As many of you know, Jane and I purchased a new Tesla vehicle in late 2020. Buying this car was partly out of “want” – I’ve been wanting to have a Tesla since seeing my first one in 2012. But more importantly, we decided on a Tesla because it is the leader in the quest for clean, efficient and economical automobiles.
Did I say “economical?” Teslas are known to be expensive cars. Our Model S – the original Tesla model – is one of them. But since the cars were introduced in 2012, Tesla’s development of electric vehicle technology has led to new, less expensive models like the Model 3 and Model Y. These two models are now Tesla’s most popular brands and are comparable in price with many ordinary SUV’s. And now Elon Musk, the founder and CEO of Tesla, has set the company’s sights on building a $25,000 car. I’d say that’s pretty economical, especially when you consider the average price of a new gasoline engine car in 2021 is $40,000 (USA Today).
You may have seen news reports about General Motors commitment to “an all EV future.” They plan to build 30 electric models by 2025. Ford plans to go “all electric” by 2035. And the U.S. Government is planning to replace all its gas powered vehicles with EV’s.
The electric future of driving is not only coming – it’s here!
Jane and I just returned from a 2,175 mile road trip from Lexington, KY to Ft. Myers Beach, FL. In a gas powered car, the gasoline cost alone would be about $170 (based on regular gas @ $2.30 and a car getting 30 mpg).
Our energy cost for the trip was $75.
And electric vehicles have other advantages as well: no oil changes, spark plugs, belts, or anything else connected with a gas engine.
Plus zero emissions.
We’ve started a YouTube channel to share our Tesla adventures. It’s called “Jane and Martin’s Tesla Adventures.” I know…:) There are a few brief videos from our trip that you may enjoy. We hope you’ll watch and take a moment to “Subscribe.” The more people who subscribe helps raise our search engine score so others can find us too.
Hey Marty, thanks for the Tesla Update. Like you, I’ve been following this technology for some time. In fact, when we built this house in 2018 I had a 240v outlet installed in the garage for the electric vehicle that I knew would someday be parked there. Nancy was skeptical. She immediately hit me with the ‘range anxiety’ comment, and to be fair, back then the range was about 200 miles at best. Now the newer offerings are promising 300 miles on a charge and they promise even more in the future. As you mentioned, there are many choices (and price points) coming on line in the next two years. Besides range, the other complaint has been the higher purchase price for EVs. I’m reading now that with the coming production volume (think competition) the economy of scale will drive down prices. In addition, less expensive batteries will contribute to lower cost EVs that will compete on price with current gas models. The only reason I bought a 2020 gas vehicle was the low number of EV models to choose from. So when I’m ready to buy again (maybe 2023?) there will be plenty of EV options to choose from. The only question will be…which red, electric SUV will we buy?
Hey Brock! Well, in 2 years there should be a number of red EV’s to choose from! Tell Nancy that “range anxiety” is not and issue when you plan a long trip. The Tesla Trip Planner points you to all the Superchargers you’ll need. And with that 240v outlet in your garage you’ll have plenty of juice for local driving! Enjoy the journey!
Hi Marty, always look forward to your posts, even far away from Tellico in the NYS Finger Lakes. I try to live the the Community Church “We Believe.” I will continue to drive my 2006 Saturn small SUV, with 135,ooo miles, until the tires fall off. Then, who knows? Maybe a Tesla, a Cooper (I would look really cute driving one).
Yep, Judy, you’ll look cute!
WOW! A Tesla. Congratulations. As you know, we have a charger at the library so Tellico Village is all set for the next generation of cars. My Avalon is still doing her job well. I don’t buy cars often so my Tesla will have to wait a few more years.