Test drive of a petrol car
I get the point of this article and its tongue in cheek. Twenty years ago people laughed at electric cars with their maybe 30-40 miles of range and 8-12hour charging times. Tesla has done a lot to iron out most of these engineering problems and I applaud them for that. However, articles like this also smack of elitism, especially considering the 6 figure prices most Tesla vehicles sell for. I would love to own a Tesla, just as I would love to own a 2000 acre ranch estate with a huge mansion on it. When electric cars can compete in the range of commodity cars, then we can have this conversation about the merits of electric cars.<p>I just watched a video comparing the Dodge Charger Hellcat to a Tesla P-85d. Both have similar power, and while you can debate the level of quality of FCA vs Tesla you can still drive a Hellcat(which is an insane gas guzzler) for less money for 5-7 years depending on your yearly mileage. At that point, most people will likely purchase a new vehicle, and that is also assuming you only use free superchargers. A Tesla is definitely a luxury item, I get that, and there are other options. The problem is most current other options are more like the electric cars 20 years ago than a tesla.<p>Progress is being made and I am excited about that. I would love to have an electric commuter car as long as it could meet the following criteria.<p>1) seat 5 people comfortably
2) have 150+ miles of range(I drive about 120 miles per day)
3) cost between 30-50k
4) have reasonable performance(say comparable to a german sedan in that price range)
5) recharge quickly and easily, possibly have battery swap capability for the high use days
6) emphasize being a good car and not a "green" car. Im all for taking care of the environment, but will never buy a car with a 60" x 12" GREEN ECO ELECTRIC POWER emblazoned across the side.(In the same way I would never get a car that says "UBER HEMI BIG WANG POWER" either)
7) be reliable and comfortable to drive, with low cost of ownership at least comparable to a reliable petrol car.<p>I dont think any of that list is unreasonable, and I am glad that Tesla exists, they have done a great service to the electric car.