Re:Tesla Model S Outperforms Aston Martin
by gsnedders on Saturday September 07, 2013 @07:12AM
(#6344712)
I dunno — I see the Model S as far less of a fashion statement than most other comparably priced cars. If one wishes to buy an electric car (e.g., because you believe in reducing pollution, because of the lower cost of running due to tax exemptions, etc.) and needs a range of over 200 miles, there are two options: the Venturi Fétish and the Tesla Model S (in some places the tax exemptions do not apply to hybrids, so if you need the range, that's it).
I also wouldn't write off operating costs as a reason — certainly, those who can afford them can likely afford the operating costs of similarly priced ICE cars, but my experience is those with a greater amount of money tend to be more frugal than those with slightly above average income. There's also the difference between wealth and income — purchase power for something like a car may well be done on the basis of wealth, while maintaining it done on income.
Operating costs of these cars are meaningless to people who can afford them, so until there's a Tesla in the $20,000--$30,000 range I don't see that as something that's going to factor into a purchase decision for most people.
I personally would never spend more than $10,000 on a car, and I'd have to be having a really weak moment to even spend that. I still find Tesla to be interesting to read about, they are quite clearly the best effort yet at an electric vehicle, but for me they will likely always be just a curiosity, sort of like a Cray supercomputer. Amazing, but really special-purpose.