There are so many cool features to my Model S, and the list keeps growing with every new software update. But let’s go back to 2017, there were certain factors that played a large role in selling me on this car, and they are still relevant for potential buyers today. (Note: this list is in no particular order.)
Tax Credit
When we were calculating the total cost of the Model S, the Electric Vehicles and Solar Incentives was a major factor. These were federal and state tax incentives that were applicable to our purchase for that year in the amount of $7,500!
Unfortunately, this tax credit is a hot topic in legislation right now so the credit amount may decrease or be eliminated completely. But it is not gone yet, and changes will vary based on location, which means there is still time to capitalize on this tax incentive.
Unlimited Supercharging/Low Fuel Cost
This is a perk that Elon has gone back and forth on. Luckily, when we were deciding if/when to purchase our Model S, this perk was still around but was set to be removed April 1, 2017. So, this became more a factor for timing with our purchase.
As of the date of this post, unlimited supercharging has been reinstated but only for new Model S and Model X purchases. If you buy a new Model 3, be sure to use a referral code and you will get 1,000 miles of free supercharging…it’s not unlimited but it will get you far.
No matter which Tesla you buy, do not worry your pretty little head, the cost to charge any EV car will always be lower than the cost of gas!
Supercharging Stations Network
As I discussed in my previous post, Tesla’s supercharging network makes having an electric vehicle that much easier and smoother of a transition. Goodbye battery anxiety!
Low Maintenance
I love my husband from the bottom of my heart.
I just wanted to make that statement to soften the blow for when he reads this next part…James is not mechanically inclined. And I just don’t want to hahaha. So needless to say, we were both very excited for the minimal work that would need to be done in order to maintain a Model S. As I discussed in a previous post, Tesla vehicles do not require a lot of parts to operate which also means there is a lower cost of ownership with regard to maintenance.
Autonomous Driving
Being at the forefront of something that will revolutionize the automobile industry and the driving experience weighed heavily on the pros list. Summon on the most basic level of moving forward and backward, blew my mind, and that was before I was shown autopilot and autopark.
I wanted in! Knowing all of Elon’s plans for enhanced summon and complete autonomous driving, we could not miss out.
And so far Elon has turned a lot of his plans into actions and the Tesla fleet is even closer to full self-driving than it was in 2017, like the version 10 update that came with Smart Summon. This feature enables to the car to detect your location (within a 150 ft. radius) and to drive to you by itself!
All-Electric
Not having to even think about the price of gas, based on the decisions of a few *insert eye roll*, was a very liberating idea. In addition, we have family from Florida to New York, so we would be saving a lot of money on gas during our travels.
Safety
Tesla has made safety a top priority. In particular, the Model S has front-impact and side-impact protection. Hopefully you never have to use it, but if you’re in an accident you will be happy the car was built for your protection. Also, the low-mounted battery pack gives the car a low center of gravity which prevents turnovers, which is important to SUVs like the Model X.
In 2017, Tesla Model S was ranked the highest in safety for a sedan, and is only outranked today by Tesla Model 3. Yep, Tesla makes the safest cars in the world.
Design
Before Tesla, I had only ever seen electric vehicles that were small and shaped like a box on wheels. In my mind, electric cars were tantamount to toy cars in regard to aesthetics. So, I was very impressed by such a beautifully designed vehicle that was all-electric.
Today there has been a lot of progress made with the design of EV cars, like Porsche Taycan, but Tesla is one of the few that maintains an attractive exterior for a great price and battery range (ie, Tesla Model 3).
Customer Service
We received exceptional, friendly service throughout every stage of our decision. The Tesla store associates answered my first batch of questions without flinching, another representative answered my next batch of questions via text message, and then a loan officer helped us find an institution to use for our car loan. The level of customer service we received from Tesla, and continue to receive as owners, is unmatched in the car dealership industry.
Elon Musk
The brains behind the operation known as Tesla Motors is the CEO & founder, Elon Musk. Not only did he have the vision for an all-electric luxury vehicle, he had the courage to step outside the box and create something what a lot of people still do not want to accept. Despite doubt from other automakers, Wall Street, and other skeptics, Elon Musk has invested a lot of his own money and countless hours of his time into producing a great car lineup. This lets current and future buyers know that this is more than a business for him, but more of a passion. And that will only be to the benefit of Tesla owners.
Leave a Reply