How open are you to new ideas?
Yes, I’m asking you. How open to new ideas are you?
- Very open
- Open
- Not very open
- I haven’t tried a new idea since 1965
Have you ever owned and driven an automobile? Do you own a television? Have you ever flown on an airplane? Do you own a cell phone? Is there a personal computer in your home?
I suspect that just about everyone answered “yes” to these five questions. Were you the first person on your block to own a TV? If yes, then you were an early adopter. Did you wait until you were more than 50 years of age to fly on an airplane? If yes, then you were likely a late adopter. Do you still own a flip phone? If yes, sorry, you are a dinosaur. Yes, it has been reported that dinosaurs had flip phones.
Do you think at one time in your life when asked if you would ever own a TV, fly on an airplane or own a cell phone or personal computer you might have answered “no”? I’m talking about when these technologies were just a twinkle in the eye of the inventor.
The question of the day.
Now for the question of the day. Will you ever own an electric-powered car? Will your kids or grandkids ever own an electric-powered car? Will you be an early adopter or a late adopter or a never adopter?
Today I am going to tell you about my experience, after one year, of owning a 2020 Tesla Model X electric-powered car. I will tell you why I think owning an electric-powered car is an idea worth considering. Then you can think about everything I’ve shared and add it to what you already know and decide for yourself. Is owning an electric car a good idea?
But first, do you know how many quarters are in a football game?
I know what you might be thinking. What in the heck does a football game have to do with buying an electric car? Hang tight. I’m going to tell you.
If you are 60 years of age or more you are likely in or approaching the “fourth quarter” of your life. You know that a football coach has a much different game plan in the fourth quarter of the game compared to the first quarter of the game right?
What is your financial game plan for the fourth quarter of your life? Do you plan to take your money with you when the final horn sounds? Or, are you thinking a pass way downfield, like a “Hail Mary” might just be a fun play to run as you approach the two-minute warning? You’re the coach. You get to decide. Do your kids really want you to give them all of your money or do they want you to enjoy what you have earned? You get to decide.
Which doodads are for you?
As I go through the LONG list of special features offered with the Tesla Model X I suspect that some folks will say, “I don’t need that doodad and I don’t want that doodad and I don’t even know what that doodad does!
I would remind you, from my own experience and what I suspect might be some of your experiences of this. Do you remember when the only type of transmission available was “manual or stick” transmission? Did your very first car have air-conditioning? For some of you (us!) old-timers, I know your first few cars did not have power windows. Maybe your car didn’t even have a radio or heater…or seat belts let alone airbags!
Now fast forward to 2021. Would you consider a car without AC, or power windows, seat belts or a radio and heater? Would you prefer on an everyday basis to have a manual transmission? For the most part, ALL of these options that didn’t even exist with your first car are now necessities for your next car.
Let’s get started.
So…without further ado let me tell you about Tesla and electric cars and why they might be in your future.
Tesla currently offers four different models. The Model 3 and Model Y are their less expensive (expense is relative!) sedan and SUV respectively. The Model S and Model X are their more expensive larger sedan and SUV respectively. I own a Tesla Model X.
Safety.
I had a close friend tell me they were concerned that in order to make electric cars more efficient the cars were lightweight and made mainly of plastic. Not true!
My Tesla Model X weighs about 5,500 pounds. The Lexus RX350 SUV I had previously weighed about 4,200 pounds. The Tesla Model X was the very first SUV of any brand to garner a 5-star rating in EVERY NHTSA safety category.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis. These are the ratings for the Tesla Model X.
- Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall 5/5
Driver 5/5
Passenger 5/5
- Side Crash Rating
Overall 5/5
- Side Barrier Rating
Overall 5/5
Driver 5/5
Passenger 5/5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat 5/5
Back Seat 5/5
- Rollover
Rollover 5/5
Risk Of Rollover 9.3%
Key Safety Features.
The Model X comes with ten airbags as standard, with knee airbags for both front occupants, as well as frontal, curtain, seat-mounted side, and door-mounted side-impact airbags. You also get forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking, a rearview camera, lane keep assist, a brake hold feature, parking sensors, and LED lights with cornering. A semi-autonomous self-driving feature is also available and boasts automatic lane change assist, auto parking, and a remote summon feature.
Falcon Wing Rear Doors.
The rear doors are beyond cool. If the grandkids don’t think that Gramps and Grandma are really with it with these doors…then you might need new grandkids.
The Model X’s rear Falcon Wing doors open fully or partially. Sensors in the doors detect nearby obstructions and limit how far the doors open so they don’t hit anything.
Automatically Closing Front Doors.
When I approach my car with my key fob in my pocket my driver’s side door automatically opens. Once inside, I can close both front doors on my Tesla Model X by tapping on the brake pedal. Here are some other safety features.
Automatic Emergency Braking
Applies the brakes when it detects an imminent front crash.
All-Wheel Drive
Powers all four wheels to enhance traction in low-traction conditions.
The car has:
Seven cameras, forward radar and twelve ultrasonic sensors.
Electronic stability and traction control
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes and electronic parking brake
Anti-theft alarm system
PERFORMANCE
Faster than a speeding bullet…almost.
This is where the car really shines. Performance and the many tech features offered by Tesla make the car the most fun automobile to drive. Several auto and business magazines, including Consumer Reports, have rated one Tesla model or another as the “most fun car to drive”. These ratings came from the car owners themselves.
The acceleration of my Model X (I have the “Long Range” model) takes me from 0-60 m.p.h. in 4.4 seconds. That’s fast! The Model X Performance model (more expensive!) will get you to 60 m.p.h. in just 2.7 seconds. The Model S sedan is the fastest production car in the friggin’ world with their performance model in “Ludicrous” mode at 1.99 seconds from 0-60 m.p.h.
What makes me smile?
What happens when I hammer the accelerator? A huge smile comes over my face. Then a shock, as if they have been tased comes over the faces of my passengers.
Safety and performance! Tesla is tops in both categories.
What about creature comforts?
My Tesla Model X has a radio, windshield wipers, air-conditioning and seat belts. But wait! You might be saying “my car has all of that stuff!”. I’m sure it does.
Now let me go through a list of items your car might not have. It could be easy for you to say after you look at this list, “Well! I don’t think I need that stuff”. Remember, back in the day, you didn’t really think you needed power windows, AC, much safety equipment and the like right? Now you wouldn’t own a car without those options.
Autopilot.
The Model X can accelerate, decelerate, and come to a complete stop autonomously, as well as change lanes automatically by simply engaging the turn signal with the available Autopilot system. When I approach a stoplight or stop sign my car will automatically stop but only if the light is red! The car gives me a chime signal when the light turns green so I can look up from sending my text and drive away.
Autopilot also known as “Full-Self Driving” is an option. If you don’t want the car driving you from point A to point B while you play Monopoly with the kids in the backseat you don’t have to buy it. O.K., you still have to sit in the driver’s seat even with autopilot but that might change in the near future.
Navigation.
Let’s say you want to drive from Louisville, Kentucky to Bangor, Maine. The navigation will compute the best route for you. No big deal there. Virtually every navigation system will do that for you.
However, the Tesla navigation system will tell you where you need to stop to recharge and how long you will be charging on your way to Maine from Louisville. Mind you that most supercharger stations are located near shopping, restaurants and the like. By the time you take a comfort break, have a light lunch and browse a bit your Tesla will be fully charged and ready to go.
Range anxiety.
Do you ever worry if you’re going to be able to find a gas station when the tank runs low? Not usually? Then why in the world do folks have “range anxiety”? First, what is range anxiety with an electric car? It’s the fear of not being able to find a place to charge your car.
Did you know that well over 90% of electric car owners charge that car at home in their garage? Each morning when they wake up their car is fully charged.
What does “fully charged” mean for my Tesla Model X? My car has an official driving range of 334 miles. How often in a single day when you are not leaving your home town do you drive 334 miles? Answer: Not very often!
However, there are times when you want to take a driving vacation. Tesla has “supercharger” systems all over the country. As noted above the Tesla navigation system will tell you when and where and for how long you will be charging.
How long does it take to charge a Tesla?
How long does it take to charge your Tesla at a supercharger? I commonly get charging speeds of 300-400 m.p.h. at superchargers. I am usually adding about 200-225 miles of driving range each time I stop to charge. That means the charging time will be 30-40 minutes.
What does charging an electric car cost?
How much does supercharging cost? Well…I bought my Tesla Model X with free unlimited supercharging for the life of my ownership. You didn’t expect anything less from me, did you? I am the author of “So you want to buy a new car” right?
However, most people do not have free unlimited supercharging. In those cases, they will pay maybe 25-30% of what a gasoline car would charge for fuel.
I might get an electric car…but not a Tesla.
Oh, one more thing. You’re thinking you might like an electric car but not a Tesla? Only Teslas can use Tesla supercharger locations. Other electric car brands don’t have nationwide supercharger systems. Those “other” electric cars can use various charging systems but at MUCH slower charging speeds like 25 m.p.h. Do you want to spend an hour adding 25 miles of driving range to your non-Tesla electric car? Can I answer that question for you? You don’t. You want to charge your electric car, when you’re away from home, at a Tesla supercharger at a speed of 300-400 m.p.h. You can’t charge “other” electric cars at Tesla superchargers.
Regenerative braking
This is one of the car’s best features. For those stick shift drivers among us imagine coming up to a stop sign in second gear at 30 m.p.h. The transmission slows the car without you having to use the brake.
With regenerative braking, I never have to touch the brake pedal. The car slows on its own. I could drive from Los Angeles to New York and NEVER touch the brake. How long with the brakes last on a Tesla? How does forever sound!
Brake hold.
When stopped at a stoplight, the Tesla Model X can hold the brakes automatically so you can take your foot off the brake pedal. You’ve all seen the car in front of you begin to roll backward when stopped on a hill. You’ve all had to hold the brake to keep your car from rolling backward while waiting for a light to change on a hill. No problem with a Tesla. You don’t need to hold the brake and your car won’t roll backward. This is an outstanding minor convenience.
Panoramic Windshield.
This is also one of the best and most enjoyable features of my Tesla Model X. The windshield begins at the hood of my car. No big deal there. However, the windshield continues from the hood to past my head when I’m in the driver’s seat. There is no car on the road with a panoramic windshield like the Tesla Model X. You would be amazed and what you’ve not been seeing with a standard windshield. Is “mind-blowing” too strong of a description?
The Model X’s panoramic windshield extends above the front occupants’ heads without interruption. Sun visors extend from the side pillar and clip magnetically to a forward position to block sun glare.
Seating.
The Tesla Model X has seating for up to seven, with heated seats in all three rows. Not many cars have heated rear seats.
Towing and Hauling.
The Tesla Model X is rated to tow 5,000 pounds and even has a Trailer Mode that will automatically level the suspension and turn off rear proximity sensors (mostly) when towing a trailer.
Cargo Storage.
The Tesla Model X has 88 cubic feet of cargo space split between a small front trunk and a larger rear cargo area. The rear area can easily accommodate big items when the back seats are folded.
Frunk!
What the…is a friggin’ frunk? Well, you get a lot with a Tesla but they don’t give you an engine. So where most cars have an engine Tesla gives you a “frunk”. You can put stuff in the frunk. How much stuff? About 15 cubic feet of stuff. That’s a bunch.
Dimensions.
The Tesla Model X is a BIG car. It’s four inches wider than the Lexus RX 350 that I owned previously. I have to fold the side mirrors in and pay attention when I enter or exit our garage.
- Length 198.3 in
- Wheelbase 116.7 in
- Height 66.0 in
- Max Width 78.7 in
- Front Width 67.1 in
- Rear Width 67.3 in
Seating capacity
5-seater (I have the 5-seater)
- Front Leg Room 41.2 in
- Front Head Room 41.7 in
- Rear Leg Room 38.4 in
- Rear Head Room 40.9 in
Exterior Colors.
Have you ever paid more to get a certain new car color? No? You will likely do that with Tesla. My car is Solid Black. The car comes in only five colors. One is free. The others will add to the sticker price.
Just one color is free with your purchase of a Tesla Model X: Pearl White Multi-Coat. Other options that cost $1,500 each are Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, and Deep Blue Metallic. Red Multi-Coat is also available, but this costs $2,500.
- Midnight Silver Metallic
- Deep Blue Metallic
- Solid Black
- Red Multi-Coat
- Pearl White Multi-Coat
Interior Colors and Materials.
Have you been hoping that PETA would step in and put pressure on major car manufacturers to stop using cow leather interiors? Then you are in luck. Tesla does not use leather for its interiors. Maybe you weren’t looking for PETA to step into this process. In that case, I recommend you think you are still sitting on leather because it will still feel like it.
Three interior schemes are available for the Model X. As standard, you get All Black, which features Ash Wood trims along with black leatherette upholstery. Tesla has recently binned the genuine leather option as groups like PETA lobbied for the company to become vegan-friendly. If black isn’t your thing, you can spec Black and White (a $1,500 option), which features white upholstery with Dark Ash Wood trims, or Cream (also $1,500, which is what I have), which features cream-colored upholstery with Oak Wood trims.
Ride height.
Ever wish your car sat just a little bit higher or a little bit lower? Probably not huh? No problem. I know you’ve got lots of other important things on your mind. However, if that WAS a concern or it is a concern now because I mentioned it you need to know this. You can select five different ride height options with the Tesla Model X. Your neighbor is going to be very envious of this option that you have and he/she doesn’t. Trust me. That will happen.
Video options.
O.K. I’m going to give you a pass on not having any major expectations regarding your car’s ride height. However, I absolutely know you must be really agitated regarding your current car’s video options.
With my Tesla Model X I can watch Net Flix, Hulu, YouTube and much more from the car’s 17-video screen. Don’t think that’s important? I’m going to guess why you might say that. Because you never had that option! Now you do!
Audio options.
Like to listen to stuff in your car when you’re driving? Me too. Tesla has a streaming service. It’s free for the first year and then ten bucks a month afterward. What does it do?
There is one very cool feature. I can simply press a button and say, “Play Elvis Pressley Blue Suede Shoes” and in less than five seconds I’m listening to EP. You can try to think of the most remote commercial artist and you won’t be able to fool Tesla. The system also provides various news sources from the streaming option and karaoke. You haven’t driven on a long vacation without singing karaoke. Of course, the system has blue tooth so I can listen to SiriusXM radio from my iPhone through the Tesla audio system.
Easter Eggs.
Does your car have “Easter Eggs”? No, I’m not talking about the Easter egg your grandson left under the seat that you didn’t find until Mother’s Day. I won’t tell you too much more about Tesla Easter Eggs. I don’t want to spoil your entire new car buying experience. I will just tell you this. Here’s a list.
List of Easter eggs in Tesla products
· Back to the Future phone app.
· Rick and Morty – sentry mode voice activation.
· Mars, Mars Rover and Starship – method of activation.
· Mario Kart: Rainbow Road and Don’t Fear the Reaper/SNL: More Cowbell – method of activation.
· Rainbow chargeport light.
· Monty Python.
· Holiday themed Easter eggs.
Tire rotation.
Don’t even worry about it. Why? Because tires never wear out with a Tesla? No, that’s not it. The rear tires on my Model X are bigger than the front tires so the tires can’t be rotated front to back. This is not an option. It’s not open for discussion. That’s just the way it is.
Maintenance.
What about oil changes and oil filters and tune-ups and other engine or transmission maintenance not to mention those expensive timing belts. Tesla doesn’t have any of that stuff.
20 vs. 2,000!
There are about 20 moving parts in a Tesla. That compares to about 2,000 moving parts in an internal combustion engine. Do you want to chance 2,000 separate parts going bad or twenty? I think we know the answer to that question.
Engine and Transmission.
The Tesla Model X is fitted with a pair of electric motors to achieve its performance, with these fed by a 100 kWh battery pack. The front axle is powered by a permanent magnet motor while the rear axle gets its own motor, each of which combines to develop a total of 534 horsepower and 557 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is a single-speed automatic, as is common with electric vehicles, which means that acceleration and response are smooth, although burying your right foot from a standstill will result in the involuntary expulsion of lunch materials for passengers who are not prepared (Yes! This can happen). On the freeway, the shocking performance is less visceral, but you still have no problems overtaking slower traffic, with only a dull whine informing you that you’re pushing harder.
Auto-Summon.
What was your first car? It really doesn’t matter what kind of car was your first. Why? When it was raining and your car was parked out in a parking lot you got wet running to your car. You didn’t like getting wet. You weren’t majorly concerned about getting wet because there was nothing you could do about it. Now you can.
Yes, my car has auto-summon. I haven’t tried it yet. Why? Because it “never rains in Southern California” or so the song says. How does auto-summon work? Using a smartphone app or key fob, you can automatically summon the Tesla Model X back out of a garage or parking spot to make it easier to get into the SUV. The vehicle can only drive straight using this function.
Model X Infotainment and Features.
Other Features.
Through the Tesla app, you can use remote access from your phone to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin, and both front doors are self-presenting and self-closing. You also get keyless entry and ignition as you’d expect, along with a heated steering wheel and heating for all seats. The front seats are 12-way power-adjustable with the driver’s perch featuring memory functions too. The rear doors are also automatic, and you get LED ambient lighting throughout the cabin, along with a HEPA cabin filtration system. The mirrors are heated too, and you get wireless charging, a brake hold feature, a rearview camera, a dashcam, and adaptive air suspension. Other standard features include LED headlights with cornering, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. The Autopilot feature is an included option that can be upgraded to include a Smart Summon feature, automatic parking, and adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving, forward-collision warning, and automated emergency braking.
Infotainment.
The Model X features a huge 17-inch touchscreen that controls its infotainment and much more. It’s vertically mounted and the rest of the dash is essentially free of any clutter with almost all functions being managed by this display. The system features Google Maps navigation, Bluetooth and USB connectivity (two ports), and also provides access to SiriusXM satellite radio. Many inputs can be controlled using voice-activation, which is rather handy considering that some icons and menu selections can be a little too small to accurately press when driving unless you take your eyes off the road.
Over-the-air updates.
I’ve already told you about a myriad of options and advantages. Here comes another really valuable option that you won’t find anywhere else. I’m talking about “over the air” updates.
About every 10-14 days I get a message on my iPhone Tesla app that I have an update available. All I have to do is tap the screen and over the next 25 minutes, the latest update from Tesla will come my way.
This is the same process as when your laptop or cellphone gets a software update. This is Tesla’s way of keeping its older cars up to date.
As an example, Tesla decided they wanted all of their cars to have heated seats. Some didn’t come with that option. Through an over-the-air update they added heated seats to every car that didn’t have that option. My car’s backup camera is outstanding. However, an over-the-air update made it even more outstanding. It took my backup camera from a 180-degree view to a nearly 270-degree view. I love those updates. They are so simple to implement. While my car is parked in the garage the system uses our home’s internet to transfer the update info.
New Car Warranty.
A common question I get is “Will the batteries wear out”? Not likely. Here’s the warranty information.
New Vehicle Limited Warranty
Your vehicle is protected by a New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which includes the Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty, the Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty and the Battery and Drive Unit Limited Warranty.
Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty.
The Basic Vehicle Limited Warranty covers your vehicle for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty.
The Supplemental Restraint System Limited Warranty covers your vehicle for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Battery and Drive Unit Warranty.
The Battery and Drive Unit in your vehicle are covered for a period of:
| Model S Model X |
8 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period. |
| Model 3 Standard Range | 8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period. |
| Model 3 Long Range Model 3 Performance Model Y Long Range Model Y Performance |
8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period. |
These warranties cover the repair or replacement necessary to correct defects in the materials or workmanship of any parts manufactured or supplied by Tesla, which occur under normal use.
Model X Reliability.
How reliable is the Model X? Folks, I drove brand new Lexus automobiles from 1999-2019. There is no brand more reliable than Lexus. I cannot recall ever taking any of my Lexus cars in for ANY repair…ever.
Does a Tesla match up with a Lexus? No, it does not but then what car does? During my first year of ownership, I have taken my car in for two repairs. Once the air-conditioning was not working properly. The other repair was to replace the front struts. The car shimmied when I hammered the acceleration. Since I do that as often as I can the shimmy had to be fixed.
Each time, during the pandemic, I drove the car to the Tesla service facility and dropped it in the parking lot. Tesla arranged for an Uber car to take me home. They gave me $100/day in Uber credits and the next day the car was ready to pick up after and Uber driver picked me up and drove me to the Tesla facility.
I have heard that some Tesla owners have had fit and finish issues. When I picked up my brand new Tesla the body and paint were perfect. Soon after buying my car, I had a detail guy come out and put a ceramic protection coat over the paint. I think I could just about only rinse the car and it would look brand new. This ceramic coating is not the same as what a new car dealer will charge $1,000 for. As it is I consulted YouTube and have implemented a 15-step car washing procedure to keep my car looking brand new for a long time.
Miscellaneous Observations.
Verdict: Is the 2020 Tesla Model X a good SUV?
The Tesla Model X is certainly unconventional and highly advanced. It boasts insane acceleration, exceptional handling for the class, massive cargo space, and decent towing capacity too. As an electric vehicle, it is expected to perform well and offer decent range, but the Model X stands out by being noteworthy even when compared to other fully-electric vehicles. It’s also very safe as we’ve seen above, and offers novel features, games, and hidden abilities that make it all the more charming. Optional features are also not excessively priced, considering the base price, but even in standard form, the Model X offers more than most would need, with plenty of space for up to seven individuals. If you can afford one, the Model X is certainly the best electric SUV on the market.
Ludicrous and Insane Mode.
Ludicrous Mode has the bipolar outcome of accelerating like a cat off a hot tin roof (1.99 seconds to 60 anyone?) yet can also extend the range of the car to over 300 miles on a charge – the first-ever electric car to manage this range.
When it comes to acceleration, a Tesla in this mode can line up next to a Ferrari or Lamborghini and put their foot down, leaving the gas guzzler struggling to even be on the same road, let alone keeping up! Who says that electric cars are boring old trolleys when they can embarrass drivers in cars that cost ten times the price?
Full Self Driving (FSD).
The first thing to say about this is that you should always have your hands on the wheel and foot ready to jam on the brakes – while one of the most advanced self-driving systems on the road today, you can’t have a doze while it drives you everywhere! The car can sense whether your hands are on the driving wheel and will take measures to make you take control if you don’t, even slowing it down and putting on the hazard lights.
However, it can get you over busy interchanges and put you in exactly the right lane on bigger roads, and can do things like slow and stop the car on streets of speed limits up to 60 mph.
Standard Autopilot – Lane Departure and Emergency Lane Departure.
Emergency lane departure avoidance is a feature where if you haven’t seen another vehicle and are about to change lanes into its way, or you’re about to come off the road, the Tesla car will steer out of harm’s way.
This feature is linked to the lane departure warning system where the car will sound an alarm if you change lanes without putting on your indicator to show other drivers your plans.
In both cases, if these events take place too often, the car will ultimately slow down and flash its hazard lights to warn other drivers you could be in trouble (perhaps in a medical emergency). In these cases, authorities can slow you down and stop you without touching the car. How? They can surround your car and stop, and the car’s collision avoidance system will stop it – now that’s pretty cool!
Navigate on Autopilot.
Did you know that the car will drive you from A-to-B using its navigation system on autopilot too? This means on most roads, and in safe conditions, you could tell the car where to go and rest your hands on the wheel while it takes you where you’re going.
This feature puts Tesla cars head and shoulders above its rivals. As always, you need to be sober, alert, and have your hands on the wheel throughout as the car won’t drive you without you doing it.
The Easter Eggs!
We can’t talk about Tesla features without a word on their Easter eggs, can we? These are little apps that you can find all over the autopilot and infotainment systems that can make life a little lighter while driving them. Let’s have a look at a few of the best.
Trust me. Our grandkids (above photo is of generic grandkids) can’t get enough of this. Your kids (and not so young ones) will love the ‘Emissions Testing’ Easter egg, where the car can make a range of different fart noises almost anywhere in the cabin thanks to its excellent sound system. Your children/menfolk can make it seem that anyone has farted in a range of different ways. Don’t worry, though, the car can’t make real smells…yet.
If you are closing out the evening with a date that’s gone well, perhaps you could switch on Romance Mode to inspire the right mood – this is a log fire that appears on the main screen. A little warmth from the climate control system and appropriate music, and you could set the mood perfectly as you go home for your after-dinner entertainment.
Dozens of other Easter eggs will keep everyone happy, including fun the driver can have while driving it on Autopilot as well as the passengers old and young. Though most of them can be found on a dedicated screen, some can only be found by hitting the Tesla button in certain circumstances. Have a play and see what you can find!
No Need for a Child Lock.
As with all cars on the road today, there is a standard child lock on the rear doors of Teslas to stop your little ones from falling out while playing in back as they do. But did you know that at speeds of over 5mph, no doors will be operable from the inside anyway? You can only open the doors from the inside when the car has come to a complete stop. That means everyone is safe all the time.
Reverse Can be Engaged While Moving Forward.
Unlike other cars where you have to put your foot on the brake and come to a standstill, you can tell your Tesla to go into reverse while it is rolling forward. The car will come to a stop safely and then reverse.
Though it is only available while you’re traveling at a maximum speed of 5mph, this is a feature that can allow you to maneuver more quickly and effectively.
Explicit Lyrics Bar on the Infotainment System.
If you have kids in your car, you won’t want them to hear the language that adults use. That’s why Teslas have an ‘explicit lyrics bar’ on their infotainment system – all you need to do is check a box, and you won’t hear songs that may teach them the language that you’d prefer they won’t.
This is just one of a large number of family-friendly Tesla features on the range that makes their cars so good for families to use. How many other automakers have thought so deeply about things like these?
Over The Air (OTA) Updates.
The car you buy from Tesla today will be far better a few years down the road than it was when you drove it away from the dealer. Sound strange? That’s because Tesla releases regular OTA updates to the car’s software, where Tesla HQ can upgrade your car while it is in your garage or parking lot.
Improvements so far have included updating the Autopilot software so it can get you in precisely the right lane on the road in cities and highways where you need to be in a particular lane to change roads, turn right or left. Other regular refinements make every Tesla made after 2016 almost as good as one another.
Where there is a problem with an OTA, you can send a report back to Tesla HQ (again without leaving the car), and they can come up with a software patch to fix it. That means that unlike certain operating software companies, the company will keep you on the road even if there is a bug in the code!
Model X – Bioweapon Defense Mode.
Quite apart from being tailpipe-emissions free and saving others from breathing gunk from your driving, the Model X keeps the air inside just as clean inside as it does the air outside!
On the crossover Model X, there is a High-Efficiency Particulate Arrestance (HEPA) filter that cleans the air coming into your car to the same standards as a hospital operating room. On Bioweapon Defense Mode, that could mean you could theoretically drive away after a terrorist ‘dirty bomb’ attack on your city and be perfectly safe inside.
Basically, the dirty air of a city is cleaned by the car as it flows inside the cabin. If you or a friend have a lung condition such as asthma or COPD, this means that you or they can breathe the air without risks of unwanted pollutants, causing a reaction.
The Takeaway.
From exceptional safety ratings to gadgets to keep the kids happy, Tesla cars are totally different from those made by other automakers. Hopefully, we’ve given you a flavor of some of the unique Tesla features out there.
Pricing.
O.K. we’ve finally gotten to the point of “What does one of these bad boys cost?” Does it really matter? Aren’t all of the features described above worth it no matter the price? You’re saying, “No! Price does matter!” All right then. Let’s talk about pricing.
There are four Tesla models available. They come with a base price and very few options. Here’s what Tesla’s pricing program by model looks like.
Savings/revenue generation
But…before we get there you need to consider some “adjustments”. I drive about 12,000 miles each year. This is what my gasoline expense savings look like compared to my previous car, a Lexus RX 350 SUV. That car gave me, on a good day about 22 m.p.g. Currently, in California, gas goes for about $4.00 per gallon. Why so high? I call it the “sunshine tax”.
Because I have a lifetime free supercharging option with my Tesla Model X I don’t pay anything for fuel. I won’t pay anything for fuel…as long as I own this car. I figure that saves me about $2,180 each year. If I had to take money from my IRA to pay that amount my annual withdrawal for gas before taxes would be about $3,300. As noted there is no routine maintenance expense and no down the road repair expense as related to an internal combustion engine.
Additionally, you may get rebates from federal, state or local entities that encourage electric car ownership. Don’t think the government should be incentivizing electric car ownership? Too bad. We don’t get a say in that. So, whatever a Tesla car will cost you it won’t cost you as much with the above savings.
One final thing, or maybe two and then I promise you we will get to pricing. You do not buy an electric car to save money. We’re not there yet with electric cars. However, you will be driving the coolest car on the block and will be absolutely enjoying all of the options detailed above.
Haters
Could I really provide a review of a Tesla electric automobile without covering this subject? No, in good conscience, I could not.
Did you know that each political party attempts to shame its members into “hating” certain aspects of what they would tell you the other party supports? Why do they do that? I think it’s so that political talk shows can exist.
This is one of the reasons I take the opportunity to hate politics! It’s my right as an American. I do not want either party telling me what to like or not like what to support or not support. I am apolitical.
What are political “hot buttons”? How about these words?
Commie
Extremist
Elitist
Fanatic
Hack
Ideolog
Loon
Moron
Nutjob
Troll
Zealot
Somehow the phrase “electric car” has been politicized! The term electric car to many people has a political meaning as strong as “mask-wearing, Robert DeNiro, solar panels, Chick-Fil-A, wind machine (not a windmill) or Lebron James or Amazon”.
I have no interest in being “shamed” by either political party. If I want to pick up a chicken sandwich while driving my Tesla to see an episode of Meet the Fockers with money saved by having solar panels I will. Think I was trying to secretly support your political party or the opposite party with that statement? I wasn’t!
The idea of buying an electric car should not be politicized. If you see the need and the value of an electric car then you should buy it. Pretty soon you won’t be able to buy an internal combustion engine-powered automobile. These are the dates when major automakers, as well as countries and cities, will not allow ICE cars to be made and/or sold. Remember, I just report the facts.
California – 2035
Canada – 2040
General Motors – 2035
Germany – 2030
Los Angeles – 2030
Mexico City – 2025
Norway – 2025
Paris – 2025
Seattle – 2030
United Kingdom – 2030
Volkswagen – 2027
Volvo – 2030
Folks better keep changing the oil on that old gas-burner out in the driveway. Pretty soon you won’t be able to buy a new one.
Pricing…yes, finally pricing
Below are the various list prices with options on the four Tesla models that are available. As you will see there is a wide range in prices from one model to the next. Wanna go faster? Pay up.
Model X SUV
Long Range
360 mile range
155 mph top speed
3.8 second 0-60 mph
Model X SUV
Plaid
340 mile range
163 mph top speed
2.5 seconds 0-60 mph
Long Range – $89,990
Plaid – $119,990
Options
Color: Pearl white no extra charge. Black, silver, blue – $1,500. Red – $2,500
Wheels: 19” included. 22” $5,500.
Interior: Black included. Black and white or cream $2,000.
Seating layout: 5 included. 6 $6,500. 7 $3,500.
Full Self-Driving Capability – $10,000
Model S Sedan
Long range
412 mile range
155 mph top speed
3.1 second 0-60 mph
Model S Sedan
Plaid
300 mile range
200 mph top speed
1.99 second 0-60 mph
Model S Sedan
Plaid +
520 mile range
200 mph top speed
<1.99 second 0-60 mph (that’s really fast!)
Long Range – $79,990
Plaid – $119,990
Plaid+ – $149,990
Options
Color: Pearl white no extra charge. Black, silver, blue – $1,500. Red – $2,500
Wheels: 19” included. 21” $4,500.
Interior: Black included. Black and white or cream $2,000.
Full Self-Driving Capability – $10,000
Model 3 Sedan
Standard Range Plus
263 mile range
140 mph top speed
5.3 second 0-60 mph
Model 3 Sedan
Long Range
353 mile range
145 mph top speed
4.2 second 0-60 mph
Model 3 Sedan
Performance
315 mile range
162 mph top speed
3.1 seconds 0-60 mph
Standard Range Plus – $37,490
Long Range – $46,490
Performance – $55,990
Options
Color: Pearl white no extra charge. Black, silver, blue – $1,000. Red – $2,000
Wheels: 20” included.
Interior: Black included. Black and white $1,000.
Full Self-Driving Capability – $10,000
Model Y SUV
Long Range
326 mile range
135 mph top speed
4.8 second 0-60 mph
Model Y SUV
Performance
303 mile range
155 mph top speed
3.5 seconds 0-60 mph
Long Range – $49,990
Performance – $60,990
Options
Color: Pearl white no extra charge. Black, silver, blue – $1,000. Red – $2,000
Wheels: 21” included.
Tow hitch: $1,000.
Interior: Black included. Black and white $1,000.
Seating layout: 5 included.
Full Self-Driving Capability – $10,000
How can I pay for it?
Not with my “good looks” as my mother used to say. You can use ApplePay!
Financing and insurance.
I financed my car with a California credit union at 1.9% for six years. This was a smoking hot deal! During 19 years of retirement my stock and bond portfolio has returned 8.6% annually. By NOT giving Tesla $100,000 when I picked up the car I stand to earn THOUSANDS over the next six years in investment earnings.
Tesla does offer financing and insurance. I have my insurance with Farmers. I was paying about $600 every six months to insure a 2013 Lexus RX 350 with a value of $18,500. Now I am paying about $900 every six months to insure a $100,000 car. That seems fair enough.
Can I use the Randy Lewis “buy my new car at a super low price” method?
Nope. Tesla sells all of their new cars at the published non-negotiable price. You might be able to buy a floor model for a slight discount.
Summary.
Is now the time? Do you have an open mind? Do you want to be one of the earlier adopters? Do you want to have the most fun to drive car on the road?
Are you pressed for time? You can go to Tesla.com and order the model of your choice in less than 60 seconds. If you use ApplePay you will get all of those precious credit card points saving you even more money.
Is a Tesla automobile inexpensive? No, it is not. Will you save money in the big picture by not having to ever buy gasoline again? No, you will not. Will you save the planet by driving electric? Probably not…but I guess you will be doing your part.
Are you interested in an electric truck and not an electric car? You are in luck. Actually, in 2022, you will be in luck. The Tesla Cybertruck is coming to a town near you…in 2022! No, this is not your father’s Ford F-150.
Randy Lewis
San Clemente, California
Ideas that would never work?
Automobiles
In 1899, The Literary Digest magazine had this to say about automobiles: ‘The ordinary ‘horseless carriage’ is at present a luxury for the wealthy; and although its price will probably fall in the future, it will never, of course, come into as common use as the bicycle.’ Four years later, Detroit lawyer Horace Rackham was advised by the president of the Michigan Savings Bank that ‘the horse is here to stay but the automobile is only a novelty – a fad,’
Television
In 1926, one year after Scottish inventor John Logie Baird gave the first public demonstration of a working television in London, American radio pioneer Lee De Forest proclaimed the device a commercial and financial impossibility, calling it ‘a development of which we need waste little time dreaming.’ 20 years later people still weren’t convinced, with film producer Darryl Zanuck stating in 1946 that ‘people will soon get tired of staring at a plywood box every night.’
Airplanes
Sometimes even inventors themselves can be a tad short-sighted about their own creations. In 1901, following a few disappointing experiments with their early gliders, Wilbur Wright proclaimed ‘Man will not fly for 50 years,’ yet just two years later the Wright Brothers would make history when they successfully flew the world’s first powered aircraft over Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Later in 1933, following the maiden flight of the world’s first modern passenger aircraft – the 10-seater Boeing 247 – an engineer is reported to have claimed: ‘There will never be a bigger plane built.’
Cell phones
Hearing about early reactions to the humble landline telephone, it’s perhaps unsurprising that people failed to foresee the potential for a phone that could be easily transported (barring those phones popularized in the 1980s) and used on the go. Even cell phone pioneer Motorola failed to foresee its own potential: in 1981, Motorola’s then director of research Marty Cooper, who just eight years earlier had made the world’s first phone call by cell phone, stated that ‘cellular phones will absolutely not replace local wire systems. Even if you project it beyond our lifetimes, it won’t be cheap enough.’
Personal computers
Life without computers is practically unimaginable today, but in 1949 – one year after the world’s first stored program computer, the Small-Scale Experimental Machine, made its debut in Manchester, England – a Hungarian-American mathematician declared: ‘We have reached the limit of what is possible to achieve with computer technology.’ Even as the capabilities and functions of computers grew, the now ubiquitous device had its naysayers with Ken Olson – founder of computer company Digital Equipment Corp – saying in 1977, ‘There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home,’ though by 2012 nearly 80% of all American households owned a computer.