Can anyone explain to me the appeal of Teslas?
Discussion
OK, I get that Tesla is kind of the OG electric car (although the Nissan Leaf was not far behind), the company was a massive disruptor in the automotive industry, they're very fast, efficient, have a good range and an unrivalled charging network but...
1) They looks so bland and generic, like the kind of generic, non-specific cars that a "cheap" uncle/aunt might have given you for Christmas when you were a kid because they knew you liked cars.
2) They're not particularly cheap.
3) There must be other EVs that are better to drive.
4) Rivals that look better and have beautiful interiors are catching up in terms of efficiency/range.
5) Boring choice of colours.
6) The association with Elon Musk is offputting.
And yet, I work for quite a large company with an attractive salary sacrifice EV lease scheme and with the exception of us plebs that drive older ICE vehicles, pretty much everyone else, some who I would have previously considered to be "petrolheads" drives a Tesla Model 3/Y. Outside of my workplace, I realise that cheaper Chinese EVs like MGs/BYDs/Jaecoos have become increasingly popular but I find them equally turgid.
So what am I missing? Previously enjoyable conversations about cars around the water cooler/coffee machine have turned into boring conversations about range/efficiency/charging times/pre-heating/cooling and none of this makes me want to own one any more! Fortunately there are still a couple of bikers around to talk bikes with, which is much more stimulating!
So why has Tesla become such a "cult" and what makes them superior to other EVs (or is that just not the case)?
1) They looks so bland and generic, like the kind of generic, non-specific cars that a "cheap" uncle/aunt might have given you for Christmas when you were a kid because they knew you liked cars.
2) They're not particularly cheap.
3) There must be other EVs that are better to drive.
4) Rivals that look better and have beautiful interiors are catching up in terms of efficiency/range.
5) Boring choice of colours.
6) The association with Elon Musk is offputting.
And yet, I work for quite a large company with an attractive salary sacrifice EV lease scheme and with the exception of us plebs that drive older ICE vehicles, pretty much everyone else, some who I would have previously considered to be "petrolheads" drives a Tesla Model 3/Y. Outside of my workplace, I realise that cheaper Chinese EVs like MGs/BYDs/Jaecoos have become increasingly popular but I find them equally turgid.
So what am I missing? Previously enjoyable conversations about cars around the water cooler/coffee machine have turned into boring conversations about range/efficiency/charging times/pre-heating/cooling and none of this makes me want to own one any more! Fortunately there are still a couple of bikers around to talk bikes with, which is much more stimulating!
So why has Tesla become such a "cult" and what makes them superior to other EVs (or is that just not the case)?
the combo of range, price, interior, performance and UX is considered by lots of folks to be a better combo for an every day car than anything else offers. The self driving features and display are amongst the best there is in the industry, the performance ones are cheap for the performance they offer and they're very cheap on lease deals (£300/month from memory?). Oh and the charging network (whilst possibly accessible by some other cars now?) and integration is second to none as well - some of the older models still have lifetime charging for free which is a bit of a win if you live near a charger
if you're not too bothered about driving, they're pretty close to the perfect appliance.
if you're not too bothered about driving, they're pretty close to the perfect appliance.
Edited by 5lab on Thursday 2nd July 19:06
Edited by 5lab on Thursday 2nd July 19:07
I didn t get it either - and then I drove one a couple of mths ago.
I now own a Model Y and wish I d bought one years ago. They re a very different drive to anything else I ve ever had the pleasure of driving. Much more relaxing and they re a proper tool car and ideal for a daily.
Drove mine to Manchester from Newcastle for work earlier this week and it was flawless. Charging stop was 7mins each way - literally by the time I d plugged it in to the supercharger, went to the toilet and was walking back the car it messaged me to tell me it was ready to continue the journey.
I do own other petrol cars and they ve barely moved since I bought the Tesla and if it continues like this I ll be moving them on asap.
I don t even miss CarPlay and that s a massive surprise to me!
ETA- on the Elon point I genuinely couldn’t care less, it takes more than one man to make a car company and there are enough nefarious characters associated with motoring historically that you could in theory limit yourself exponentially if you wanted to.
I now own a Model Y and wish I d bought one years ago. They re a very different drive to anything else I ve ever had the pleasure of driving. Much more relaxing and they re a proper tool car and ideal for a daily.
Drove mine to Manchester from Newcastle for work earlier this week and it was flawless. Charging stop was 7mins each way - literally by the time I d plugged it in to the supercharger, went to the toilet and was walking back the car it messaged me to tell me it was ready to continue the journey.
I do own other petrol cars and they ve barely moved since I bought the Tesla and if it continues like this I ll be moving them on asap.
I don t even miss CarPlay and that s a massive surprise to me!
ETA- on the Elon point I genuinely couldn’t care less, it takes more than one man to make a car company and there are enough nefarious characters associated with motoring historically that you could in theory limit yourself exponentially if you wanted to.
Edited by Alorotom on Thursday 2nd July 19:16
white_goodman said:
So why has Tesla become such a "cult" and what makes them superior to other EVs (or is that just not the case)?
I've not idea about a cult but for a "daily driver" I think they are still one of the easiest car's to live with.- The tech just works (wipers aside
) and makes the daily comute very easy- For new to EV, the integrated charging network removes all stress
I siwtched from a Tesla 3 to a BMW i5 (50% more expensive), and although the BMW has better comfort there are many ways it's behind the Tesla.
white_goodman said:
OK, I get that Tesla is kind of the OG electric car (although the Nissan Leaf was not far behind), the company was a massive disruptor in the automotive industry, they're very fast, efficient, have a good range and an unrivalled charging network but...
1) They looks so bland and generic, like the kind of generic, non-specific cars that a "cheap" uncle/aunt might have given you for Christmas when you were a kid because they knew you liked cars.
2) They're not particularly cheap.
3) There must be other EVs that are better to drive.
4) Rivals that look better and have beautiful interiors are catching up in terms of efficiency/range.
5) Boring choice of colours.
6) The association with Elon Musk is offputting.
1) Like 95% of other new cars, perhaps?1) They looks so bland and generic, like the kind of generic, non-specific cars that a "cheap" uncle/aunt might have given you for Christmas when you were a kid because they knew you liked cars.
2) They're not particularly cheap.
3) There must be other EVs that are better to drive.
4) Rivals that look better and have beautiful interiors are catching up in terms of efficiency/range.
5) Boring choice of colours.
6) The association with Elon Musk is offputting.
2) Errrm...I was looking at several sub-£10k not so long ago.
3) Don't know. I can confirm that the Dual Motor Performance variant is eye-wateringly quick, at least as quick as most big bikes that I've had.
4) Beauty is in the eye of the beerholder...but Tesla led the way in terms of useable range/efficiency for many years.
5) Like 95% of other new cars, perhaps?
6) Absolutely and completely. I could not bring myself to give him my money, even if second-hand.
Not a fan. That said it is quite entertaining watching people of a certain political persuasion trying to reconcile their choice of car with the association to Elon. 
I believe they are class leading in terms of efficiency though, like vastly better than the competition. That said I’m certainly no expert so happy to be corrected on that.
I believe they are class leading in terms of efficiency though, like vastly better than the competition. That said I’m certainly no expert so happy to be corrected on that.
white_goodman said:
OK, I get that Tesla is kind of the OG electric car (although the Nissan Leaf was not far behind), the company was a massive disruptor in the automotive industry, they're very fast, efficient, have a good range and an unrivalled charging network but...
1) They looks so bland and generic, like the kind of generic, non-specific cars that a "cheap" uncle/aunt might have given you for Christmas when you were a kid because they knew you liked cars.
2) They're not particularly cheap.
3) There must be other EVs that are better to drive.
4) Rivals that look better and have beautiful interiors are catching up in terms of efficiency/range.
5) Boring choice of colours.
6) The association with Elon Musk is offputting.
And yet, I work for quite a large company with an attractive salary sacrifice EV lease scheme and with the exception of us plebs that drive older ICE vehicles, pretty much everyone else, some who I would have previously considered to be "petrolheads" drives a Tesla Model 3/Y. Outside of my workplace, I realise that cheaper Chinese EVs like MGs/BYDs/Jaecoos have become increasingly popular but I find them equally turgid.
So what am I missing? Previously enjoyable conversations about cars around the water cooler/coffee machine have turned into boring conversations about range/efficiency/charging times/pre-heating/cooling and none of this makes me want to own one any more! Fortunately there are still a couple of bikers around to talk bikes with, which is much more stimulating!
So why has Tesla become such a "cult" and what makes them superior to other EVs (or is that just not the case)?
Some of them are cheap. The basic Model 3 is very cheap on a lease. 1) They looks so bland and generic, like the kind of generic, non-specific cars that a "cheap" uncle/aunt might have given you for Christmas when you were a kid because they knew you liked cars.
2) They're not particularly cheap.
3) There must be other EVs that are better to drive.
4) Rivals that look better and have beautiful interiors are catching up in terms of efficiency/range.
5) Boring choice of colours.
6) The association with Elon Musk is offputting.
And yet, I work for quite a large company with an attractive salary sacrifice EV lease scheme and with the exception of us plebs that drive older ICE vehicles, pretty much everyone else, some who I would have previously considered to be "petrolheads" drives a Tesla Model 3/Y. Outside of my workplace, I realise that cheaper Chinese EVs like MGs/BYDs/Jaecoos have become increasingly popular but I find them equally turgid.
So what am I missing? Previously enjoyable conversations about cars around the water cooler/coffee machine have turned into boring conversations about range/efficiency/charging times/pre-heating/cooling and none of this makes me want to own one any more! Fortunately there are still a couple of bikers around to talk bikes with, which is much more stimulating!
So why has Tesla become such a "cult" and what makes them superior to other EVs (or is that just not the case)?
Looks are subjective I think the S and new 3 are good looking cars in sea of fussy designs.
You've already mentioned they're fast, efficient, good range and the best charging network.
How many reasons are you looking for?
They are cheap
considering one at under £300 pm for getting from A to B / work on the firm when my EV van lease finishes .Already have a Tesla Battery on the house. Will have Starlink shorty as the internet is useless round here and won't be getting any better.
won't replace the 911, the 635CSi, the MX5 or the V8 LR for fun
Elon. I like the cut of his jib AFAIAC he is a modern day hero. I have cheap electric, will have cheap internet and can get from A to B anytime very very cheaply. He argues with all the LW Tossers & is investing in the future of human kind rather than raping it for all he can get so happy to give him my ££
considering one at under £300 pm for getting from A to B / work on the firm when my EV van lease finishes .Already have a Tesla Battery on the house. Will have Starlink shorty as the internet is useless round here and won't be getting any better.
won't replace the 911, the 635CSi, the MX5 or the V8 LR for fun
Elon. I like the cut of his jib AFAIAC he is a modern day hero. I have cheap electric, will have cheap internet and can get from A to B anytime very very cheaply. He argues with all the LW Tossers & is investing in the future of human kind rather than raping it for all he can get so happy to give him my ££
Decent if unexciting cars, but most likely the charging network is the big draw.
They are quick and work quite well with minimum fuss. I suppose they are the iCar that feels like an apple product.
I'm not sure I understand the Elon Musk issue either. It's a car, not a political statement. I may entirely disagree with the boss of Mercedes about politics, but it wouldn't affect my choice of car.
They are quick and work quite well with minimum fuss. I suppose they are the iCar that feels like an apple product.
I'm not sure I understand the Elon Musk issue either. It's a car, not a political statement. I may entirely disagree with the boss of Mercedes about politics, but it wouldn't affect my choice of car.
Don’t own one, and not intending to, but they seem similar to most cars out there in the same class. Bland design outside, usually a pit of black inside with nothing but a screen for company.
That seems like the majority of new cars, so you might as well get one with a decent charging network you know will work!
That seems like the majority of new cars, so you might as well get one with a decent charging network you know will work!
_Rodders_ said:
Some of them are cheap. The basic Model 3 is very cheap on a lease.
Looks are subjective I think the S and new 3 are good looking cars in sea of fussy designs.
You've already mentioned they're fast, efficient, good range and the best charging network.
How many reasons are you looking for?
Good answer Rodders. Personally I don't need one, or want one, but my criteria is different from othersLooks are subjective I think the S and new 3 are good looking cars in sea of fussy designs.
You've already mentioned they're fast, efficient, good range and the best charging network.
How many reasons are you looking for?
As someone that understands my needs differ from others, I think your answer, much more than the usual tripe, answers the OP's question well
Bravo
Having owned a couple of Model 3s, they are very easy to live with, the phone as the key is brilliant and the whole walk up and open the door and walk away and it locks is so easy.
The boot is a good size and the frunk (Blurgh!) is decent.
The charging is a piece of piss and we drove down to the south of France without a problem.
There's no servicing and they cost peanuts to run. There's no haggling when buying either.
It's a fairly decent steer to boot. A bit jittery and noisy, but decent enough.
Then Elon went mental, so we sold it as I'd rather not fund or support him him in anyway.
The Kia EV6 that has replaced it isn't as good but it's a cheaper car from the off, however just ordered a Mercedes CLA shooting brake electric, which should be more efficient and the test drive it was really nice to drive. A bit mad on the screens, and a bit bling as all new Mercedes are, however we'll give it a go on a business lease and more so, support some of our European friends
The boot is a good size and the frunk (Blurgh!) is decent.
The charging is a piece of piss and we drove down to the south of France without a problem.
There's no servicing and they cost peanuts to run. There's no haggling when buying either.
It's a fairly decent steer to boot. A bit jittery and noisy, but decent enough.
Then Elon went mental, so we sold it as I'd rather not fund or support him him in anyway.
The Kia EV6 that has replaced it isn't as good but it's a cheaper car from the off, however just ordered a Mercedes CLA shooting brake electric, which should be more efficient and the test drive it was really nice to drive. A bit mad on the screens, and a bit bling as all new Mercedes are, however we'll give it a go on a business lease and more so, support some of our European friends
I see two things on here.
1. People wanting to buy one call it a premium brand, similar to the obvious ones.
2. All others that call them cheap mass produced white goods.
It genuinely works as a decent EV and not many people complain about its range, drive or performance. Personally they have always been more expensive than similar speced deals on my Salsac, therefore I've never picked one, but I guess if it was the best VFM option I would have one too.
1. People wanting to buy one call it a premium brand, similar to the obvious ones.
2. All others that call them cheap mass produced white goods.
It genuinely works as a decent EV and not many people complain about its range, drive or performance. Personally they have always been more expensive than similar speced deals on my Salsac, therefore I've never picked one, but I guess if it was the best VFM option I would have one too.
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