I started this topic just to report about driving a new and innovative car that impressed me.
I have not bought a new car in 16 years. It was a new Audi S6 Avant that cost $64,000 new back then. I have been checking out several different options over the past few months.
I wanted something with the same feeling of security and stability, the same capable high power and fun to drive feeling, but not priced like an equivalent to a new Audi.
The Tesla 3 exceeded my expectations. Since the test drive, I have been researching the advantages and disadvantages of owning an EV. I have learned that Tesla has a comprehensive nation wide network of quick charge stations so a 300 mile range is no big deal. Also, I can do a 240V charge station at home pretty easily. Also, with the all wheel drive version, it will be even better for driving on slippery roads than my Audi as its reaction time is much quicker.
I was very impressed with the unique Auto Drive capability. I am not getting any younger and the Tesla system is faster than me in responding to someone stopping suddenly in front of me, or drifting into my driving lane. True self driving software will be uploaded later, when perfected. Looking at finished cars at the Tesla store now, it is obvious that the issues of QC are pretty well resolved. Lots of tests show that the battery pack should last for years and years. There will be more interesting and useful functions built into the Model 3 that will be available as free downloads as time goes on.
Most of the comments here in this topic have been just politics.
I do have opinions about certain kind of cars too. I consider the idea of an urban pickup truck kinda strange. Its best use here is helping a neighbor move. In a rural area, for moving hay bales or taking a sick cow to the vet. Otherwise with the high center of gravity and the aerodynamics of a brick, I am not impressed. However that is just my opinion.
Then there is the issue of natural resources use. I worry about fracking, oil spills, coal mining by mountain top removal, and Canadian very dirty oil sands more than using up some rare minerals.
The gummet bailed out GM and Chrysler (Ford removed per Wayne's correctIon) super big time when they about went belly up during the last big recession. The EV $7500 tax credit is running out soon, and will be gone by the time I order and receive a new Tesla, assuming that I do that. Two of the big three would be long gone if it was not for taxpayer money. Corp welfare big time as stated herein.
The heated emotional response to the Tesla makes about as much sense as today's uncivil political discourse. I am sorry to see so much of this in this topic.
Frank
