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Choosing Tesla

When I was doing my research on electric vehicles, I promise not to become a fan boy. It did not quite work out that way.

Let's begin by understanding a little bit of jargon:

• ICE - Internal Combustion Engine ... What most people drive today.
• HEV - Hybrid Electris Vehicle ... Combines a battery and a gas engine. Think Toyota Prius.
• PHEV - Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle ... Combines a gas engine and a plug-in battery. Think Hyundai Ioniq Plug In
• BEV - Battery Electric Vehicle ... 100% battery, no gas engine. Think Tesla

I searched in all categories for my new vehicle and I decided to go BEV. Wow, I did not expect this. There are many reasons to go all electric, the two big ones were savings in energy or fuel and in maintenance. Subjects for a different blog entry.

Once it came time to make a decision, these were the three most critical factors for me:

1. US Car Company,
2. Built in the US,
3. By American workers.

There was only one company that fit all three of these requirements and that was Tesla. Ford's Mach E electric vehicle is built in Mexico. GM just does not get it, they sold 26 EV's In the last 3 months of 2021, while Tesla sold more than 300,000. But, still, Tesla? Nah.

Then I drove one. I can sum it up in two words ... Oh My!

I went to the Ross Park Mall (no longer open here) and made an appointment for a test drive. The time came and the Tesla employee walked me to the car and handed me the "key". He said "try to be back in a half hour". I was sold after 10 minutes.

Yes, there are some things you need to adjust to when you drive. The braking is different. The heft of the car is different. Cruise Control behaves differently. The lower center of gravity makes the car handle differently. And that self driving thing. Then, there is range anxiety. I will address these on the attached video. But that performance ... Oh My!

Then there was the whole buying experience. No salesman. No bickering on the price. No dealer markup. Everything was online and the communication was seamless. Imagine getting a text that simply says "Your car is ready for delivery. It is in Spot 12. Keys are in the cup holder. Sign the documents on the front seat, slide them through the slot. Then you can go and enjoy your Tesla." Yes, there were people there to walk you through the car if you wanted. But It is not required. How easy was that?

But what about for my business. One of the things that really attracted me to this car is the "WOW" experience. Very few people have experienced riding in a Tesla Model X. It is really different.

First, there are those falcon wing doors. Besides making access to the second and third rows much easier, let's face it, they are just cool!

Second, It has a third row and most people do not expect that. I am six feet tall and I can sit back there without my knees hitting the back of the second row. 

Third, The 17-in center mounted screen allows passengers to watch progress as the car procedes down the navigation route. Many of my clients have commented on the quality of the audio system. 

Finally, the comfort you experience in both the ride and interior environment is unparalled. This vehicle is quiet. Conversations are easier and the lack of noise makes for a more comfortable experience.

Since a blog is really all about personal opinion, how I would like to close this blog entry is really my personal opinion.

We may never have the experience of another Albert Einstein. But, there is ususally one person every decade that is considered a disruptor and at the same time an innovator. And we are better off for them, I think.

Take these examples:

• 1970's -- Martin Cooper at Motorola brought us the handheld mobile phone. Can you imagine not having one today? Disclaimer, I owned two Motorola "brick" phones.
• 1980's -- Dr. Robert Jarvik introduced the Jarvik-7 artificial heart. The benefit to human life still is felt today. Disclaimer, regardless of the opinion of some of the fairer sex, I do not need a new heart.
• 1990's -- Larry Page and Sergei Brin bring us Google. You know you impact society when your company name is used as both a noun and a verb. Disclaimer, I am a Google nerd.
• 2000's -- Steve Jobs gives us the iPhone. Fifteen years later it holds 51% of the US cell phone market. Disclaimer, I do not have an iPhone.
• 2010's -- Elon Musk introduces the first all electric luxury sedan in the US, the Model S. With over 935,000 EV's sold worldwide in 2021, Tesla is the largest EV company in the world. Disclaimer, I own a Tesla (in case I did not make that clear).

I swore when I began my research I would not become a fan boy for the vehicle I purchased. That fell by the wayside during my year long (so far), hands-on experience with Tesla. There is no other car company that provides the total, end-to-end experience that Tesla does. Try it with an open mind and you may find the same.