Recently I've seen so many of these cars driving around so I finally test drove a Tesla Model S yesterday and I was impressed! I never thought much of electric vehicles or luxury vehicles in general but the Tesla changed how I feel in a big way. It's on a whole different level in terms of vehicle design and build quality. The ride quality is solid, smooth and responsive with great acceleration and braking. The huge center screen on the dash has got to be one of the coolest yet functional gadgets I've seen anywhere. I don't think I'll be driving one of my own any time soon but I'll be glad to borrow my neighbor's any time!

 

I was bombing down a hill recently and a Tesla pulled out in front of me. I covered the brake but no need. That sucker took off like a Bat out of Hades. It was the sportscar model.

 

I haven't seen a tesla around here, but those durn hybrids dont seem to be too fast... they run 10 under the speed limit and at times I have to tap the brakes to keep from idling off a stoplight too fast for them...

 

I've seen a few around.


I understand they have a good bit of private investment which is why they are probably still around. I don't see them going out of business, hope they don't take too much government money and forget their cause.


I do not understand the dynamics of cost and environmental impact in owning an electric car. I've never looked into it. Neither has the crowd I hang out with.

 

You wouldn't by chance be selling the Tesla, would you?

 

I have to say, if I lived in a place like temperate Cali, or more towards the south, I might just buy one. Still not enough power density to assure safe ( and warm ) operation here where -20 isn't unheard of.

 

The Tesla Model S hits 60 mph in under 5 seconds...many reports are in the 4.5-second range.

With BMW, Audi, Porsche, Ferrari and many, many others jumping on the hybrid bandwagon that started with Toyota and Lexus, slow-moving electrics and hybrids are more a function of the driver, than the car itself. As they say, the problem lies between the driver's seat and steering wheel.

 

The acceleration was surprising. For reference I stepped out of a Challenger SRT-8 into the Model S and I was still impressed, although the quietness sort of threw me off. FYI the Tesla is not a hybrid, it’s all-electric.

Yes they are definitely a luxury item at this point. On average they will set you back about $1000 a month! I figured the best thing I can do for the environment right now is hold onto my existing vehicles and keep them well-maintained.

No I’m not! I was invited to test one out and being a car guy, I honestly was skeptical about the whole thing.

 

mostly that fossil fuels can be burned in mass to generate electricity cheaper than sold for motor fuel.

I don't doubt they have acceleration. Most electric motors have a flat torque curve across the RPM range. kinda like the feeling you get with CVT. I was more complaining about the hybrid drivers that dont want to get out of battery mode.