensors) makes the AutoPilot performance even more exact. The Navigation extension is natural, given the strong GPS function in the Tesla. Time will provide more driver confidence and vehicle knowledge.
Made the trip to Milwaukee and back without the need to SuperCharge along the route. This is thanks to the longer range capability of the Model 3.
By the way, the Milwaukee Art Museum (MAM) is a wonderful destination. Great architecture housing many interesting and well-known pieces of art. Plan a visit at your earliest convenience!
So, this morning my better half noted that I had forgotten to feature the "Romance" element of the Tesla Easter Egg nest. For the few of you who may not be familiar with the nomenclature that I'm using, here is a brief explanation.
At Tesla, the Easter Egg is any hidden feature or element that can be discovered through search and discovery or simply presented as a gift. Elon Musk has used the over-the-air software updating to insert and hide certain quirky elements. The Tesla software engineers seem to enjoy hiding these personal signatures throughout their software efforts. It's a treasure hunt for many before they are exposed. For example, click on the Auto Pilot selector stalk 4 times in rapid succession and you will change the normal road image to an animated "rainbow road".
The central display is the perfect place to present features. Access to the visible quirky features is gained by touching the Tesla logo at the top of the display. Initially, there is a primary image of car, the VIN, the software update level and mileage is the Easter Egg nest. Slide down this image and the Easter Eggs are displayed.
The image to the right shows the full set of current (always updating) features in my Model 3. You can see from the top left: "More Cow Bells", a Whoopy Cushion, Atari games, Tesla Roadster in outer space, a Reindeer, driving on Mars, and a campfire. Some of the items function while driving, others are only usable while you are parked. I'll not force you through the whole group of eggs, but crack a few for your enjoyment.
So let's open the campfire (Romance) item. Simply touching the icon brings up what is displayed below. In this case you have a crackling and roaring fire in a fireplace. Touch the image again and you hear some romantic mood music. They have actually triggered the heating system to blow warm air out of the vents as well. What could be more romantic?
If you are parked and bored surfing your phone, you might try a few of the Atari (old-school) games. Six games are currently available, with minimized or full screen options.
I checked out Millipede but it's been too long since I played this game.
Pole Position sets you up in a car running a race track. Your steering wheel steers the car and your real brake pedal is the accelerator. What fun!
I thought it fitting that I finish 2018 with a few Tesla activities that we enjoyed and experienced.
Over the last two months we encountered activities with both of our Teslas (Model S and Model 3). We even had a brief encounter with a Model X. This is the tale of the year-end fun.
Model S
Let's start with a late November concert with the CSO (Chicago Symphony Orchestra). En-route to the concert, I placed my parking credit card on the center console of Nikola. As I was entering the below-ground parking garage, the car in front of me abruptly stopped. The parking card slid forward into oblivion. In actual fact, there is a minimal slot on that console that allows errant credit cards to be swallowed up if they slide forward on the console top. And there is no easy way to collect the wayward card. Buy a new replacement card or have Tesla recover it by removing the console. Our next concert was in February, so we had plenty of time to decide.
In December, our Model S was about 2.5 years old and had nearly 20,000 miles. It was due for the second year maintenance. Let's have them perform the maintenance and retrieve the card. Easy!
As a notation, maintenance is pretty minimal. The second year (25K miles) effort involves replacing the A/C desiccant bag, brake fluid, the cabin air filter, wiper blades, and the key fob battery. Tires are rotated and aligned as necessary, and a "multi-point" inspection is performed.
We requested a Tesla loaner during the work effort. Our service appointment was scheduled for the Friday before Christmas - December 21 at 1:30 PM. I didn't really know how log it would take. But with a loaner, I really did not care.
We were able to obtain a 2018 Model X loaner which turned out to be good. With the holiday schedule (not to mention Tesla Service where we go is not open on Saturday!), we finally were able to pick up our car on Wednesday following Christmas. They extracted the card and completed all work.
But we were able to entertain our in-laws (and ourselves) with the Model X Christmas "Easter Egg". While I personally did not video the present, I am attaching a YouTube video of the event. It is even more impressive in person!
It should be noted that Elon Musk of Tesla has coordinated multiple "Easter Eggs" for the cars. I'd be happy to preview these with you in person, if you want a look.
In passing as we picked up our Model S, I mentioned to the Service Manager that I seemed to be having an issue with my HomeLink. This is the feature that automatically opens (or closes) your garage door as you approach (or leave) your driveway.
She offered to have Tesla Mobile Service contact me for a home appointment. Tesla now offers free service at your home on some repairs or maintenance -no need to bring your car in for service. They will arrange for work on your Tesla at home, work, or your designated location! Telsa called me the following day and we arranged a home visit on New Year's Eve afternoon.
Tesla Mobile Service came close to the appointed time. A few checks and adjustment corrected the issue and all is good. I explored what level of work they could do and it can be quite extensive. Their vehicle is loaded with tools and equipment. They may also be able to switch out wheels (something to explore below). A very nice capability as they are growing and stressing their resident Service operations.
Model 3
We had been enjoying Erik the Red (our Model 3) since we picked it up in late August of this year. There were many enjoyable drives around town and one longer trip into Wisconsin. I vaguely remember the Tesla Sales Assistant's comment about possibly needing winter tires for Erik, but when it is 85 degrees F, who would really do something about it then? Regrettably, I did nothing about it until Halloween (I've been told that this is the trigger date when you change over onto your winter wheels). After some investigation into the cold weather impact on summer tire rubber, I realized that I better act on a set of winter tires. My Service contact at the local Tesla offices provided options and background information.
Let it be known that I have not had the need to deal with winter "snow" tires in over 2 decades. Our all-weather tires were usable around the calendar. But the the performance summer tires necessitated a change of action.
The Tesla winter wheel-and-tire package was ordered in mid-November. There was no projected delivery date... So Erik sat in the garage bay as the temperatures bounced below 32 degrees F. Michelin warns that driving on these tires below 40 degrees F. is undesirable and not to drive at all below 28 degrees F.
After multiple inquiries with On-Line ordering operations at Tesla and my local Service Assistant, the wheels and tire finally arrived on December 27. Tesla service would mount the tires and install the pressure sensors and have them ready by New Year's Eve. I could have them mounted on that afternoon.
On December 31, 2018, the weather was 40 F. and rainy - shouldn't be a problem for the Summer tires. After the Mobile Service van had arrived and started work on the Model S, I headed over to Tesla Service with Erik. I met up with my Service contact, and then enjoyed a cup of coffee and a conversation with another Tesla owner who was awaiting his new 2018 Model S lease while I waited. About 30 minutes passed. I learned that Tesla was staying open until midnight, since this was the last day of the quarter. Every bit of revenue is important!
Service mounted the winter wheels and tires, wrapped the summer tires and placed them in Erik's interior (plenty of room between the trunk and the flipped down back seats).
In addition, Service were also able to attach the long-awaited Performance badge. Model 3's exterior badge is non-existent. The Performance Model 3 does have a Dual Motor badge at the rear. The Performance Plus Model 3 has a subtle line under the Dual Motor badge.
All packed up. Now Erik is ready for winter. And I was ready for a wonderful New Year's Eve dinner!
We usually take a trip to Southwestern Michigan in the Fall. The leaves have changed to their bright reds, orange and yellows, and the apples are ripe and aplenty. We are always on a search for the farm-stand pumpkin patch for a perfect carving pumpkin for Halloween.
Thursday, October 18 seemed perfect. The weather was crisp cool and sunny. A great chance to test Erik the Red's new software update (version 9) and to see how he behaves on the highways and back roads.
Charge to full the night prior of the drive meant waking up in the morning to 310 miles of range. We were packed with coolers and anticipation by 8 AM. I wanted to try the several new aspects of the software update that came over the air last week. Among the changes are: 1) full 360 degree ghost images of vehicles around you, 2) blind-spot warning, 3) a new dash cam option using the front camera, and 4) a bunch of layout modifications on the central monitor. One of the benefits of the Tesla is the continuing upgrade capability of the vehicle - my car today is better and has more features than the day that I bought it. And tomorrow will probably be better than today.
I often drive with Auto-Pilot engaged. It requires confidence in the system, but makes driving very comfortable. You need to maintain control and awareness of the whole environment, but it does reduce drive stress. The drive did prove out the new vehicle awareness feature.
We snapped a photo of the monitor showing how many vehicles are monitored as we drove the interstate. In this view of our "Erik the Red" is colored, while the surrounding vehicles are ghost grey. Ten vehicle types and positions are shown, all being networked around my car. Speed and position being tracked in real time. Pretty amazing.
We flew down the highway. Note the posted speed limit of this portion of the tollway. I kept up with traffic, but there was always the speed demon who needed to zoom past with abandon.
Michigan's speed limit is 70 mph. This of course means actual speed is about 75 to 85 mph. The Auto-Pilot behaved well 99% of the time. There were two occurrences where a temporary (and momentary) speed reduction occurred. I'm researching this with the Tesla Forum - Tesla owners who discuss almost everything Tesla. More later when I learn more.
The day was great! Our normal stops were made. New places were visited and we did find a wonderful pumpkin farm stand. But our first pumpkin farm stand proved a challenge. But not the pumpkin prices.
A wagon full of oddly shaped giant pumpkins was just off the road after our apple stop. It looked likely... until we got up close to the pumpkins. The smallest pumpkin might have fit in the rear trunk, but hefting it into the car was not something I wished to do - 50 to 100 pounds. While this would have been fun, we passed on this farm stand.
After a brief visit to Stover's for a "got to have" dried gourd, we were navigating to a Public House for refreshments. As we sped past a sign for pumpkins, Beverly urged me to turn around and check it out. A farm stand just off the country road on Rocky Weed Road (quaint).
A farm stand is an understatement though. An enormous pumpkin patch with great prices on Rocky Weed Road in Berrien Springs was discovered - clearly a keeper.
We found our favorites and of course some small pumpkins for the kids and grand-children. The quality was amazing and price and service truly great!
Then, onward to Baroda Michigan. For those of you who like curiosities, Baroda Michigan is named after a city in India, I understand the name of the city in India has been changed to a more India-appropriate name, though.
We did find the Public House in Baroda, Michigan. This is another off-spring of the Round Barn group of establishments. Since we have been visiting Michigan over the last 35 years, the Round Barn Winery has become an expansive endeavor. The winery, distillery. brewery, multiple tasting rooms and now, a restaurant are part of their offering.
Recommended for service, drink and food. This will be another keeper.
A charge was needed now. We have been to the St. Joseph Super Charger previously. But this time (about 4 pm on Thursday afternoon) we drove in to an empty Super Charger. We had the pick of the spaces. We backed into 4A and started charging. With no other Teslas, charge rates were quite good. We stayed about 35 minutes.
A back Model 3 (rear motor version) and an older Model S arrived just as we were leaving.
After a visit and walk to the St. Joseph Light House pier, we started our return trip. Except for the proverbial visit to Oink's Ice Cream stand in Bridgemen - a necessity. Single scoops in a dish were the order!
Now the dash cam feature.
Back, safely at home, I removed the flash drive from the Model 3 and plugged it into the home computer. I wanted to see what quality the dash cam provided. This feature may prove to be a very promising alternative to a stand-alone dash camera. All you need is a properly set up flash drive plugged into one of the two front USB ports. Once inserted, it initializes a dash cam button on the monitor. The system records continuously one hour of front view video capture. Just hit the button and it will download to the flash drive the last ten minutes of the continuous video load.
Newer software updates record Front, Left, Right, and now Rear cameras. Pictures below are front, left and right images on a recent drive.
The quality seems fine. Something to keep active and use as necessary.
