Tech trends which will shape our world

[rpm]

5 technology trends which will shape the world

Dion Chang on how technology trends are set to shape the world we live in

 

[Twista]

Good Predictions...

 

[entrepr]

I like those insights. They do seem a bit US/Eurocentric. I am sure we will follow but over a slower and longer trajectory. It would be interesting to think about South Africa's trajectory.

 

[Intell1gence]

How about Electric Cars?
http://www.teslamotors.com/sites/default/files/blog_images/model-s-photo-gallery-12.jpg

The South African born inventor Elon Musk has brought the world an Electric Car that is better than any other car:

• The Safest car ever tested (biggest crumble zone in front due to lack of an engine)
  
• 0-100 in less than 5sec, 210 km/h top speed
  
• 310 kW, 600 N•m three phase electric motor
  http://imgora.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/tesla-model-s-battery-chassis.jpg
  
• 500Km+ range on a single charge.
  
• Half a charge in 20-22minutes.
  
• Best aerodynamics of any car in its class
  http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/non-make/fe/fe_9171228_600.jpg
  
• Retracting door handles for better aerodynamic efficiency.
  http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/tesla/model-s/2013/lt/2013_tesla_model-s_det_lt_220132_600.jpg
  
• Sedan that seats 7 (5 adults and 2 children)
  http://insideevs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tesla-model-s-9.jpg
  http://www.thechargingpoint.com/SiteMedia/images/tesla-model-s-beta-embed-boot.jpg
  
• Largest boot space of any car in its category (due to the lack of gas tank, exhaust system, mufflers, catalytic converter ect.)
  http://image.automobilemag.com/f/44491392+q100+re0/Tesla-Model-S-trunk.jpg
  
• Luggage space in the front of the car large enough to fit a person (frunk - front trunk) due to lack of combustion engine.
  http://www.autoweek.com/galleryimage/CW/20120622/GREEN/622009996/PH/0/11/Tesla-Model-S-Factory.jpg
  
• The Tesla company is expanding its public charging stations (SuperCharging Stations) across north America, Europe and china that enables model s owners to Charge FOR FREE, FOREVER! Thus you never have to pay to travel ever again. Australia, UK, Hong Kong and Japan next.
  http://www.teslamotors.com/tesla_theme/supercharger/images/closeup.jpg
  
• 17inch touch instrument panel
  http://www.teslamotors.com/sites/default/files/blog_images/model-s-photo-gallery-14.jpg

Driving an internal combustion engine car and paying to refuel it, is so yesterday!

 

[Intell1gence]

Or how about the Model X?

http://www.technologicvehicles.com/Content/news/2239/Tesla_Model-X_Detroit2013.jpg

http://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-yDluCeerMSQ/UPSUISH-cUI/AAAAAAALJPE/6_CklA6cqRs/s1600/Tesla-Model-X-6.jpg

http://www.carxmotor.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Tesla-Model-X-Detroit-Motor-Show-2013-2.jpg

http://hanasapu.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/tesla-model-x-detroit-2013-09.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/b13CRgY.jpg

http://thewallpaperszone.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/tesla-model-x-interior-review.jpg

 

[krycor]

Wonder if we will ever have tesla in SA

 

[HavocXphere]

Wonder if we will ever have tesla in SA

Maybe after Medupi...

 

[Intell1gence]

Tesla Motors will come to South Africa if there is enough interest shown and we can show that we want to support electric cars.

If the 'Next Political Party' can show that they rather support residential solar installations (which Tesla includes in the down payment option of the car in Europe) over Fracking the Karoo for an finite resource which will only destroy the underground water supplies of the Karoo; and enable Net Metering Nation Wide (being able to feed back into the grid for a small compensation) – Then these good things will come.

South Africa should invest in sustainable energy generation and consumption.
If most car owners can drive an electric car and generate the electricity to power that car from the solar panels on their roof, just think of how better life will be.

Solar installation options should be available, and included in the price of the down payment of the car - if an owner chooses it - like Tesla is doing in Europe.

If the panels on your roof can power your car and satisfy the power requirements of your house - just think how awesome that would be. We should look at what Norway is doing in this regard. At the current state, Eskom will actually pay you to do this, so not to use their product. They would accept any opportunity to lower the impact on their grid, and if Net Metering is enabled it would actually help them big time.

They should also impose import tax exemptions on electric cars and provide rebates to consumers who buy electric vehicles, to show that they really mean business.
Letting electric cars drive in bus lanes, like in Europe, will also help to encourage the public to make the move to electric.

The fact that Elon Musk is South African, counts in our favour, so there is hope.