I figured most would take my post as whining. It really wasn't that. I just wish there was a way to have existing owners who just spent $70, $80, $100+ grand on their cars feel like they can stay current at least for a little while. Again, I love Tesla and they are second to none. It's just a tough balance to get used to. Even your new iPhone is good for a year before the next update. That's just not the case with Tesla. Just have to get used to it. My only point was it would be nice if there was a way for the most recent buyers to have the option to pay for reasonably priced retrofit so they don't feel immediately burned a week or a month after forking out $100 grand on a "NEW" car.
I do think Tesla has to be careful about getting too big for its britches. Their pricing model is unique to Tesla and most prices they charge are "because they can". Less than a year ago, the highest price Tesla Model S I think topped out around $143,000 if you got everything. Now $8,000 for AP. $10,000 for the 100 battery, $10,000 for Ludicrous. I think a fully loaded Model S can top out damn close to $170,000. Tesla at $100,000 was always considered an expensive car, but praised for still being reasonably priced for what it was and being much cheaper than the Luxury or Super Car brands. At $170K, it's closer to that $200K mark and the price is no longer a "bargain". You're definitely going to be paying for the "Tesla" name. I think that's going to hurt them down the road as they've certainly priced several people out of the Tesla market. The amazing thing is, when you think about AP hardware included and Ludicrous mode, that's $18,000 all in the "flip of a switch" as both are software controlled. Considering all the hardware is already there, that's some big "confidence" by Tesla.
Makes me wonder how much it will be to get a Model 3 with the features that really appeal to the "i want a Tesla" market. AP is almost a must have. $8,000 on a $35,000 car could be a turn off to those that can't afford a 25% price bump for the one option that appeals most to them. And to charge Model 3 buyers less for the exact same thing as the Model S or X has would not make a lot of S & X owners happy. We may have the money and can afford it, but we didn't get here by being stupid with our money or being taken advantage of. Anyway, just think they're walking a fine line. We'll see how it all plays out.
