GRA
Well-known member
I think this article at GCR is a very balanced look at Tesla's accomplishments as well as the issues they face in the future: http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1098564_tesla-model-s-three-years-later-what-electric-car-taught-us" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I especially agree with the second part [my emphasis]:
(2) Tesla proved (once again) that cars must offer something better than their competitors, regardless of powertrain.
"It's always all about the product" is a truism in the auto business, but it's something than electric-car advocates and early adopters frequently forget--or ignore.
Those who are enamored of electric cars--for a variety of reasons--are willing to make sacrifices to drive them.
Regular buyers aren't.
But with ranges of 208 and 265 miles--three years later, 240 and 270 miles--the Tesla Model S can provide several days of driving without requiring a recharge to move.
It holds four people comfortably, five people acceptably, and a fair quantity of cargo as well.
And it is not only good-looking and (somewhat) luxurious, but the low-end models perform well and the high-end models blow the doors off some much pricier conveyances.
That's a combination of attributes that no other electric car comes close to offering today, fully seven years after the first Tesla Roadster struggled into production.
I especially agree with the second part [my emphasis]:
(2) Tesla proved (once again) that cars must offer something better than their competitors, regardless of powertrain.
"It's always all about the product" is a truism in the auto business, but it's something than electric-car advocates and early adopters frequently forget--or ignore.
Those who are enamored of electric cars--for a variety of reasons--are willing to make sacrifices to drive them.
Regular buyers aren't.
But with ranges of 208 and 265 miles--three years later, 240 and 270 miles--the Tesla Model S can provide several days of driving without requiring a recharge to move.
It holds four people comfortably, five people acceptably, and a fair quantity of cargo as well.
And it is not only good-looking and (somewhat) luxurious, but the low-end models perform well and the high-end models blow the doors off some much pricier conveyances.
That's a combination of attributes that no other electric car comes close to offering today, fully seven years after the first Tesla Roadster struggled into production.