First Tesla Model S Test Drives Appearing...

[cab]

Sorry if this is a duplicate post:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...s_first_drive/

There are a few other posts out there too. Hardly a full test, and there is definitely a certain amount of hype/novelty that influences the review, but a glowing review for what it is. I have to admit, at the entry level price point it is somewhat compelling. I don't find the extended range beyond the base worth anything since I still wouldn't take any pure EV out-of-town and the base model's 140 miles covers the worst case in-town one day scenario for me.

[Raymondjram]

I liked the Motor Trend evaluation, considering that they (as will other car reviewers) compare the Tesla with ICE vehicles. A hundred years ago, the first automobile reviewers would compare the new cars with steam vehicles and maybe with horse-drawn carriages. But we know that the EV is the new "king of the road", and the Tesla Model S became the new flagship for BEVs (the Volt and Karma are for EREVs). Definitely it is a much better vehicle than the Nissan Leaf (like comparing an Altima with a Corvette), and its higher price range is justifiable.

If I had the money (as anyone else in the GM-Volt forum), I would buy this Model S, but being more down-to-earth, I will see what the Model X has, and I expect GM to come out with better Voltec EREV and BEV models to compare with Tesla and Fisker.

But I wish Elon Musk and Tesla Motors all the success to sell every Model S, and to continue to be the leader in BEVs in America.

Go Tesla!

[Henry_FL]

The model S does have a really solid engineering into it, they unfortunately don't have the resources of a GM to vet the design before general sales, I truly hope they get lucky and have no major issues as the ramp up production.

[scottf200]

From MNL but various broken links I fixed.

Amazing glowing reviews from Motor Trend, Road and Driver, CNET, Wired, Yahoo and anyone else who had a chance to drive.

Motor Trend has been completley blown over:
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...s_first_drive/

Forbes is ultra impressed:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/ericsavi...s-would-be-it/

CNET loves Model S
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13746_7...news&tag=title

Wired thinks Model S is cool
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2012/06...model-s-drive/

Engadget:
http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/22/t...goes-electric/


Dailykos has gone bonkers
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/0...you-can-afford

Faux News: If you have nothing bad to say, say nothing at all.

Video from GigaOm
http://gigaom.com/cleantech/video-we...ign=earth2tech

[saghost]

The model S does have a really solid engineering into it, they unfortunately don't have the resources of a GM to vet the design before general sales, I truly hope they get lucky and have no major issues as the ramp up production.

I'm not expecting major issues - most of the fundamental mechanical/electrical design is evolved from the Roadster that they spent several years working out, and EVs really are simpler with fewer things to break.

OTOH, they have a bunch of trick hardware - car turns on when you get in with the key, door handles open when the key gets nearby, etc - that I wouldn't be surprised if they had niggling issues with. It's also very dependent on that touchscreen and the software driving it...

[Zythryn]

Thanks Scott, nice collection of reviews!

[BAZINGA]

The Tesla is worth the price of admission and a welcome addition to the EV world. I'm betting the Volt will suddenly start getting more and more positive reviews. I wonder how the ELR will stack up to a similarly priced Tesla?

[Zythryn]

That is one of the reasons I like seeing more competition. Wide variety means EVs will work for more people. And more competition leads, generally, to better products

[agggilli]

I might would consider a Tesla when my lease is up, but I am concerned on who would service it and take care of warranty repairs. There are not that many Tesla dealers. There are multiple GM dealers in practically any town. This is why I'm planning on the ELR for my next ride. I believe DC is my closest Tesla dealer, and if my Tesla was to take a crap I don't like my service being that far away.

[saghost]

The Tesla is worth the price of admission and a welcome addition to the EV world. I'm betting the Volt will suddenly start getting more and more positive reviews. I wonder how the ELR will stack up to a similarly priced Tesla?

That's be interesting, indeed. The Tesla looks to be an awesome car. As amazing as the Volt is, GM may need to step up their game.