I hope the Model S works out for you but have a feeling it may not giving the kinds of trips you want to do. Even 70A level 2 chargers are very rare so you're looking at mostly 30A chargers or 50A outlets at campgrounds. You have another year to see how things shake out before you have to commit to your purchase.
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The deal breaker...
- Thread starter tdelta1000
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dmckinstry
Model X 2019
Or possibly convince my wife that we can travel more slowly. One thing I'll be looking at when the betas come out is whether the rear seats fold down and how much room is available in the back, if they do fold down.
You should definitely look at the 300 mile pack which would help with your long trips too. Taking leisurely road trips could be fun. You'll probably have better luck with level 3 chargers in California in a few years that you will traveling east.
Seems to me that this is the answer to MOST of your problems. Why did you want the 160 mile pack given your driving needs ?
I guess I don't understand your question. I was just pointing out that for someone wanting to drive from Washington state to Missouri with the least number of stops, having a bigger battery might be nice. It's not necessary.
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Mycroft
Life happens
I think Kevin was just reinforcing your suggestion to dmckinstry. Frankly, I don't think it will make much difference. I think the only solution for dmckinstry's requirements, (that his wife would accept), is either a hybrid or a plug-in hybrid. He might as well get his $5k back now and start researching those alternatives.
I see. Sorry, it's been a long day. Kevin's post makes total sense now. Thanks.
I agree. If you're able to take a leisurely 4 day trip, then I think it could be fun but driving the way a lot of people do (minimal breaks, 500 miles in a day or so) would almost require a ICE car. I plug-in hybrid is a good idea. The new Prius coming out might work.
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dmckinstry
Model X 2019
A Volt doesn't appeal to me, and the 2012 Prius plug-in only has an EV range of only 12 miles. That's not enough to avoid using gas around here.
The other option (which I don't especially like) is to get a Leaf for now, only use it for local travel and continue to use the gas guzzler (which gets 30-33 mpg on the highway) for road trips, and wait until the infrastructure is in place before getting a Model S. The Leaf does have enough range to get me to and from between my home and anywhere in the Spokane area.
I would hate to think that insurance rates could be a deal breaker but if the insurance companies think that the Model S would cost more to insure than the other vehicles in its class would be a shame.
Tommy
Member
Per Tesla's FAQ on the Model S, a reservation holder can defer ordering a Model S to a later date. This option might delay your purchase long enough for the needed infrastructure in California to be in place. A long shot for sure, however in reading your posts, it seems like the Model S is a perfect fit for you other than the long trip back east.
WhiteKnight
_____ P85 #549 _____ Sig Red / Sig White
It should be pointed out to dmckinstry and others that while the battery pack says 160 miles, you can't go 160 miles at highway speeds before recharging. In fact if you're going 85 miles per hour with a full car of people and dogs, the A/C cranked up and your battery pack is a few years old then you might only get half the range (80 miles). You can't buy the first generation of the Tesla Model S and think that you're going to take it on the highway for road trips with the family. It's just not going to work. The Model S will get you to the exurbs and back and that's about it. Which is still great for 90% of the people 90% of the time.
dmckinstry
Model X 2019
I'm starting to think that way. Hopefully I'll get to see the Tesla rep in Seattle when the betas come in. Then I'll ask how long I can wait before giving up and getting back my deposit. As for the Missouri trip, I can take my gas guzzler for that. I could even do that for the Palm Springs trips, but don't want to leave the Tesla home unattended during the winter months.
I know the specs have been known for a while, but the deal breaker for me may be performance. After driving nothing but performance sedans and SUVs while waiting for the S, I'm not sure I can do a 5.6 0-60 car (though it's similar to a VW GLI). I may postpone my reservation until the sport models hit (unless that can just be a software thing)
bonnie
I play a nice person on twitter.
I thought the Model S 0-60 at 5.6 was going to put it near the top of it's class already. I think 5.6 may be the fastest car I've ever owned, and I drive an RX8 now and a Dodge Stealth before so I didn't exactly drive slow poke cars. I think the Mustang is around the same speed.
Yeah, but I have 3 problems with the roadster which led me to an R8 instead:
1) Size (I'm 6'3")
2) Tech (it's a bit spartan -- understandable given what it was for Tesla)
3) Looks (always important to me, and the Roadster just doesn't do it for me)
Wife has an S5 (coupe) - 4.9s
Current S4 (sedan) - 4.9s
Previously had a VW GLI: 6.3s
We also have a Q5 (SUV) which is 6.7s
So they're in the same range somewhat, but it will all depend on delivery. I hope, since it's electric, it will be spectacular. I'd like to see the sport at high 4's though
*edit* I forgot about handling, which I would assume the Model S will be great at. Time will tell. If they deliver the complete package (performance, handling, styling and technology) I'd buy in a heartbeat.
Mycroft
Life happens
The Audi A7 is the closest competitor I think, and it's at 5.4. I know the S isn't going to match the get-up-and-go that my Goldwing has, but it'll be much quieter and a heck of a lot better than the Escort station wagon that I've been driving for years.
Wow, crazy fast. Didn't realize sedans that quick were available for less than $100k. To bad I don't like the look of Audi's. They look box-shaped to me.
0 to 60 in 5.6 is faster than 90% of the sedans on the market! If you want a sports car, ok, but this is no slouch!! The best part is you can do accelerations like this all day long and not feel guilty about wasting oil.
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