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Tesla is known for its innovative and powerful electric cars that are both environmentally friendly and comfortable. But what if you need a Tesla vehicle that is not only fast and efficient, but also safe and particularly durable? That's the question that some companies specializing in armoring vehicles have asked themselves. One of them is Alpine armor, which allows its customers to armor a Tesla Model S. However, armoring a Tesla vehicle is not an easy task. Indeed, there are many challenges and difficulties that must be taken into account. In this article, we're going to show some of them and see how Alpine Armoring and other vendors like ArmorMax have solved them.
Armored Teslas
- A challenge with armoring Teslas is the lack of door frames on most models. This makes it difficult to reinforce and armor the doors. Companies like Alpine Armoring and ArmorMax have developed special frames to reinforce and armor the doors. The frames are designed to blend in with the vehicle's design and leave no gaps or crevices.
- Armor requires additional structural adjustments to accommodate the thicker glass and increased loads. This means that the body has to be reinforced to withstand the extra weight. Alpine Armoring uses high-strength steel plates and composite materials to protect and strengthen the body.
- Despite the difficulties, some companies even offer the option of opening the windows in armored vehicles. To do this, they are developing special window regulator motors that are powerful enough to move the heavy glass. Alpine Armoring offers this option for the driver's window to give the driver more comfort and flexibility.
- Another problem with armoring Teslas is the aluminum body, which requires special machining. Aluminum is a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material, but it's also softer and more prone to deformation than common steel. To avoid this, Alpine Armoring uses a special coating on the aluminum to protect it from rust and abrasion.
the cameras must continue to work
- The presence of cameras in Tesla vehicles can also be a challenge. The cameras are important parts of the autopilot system and safety functions. However, companies have come up with solutions to preserve the features. For example, Alpine Armoring cuts holes in the armored glass and inserts transparent polycarbonate panels to protect the cameras and not obstruct the view.
- There is also a risk with an EV, not just Teslas, that the massive battery that is at the heart of it will be damaged in an attack and spiral out of control. A “thermal runaway” is a phenomenon where the battery overheats and ignites or explodes. Some companies therefore put protective covers on the battery to minimize the risk. Alpine Armoring uses a special protective cover made of Kevlar and other materials that protects the battery from damage from projectiles or fragments.
- Of course, the additional mass of the armor affects the range of the electric car. This can be problematic where there is a safety risk, as electric cars take longer to recharge than combustion engines. Alpine Armoring therefore tries to keep the armor weight as low as possible by using lightweight materials and only armoring the critical areas of the vehicle.
the costs are also a real announcement
- The cost of armoring a vehicle is very high, starting at around $42.000-$48.000 for ArmorMax and ranging from $85.000-$350.000 for Alpine Armoring. That comes at the price of the Tesla Model S, of course in addition, which costs between 79.990 and 149.990 dollars depending on the equipment.
And finally ... So armoring a Tesla vehicle is an expensive investment. While it is technically possible to armor a Tesla vehicle, there are numerous challenges and potential issues that should be carefully considered. The battery in particular could be the Achilles heel of an armored electric car. It is therefore advisable to inform yourself thoroughly before making such a decision and to weigh it up. We consider "at the moment" the armor of a conventional combustion engine to be more effective. Source: autoevolution. com
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Feasible, but impractical: equip Teslas with armor!
Photo credit: Alpine Armoring & armor max
