When the lease ran out on my wives Q5 we shopped the Tesla, Audi A-8 and the Porsche Pano...the Porsche was immediately ruled out as too ugly and expensive. The Tesla was actually offered at a great deal and the City Of Newport Beach has free charging...so I thought for sure that would win the day.

After driving the A-8 she said she wanted the Audi. That is until while waiting for a A8 in the color she wanted to arrive she drove the SQ5 and we bought that when she got out and said " must have"

I may get a Tesla next year when my A-7 lease ends, I liked it that much.

 

Funny, those that like it say it looks like an Aston or Maserati. And one of the lowest COGs despite 4700lbs means pretty good handling.

IF an electric motor lasts longer than an IC, why wouldn't it?

The Tesla's battery can be swapped out, which if enough stations are available, makes it even more convenient. If higher capacity batteries become available, even better.

Besides, what is the percentage of car drivers (not truck) that drive over 200 lmiles a day? 1%?

 

Question - you mean, carry around spare batteries for the trip home?

And I drive some considerable distances, enough times that I wouldn't want to purchase a second car, and just use the Tesla as a city peddler.

I am aware of the charging stations they are attempting to set up to span across the country (and more specifically the East Coast). I like where it's headed, just not convinced this is THE answer.

 

Did the OP ever report on the test drive ??

 

Hmm ... interesting thought!

 

But I have yet to hear how this solves the energy or pollution issues. If more cars ran on electricity, we will need more power plants and they burn fossil fuel a number burn coal which not only contributes additional sulfur to the air and, of course, carbon, but also results in particulate which is a real health hazard - acid rain, global warming, and asthma - the triple play. And it is almost impossible to get approval to build power stations. And again, they burn fossil fuel.

And even if the range is improved and there is a way to swap out batteries, what do we do about all of the precious metals that are being depleted to make the batteries and what do we do with them when they are finished - they generate some rather aggressive and rather dangerous waste?

Are we swapping one bad answer for one the is worse? If there are answers let me know. I truly would like to know.

 

To add to the previous questions, I am convinced that a technology that is not self sustaining and needs government support will never succeed over the long term. Unless some political genius makes electric car mandatory, the early adopters base can not be sufficient to keep the company in business if the public money flow stops.
I would be happy to be proven wrong, so my question is: have you seen similar cases where the product was eventually a long term success?

 

One of Tesla's possible endeavors is setting up batter swap stations. You pull in, and in 90 seconds a fully charged battery is installed and you drive off. I thought this was brilliant for Vegas taxi fleets.

The Superchargers are in place across the country and more being installed. But Tesla now owns the record for least amount of EV charging for a cross-country trip.

 

And this is what I was referring to regarding battery technology. This is the next improvement for EV's. When this is more inline with our behavior as Americans, we will see a shift. As of now, for most people, the S satisfies many requirements... But, to spend $70,000 (+/-), to save ~$300 per month (or $70 per week) on fuel, would take about 10 years to equal out (not including charging during those 10 years, and the inevitable $thousands in battery replacements, etc...).

I guess, I'm trying to wait for the tech to come down in price (see HD TVs for sale for around $200, instead of $10,000+). For some, it may be worth it, for others, it may not - yet.

Regarding the record, that isn't impressive, now, because I'm not familiar with the many EV's that are being sold mainstream that are even worth $1. So even it took 1 full year to get from Coast to Coast, it would probably still set the record.

 

Actually it isn't just fuel. Its maintenance items like oil & coolant are eliminated, long-term items like water pump, timing belt and belts and hoses. Brakes last longer due to regen braking. There are numerous benefits.

And plenty of people pay for the convenience of never having to go to a gas station. A lot of women hate having to get gas, let alone men.

Finally, the record IS impressive because no other EV on the market can cross the US without using much more charging time per stop AND make more stops.

 

I guess we are impressed by different things... However, thank you for pointing out the other components of normal IC engines that I had ignored. I did not take all of that into consideration.

BUT - the time spent NOT going to the gas station, I believe, will be amplified by always having to remember to plug the charger in, and put the cord away, etc... One annoying behavior replacing another.

As it is - my daughters always forget to charge their phones, but then can't live without it very long. As important as their phones are, and they still forget to plug it in, I can't imagine forgetting to charge their car at certain times.

 

I appreciate all the sincere opinions stated herein. I tip my hat to Elon Musk for having the serious cajones to introduce this ground breaking car. I welcome the mind expanding possibilities the technology offers and the (hopeful) innovations that will follow from this pioneering. I love how the hyperbole has enhanced the stock valuation (good time to sell). I also love how the FEDS are supporting each units production to the tune of ~$35K.

BUT, I must also truthfully reveal my own prejudices:

It's fugly. Rocketboy aesthetics wrapped in marginal quality control.

It's fast. My AMC Ambassador Police Interceptor was fast. And it had freakin great spotlights.

It handles. I mean, it handles? Okay, I get it, it 'handles'; somewhat in the way a 5-series 'handles'. Don't get me wrong, I love 5's.

But all in all, it's great, I can't disagree. Really great. Well, except when well meaning folks start comparing it to the cars subject of this forum. And then, all I can muster in my primal way is YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME! DID YOU DRIVE IT? AND IF SO, WHAT ELSE HAVE YOU DRIVEN THAT YOU'RE COMPARING IT TO?

Sorry. Couldn't help myself. My BAD.

 

Wait... what?

Last I heard it was around $7500 (depending on state, 7500 for me in NC).

 

Elon Musk is doing something on a bigger scale than what Toyota did with the Prius. To help drive costs down they licensed the Prius technology when it first came out...

Fast forward. Tesla will become a huge battery supplier which will drive the costs for them down hence a less expensive vehicle.............

Kind of why the stock is up 30 bucks today............................

I love mine but now it's not early adopter anymore!!! In Souther California they are like camry's now!!!!!

Counted 4 at a grocery store yesterday and I wasn't driving mine.....

 

What about looking at an i3? Half the price of the Tesla, can be had w/an ICE (to extend range) and you can say that you own the first mass market car to be made from carbon fibre? I realize its ugly but as a second car/runabout it seems to be a better deal.