Why Tesla is Beating GM, Ford and Toyota - Electric Cars

[msirach]

The race is on!

Adam Hartung - FORBES - July 7, 2012

Is an EV in your future? --Ed.

Sales expectations are not good for U.S. auto companies. Automakers are resorting to fairly radical promotional programs to spur sales. Chevrolet’s is offering a 60-day money back guarantee. And Chrysler is offering 90 day delayed financing. These incentives designed to make you want to buy a car, when you really don’t want to buy a car. At least, not the cars they are selling.

On the other hand, the barely known, small and far from mainstream Tesla motors gave one of its new Model S cars to Wall Street Journal reviewer Dan Neil last week, and he gave it a glowing testimonial. He went so far as to compare this 4-door all-electric sedan’s performance with the Lamborghini and Ford GT supercars. And its design with the Jaguar. And he spent several paragraphs on the Tesla Model S’s comfort, quiet, seating and storage – much more aligned with a Mercedes S series.

There are no incentives currently offered on the Tesla Model S.

What’s so different about Tesla and GM or Ford? Well, everything.

Tesla is a classic example of a disruptive innovator, and GM/Ford are classic examples of old-guard competitors locked into sustaining innovation. While the former is changing the market – like, say Amazon is doing in retail – the latter, entrenched fogies keep laughing at it – like, say Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City and Barnes & Noble have been laughing at Amazon.

Tesla did not set out to be a company that would make a slightly better, or cheaper car. Or even an alternative car, but similar to what most U.S. companies make. Instead it set out to make a superior car.... [Read More]

[herm]

It is a bit premature to claim victory over GM and Ford..

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Originally Posted by msirach

Is an EV in your future? --Ed.

Um... yeah.

[EdwinTheMagnificent]

Is an EV in your future? --Ed.

I wish. My first goal is to buy a new hybrid. Maybe some day an EV , but I do need a car with 600 mile range. Okay, I TELL myself I need it, so I DO.

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Looks like the tank capacity in your Civic is 13.2g. Calculating conservatively, 600/12 = 50mpg

Your recent tanks show you aren't that far off! I'll bet that with topping off and a little bit more work on your hypermiling you'd top 600mi handily.

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Originally Posted by msirach

Is an EV in your future? --Ed.

A PHEV at best. (Where HEV < PHEV < BEV)

Tesla isn't beating the others yet, although I hope they do. Until they can deliver the Model S in numbers sufficient to meet demand, they just have potential. (Lots of potential).

[Right Lane Cruiser]

Originally Posted by ItsNotAboutTheMoney

...Tesla...they just have potential. (Lots of potential).

Why yes they do! That 300mi pack is huge so the Voltage (potential) must also be huge.

<Ducks and runs for cover!!!>

[AshenGrey]

Tesla sells cars to millionaires, so of Course Tesla is selling well. CEO pay has increased 759% in the past 30 years while worker pay has increased 5% (adjusted for inflation). The working stiffs can't afford new cars anymore while millionaires are rich enough to buy Teslas with their pocket change.

[basjoos]

Originally Posted by Right Lane Cruiser

Looks like the tank capacity in your Civic is 13.2g. Calculating conservatively, 600/12 = 50mpg

Your recent tanks show you aren't that far off! I'll bet that with topping off and a little bit more work on your hypermiling you'd top 600mi handily.

That and a few aeromods if you spend much time over 40 mph. I used to get a max of 440 miles from my Civic's 11.9gal tank, then stretched it to 620 miles via hypermiling. Added a bunch of aeromods and now I'm over 800 miles on that same 11.9 gallons.

[Harold]

That is damn inexpressive #'s basjoos. I would like to see you work over a newer auto with more safety built into the car. I think you would go nuts with a Fit!!! Keep up the good work. H