2013 Tesla Model S Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.com

2013 Tesla Model S Long-Term Road Test

The giant touchscreen interface in the Tesla Model S is great -- when it's working.

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fordson1

So you unplugged the car the night before? Who would do a DUMB thing like that? Why didn't you have that car plugged in until the moment you left?

Also, our data traces show that it was 5:02 in the morning, NOT 5:00. You'll be hearing from our attorney.

Love, Elon

quadricycle

I love this car, and couldn't wait to hear about it. If this is how reliable it's electronics are in the beginning however, I sure don't want to find out how reliable it will be a couple of years into my ownership. I don't have enough money (and patience) to buy things that don't work.

zimtheinvader

reminds me of the Ford Focus ad "I bought a car that's a computer" ctrl-alt-delete

zimtheinvader

legacygt made a great point in the MB section, on a center console problem, about quality control in lower production number cars. If Ford and GM have problems with their software on their interfaces then it could be somewhat worse with a much more complicated yet much less used system like the tesla. Bugs will likely happen just the same way center consoles may not be as exacting in their overall fit.

mercedesfan

This, unfortunately, doesn't surprise me. I took delivery of my Model S in December and it has already been back to the service bay 4 times for different issues. It's an amazing car to drive, but Tesla clearly has some teething issues they still need to work out.

cobryson

Not that it's relevant, but fordson1 does have a point. Leaving it plugged in overnight will ensure you still have a full charge overnight, even after any battery heating/cooling activities that might occur due to ambient temps.

stovt001_

I'm going to miss the Edmunds staff when that paranoid loon Elon sends goons to wipe you all out after daring to criticize his product. Ironic that he would name it a Tesla, since he is definitely an Edison at heart.

darthbimmer

I'm really excited you are testing a Tesla. It's the most significant production car available right now because of its disruptive technology (no pun intended for people whose morning schedules have been disrupted!) and attainable price. I look forward to reading all of your observations on the ownership experience-- good, bad, or indifferent. And hooray for improving the LT tests UI to look more like a blog feed again!

jacarig

Technology. Its great when it works, hell (or in this case 'freezing') when it doesn't. Hopefully this is an isolated incident and it gets rectified quickly and smoothly. Not exactly confidence-inspiring for long-term if this is happening @ 678 miles.

ohtag

I believe you can hold down the buttons on the steering wheel to reboot the touchscreen

fordson1

cobryson, I wasn't ragging on them for unplugging the car the night before - I was ragging on Elon Musk. But yeah, you are probably right about the batter heating and cooling deal.