2013 Tesla Model S Long-Term Road Test
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2013 Tesla Model S Long-Term Road Test
Tesla promised its Model S is the first EV road trip car but it still needs extra planning.
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might be easier to download an online gam(bl)ing app for the Tesla's center stack, I presume that remains functional while the car is charging
Test the tool for its intended purpose! Does any reviewer ever get a Porsche 911 and focus entirely on how it performs during a rush-hour freeway slog?
Having said that, I do think you have certain expectations of different cars. For example, my old Mercedes SL was a great car for day trips, but you wouldn't want to take it, for example, from Boston to Chicago. Too cramped, loud, uncomfortable for long drives. Whereas, our Buick Enclave is a great distance car, but 0% fun and won't pass a gas station.
One of the challenges with the Tesla is that it fits into a category that is a little strange - A hi end GT with 5 usable seats. Not worrying about range, you would probably use it like an M5 or Panamera S which is to say not for many cross-country trips, but for some decent regional driving. Where I live you can easily drive to Boston or NYC, or up to Vermont for a ski weekend and have no range worries. If you live in TX or Kansas though, you would really need to plan your travel (usually around RV parks, where they have 50A power). That's unnatural for us until superchargers are the norm (with the higher amperage that will be announced soon).
In any case, it's the perfect car for me. Fits everyone, fast, beautiful and very useful for all our driving except twice-yearly drives to grandma's house.
Tell us about the times you blow past sports cars at stop lights, jump into that spot in traffic, listen to the sound of quiet, nature, and music as you are propelled as if on a magic carpet down the road. Tell us how much stuff you can fit in the Tesla. What's it like to drive in the early morning with the sunroof down? Where's the typical comments that you would make of an Audi A8 or Bentley Mulsanne?
These reviews seem to ignore the day to day awesomeness and convenience of owning a Tesla Model S.
I don't think the lack of ability of a Model S to make certain long-distance roadtrips is necessarily a condemnation of the car at all, as there are many, many other reasons why it's an amazing car...However, to most nay-sayers, range is often the biggest criticism...So if you can take range out of the equation, there's not much left to criticize.
Sure, it takes longer to charge than fill up...But if you're smart and plan your trips with a minimum amount of effort before-hand, you can charge at night while you sleep, at restaurants while you eat, at rest-stops while you, uh...rest?...And all for a fraction of the cost of gas, and sometimes even free (via Tesla's Superchargers). Sure, it's different than what most people are used to right now...But, cost aside, most people could swap their gas-powered car for a Model S today and, with minimal planning, continue on about their lives without much impact.
The EV charging network is usable now, and is only expanding, so things are going to get easier in terms of where people will be able to charge. And as for the cost, Tesla has been very clear that the Roadster, Model S and Model X are just part of the transition (technologically, logistically, and financially) to the production of a 30K sedan, planned for 2016-2017. I can certainly understand that some people will want to wait for then. But as a Model S owner, I can saw that I have not been limited or inconvenienced once since I've had my car.