Although I had paid in 100% for the 2020 Roadster FE in the first few days of January 2018, I had to make the decision to cancel with Tesla, and request a return of my FE Reservation 250k. They were pleasant about it and stated they would arrange for it. My older sister 900 miles away has MS, and announced that she needed help to pay for her daily caregiver. Just my momentary flash of resentment of her request made me feel serious guilt.
Knowing that I was awaiting a quick automotive thrill to improve over my P85D, I had to make the right decision. As much as reaching for that automotive nirvana meant to me, I was ashamed of myself for the indulgence in reserving one. I chose not to delay, and to send my request for the FE refund. Some have speculated that Tesla Motors is using the 2020 Roadster reservation dollars like a "Kickstarter". I feel confident that years from now we all will look back at what Tesla Motors has done for the world, and appreciate that we were there to witness it as it unfolded. Yes, they are behind in the TM3 production, but what they have triggered in the automotive industry is probably unstoppable.
On a different topic: We had some very cold temperatures the first few days of January, down to -20 degrees F. My ICE powered cars were stopped dead, two with warranty PCM failures, a 3rd (2016 XC90) was towed to the Volvo dealership, not with a battery issue, but with a mystery problem in the very cold temperatures. Ironically, the only vehicle I could take off my property was the P85D, but even with reduced range, it just felt right. That evening after I had used it for the day, I plugged it into my outdoor 50A welding outlet, set the camping mode at 60 F, spread a moving blanket over the roof and glass, and kept it warm that night.
Knowing that I was awaiting a quick automotive thrill to improve over my P85D, I had to make the right decision. As much as reaching for that automotive nirvana meant to me, I was ashamed of myself for the indulgence in reserving one. I chose not to delay, and to send my request for the FE refund. Some have speculated that Tesla Motors is using the 2020 Roadster reservation dollars like a "Kickstarter". I feel confident that years from now we all will look back at what Tesla Motors has done for the world, and appreciate that we were there to witness it as it unfolded. Yes, they are behind in the TM3 production, but what they have triggered in the automotive industry is probably unstoppable.
On a different topic: We had some very cold temperatures the first few days of January, down to -20 degrees F. My ICE powered cars were stopped dead, two with warranty PCM failures, a 3rd (2016 XC90) was towed to the Volvo dealership, not with a battery issue, but with a mystery problem in the very cold temperatures. Ironically, the only vehicle I could take off my property was the P85D, but even with reduced range, it just felt right. That evening after I had used it for the day, I plugged it into my outdoor 50A welding outlet, set the camping mode at 60 F, spread a moving blanket over the roof and glass, and kept it warm that night.
