Let's be real. Electric vehicles have had a tough go at it. While cars like the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf were thought to be game changers, no one has really proved success. Except Tesla. Yeah, I said it.
Now don't go get the confetti and throw a ticker tape parade yet. There's still quite a road ahead. BUT, I do have to admit, I have seen MORE Tesla Model S' in the New York Tri-State than I have seen Chevrolet Volts and Nissan Leafs combined. I've also seen MORE Model S' than BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrids, Mercedes-Benz S400s and Porsche Panamera Hybrids as well.
Here's the funny thing though: We've noticed that people who buy the Model S aren't talking about their gas savings. They're talking about other features the Model S brings to the table.
Take, for example, its LARGE center stack with its easy-to-use interface. It's definitely the biggest screen we've seen used in a car. And you should see how people become transfixed on that element when they get in the car.
If you're at dinner with a Model S customer I'd bet they're more than happy to show you how they can control the vehicle via an Apple iPad application; however, one of the last topics of conversation is the kind of mileage they're getting and how often they're charging it.
That leads us to ask: when people want to buy a Tesla are they really into the electric car movement or do they just want that HUGE screen and techno gadgetry?
Also, we like to believe that other automakers are not sitting on their hands as these cars continue to gain attention. Who will be NEXT to the party with a MASSIVE screen and user interface that's this good?