Electric. I stumbled on this last night; my stumble of the day I decided. I read the article and I thought to myself, I wonder if they'll do better than Top Gear.
To be honest, crossing the US in a $100K electric car will undoubtedly draw attention from anyone who likes cars, the environment or even both. I'd like one, I think they're great. Given the choice of a £90,000 car or a £15,000 petrol-driven car and paying a large chunk of my mortgage, setting up a college fund for junior and having a holiday, guess which I'd choose.
Therein lies the tale. Admirable as it is to try and cure the biggest consumer in the world of some of its petrol addiction, I think on that route across the country there will be more than a few people who have lost their jobs, or their house, or both. People that will be worrying about their financial security in one form or another. In that sense, proof of concept is great, but I think you would have to be remarkably principled to purchase a Tesla (I'm thinking the $50K Model S here) over a petrol alternative. I know the long-term fuel savings let alone air pollution - but what about the source - have to be factored in to the TCO. I still don't see it being more attractive (cost-wise) than a Prius at half the price but twice the convenience.
Nevertheless I wish the trip excellent fortune and Tesla a flurry of orders.
Welcome to the disappointment.
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We can't both be right, it's probably me.
What say you esteemed visitor?