Regaj
Member
All this frantic activity of cars getting shuffled around because people are rejecting VINs (which I don't have any problem with) is a good argument for Tesla adopting more conventional model years. For example, if you order a 2022 you would automatically get AMD, Li ion LV battery and heated wipers. You would also get the $2k in price hikes Tesla gave us. If you order 2021 you wouldn't get any of those things but you'd get all the features introduced in 2021 plus of course the lower price. If you order 2023 you get dual-pane rear glass, hairpin motor windings, and new HV battery and whatever price Tesla wants to charge.
There would be no need for rejecting cars and freaking out because everyone would be on the same page and know exactly what they're getting and getting exactly what they paid for. If you ordered a 2021 toward the end of year and then later decide you want a 2022 you can do that... but you'd have to cancel your 2021 order (possibly forfeiting your $250) and place a new 2022 order for the higher price and start at the back of the line. IMO that's the "best" and most fair way to do it. They way things are now someone can pay less than you and get a better car with newer components!
Understand why a lot of folks would feel this way. But there's also an awful lot to be said for the rolling improvements that Tesla periodically introduces.
If Tesla ran conventional "model years" like the legacy automakers, we wouldn't be seeing things like the Ryzen chip or the lithium battery until this fall.
I vote for continual improvement.