Why not a Tesla Model S?

[Mr. Burns]

The Tesla Model S was just named Motortrend's 2012 Car of the Year.

First, it's gorgeous:



Second, it has killer specs:
http://www.teslamotors.com/models/options

And just $10k more than a Volt for a base model (even the base Model S will embarrass the Volt in styling, interior luxury, performance, and range) it seems like a good price. Is this what the Cadillac ELR will compete against? Can it compete?

[JBsZ06]

I love the tesla s yet I look forward to seeing the new Cadillac ELR...

I imagine the 100 grand tesla is faster and the ELR will be more reliable over time

[Mr. Burns]

I love the tesla s yet I look forward to seeing the new Cadillac ELR...

I imagine the 100 grand tesla is faster and the ELR will be more reliable over time

The base Model S starts at $49,900 and has a 40KWh battery. The Volt by contrast starts at $39,900 and has (I believe) a 16KWh battery. If the ELR is essentially a rebadged Volt with $10k on top it will be embarrassed by the base Model S.

I think Tesla is on to something here. Maybe GM can acquire Tesla and contribute with financial help towards making world leading electric cars.

[fakeout]

I wish they'd name the 2nd, 3rd place vehicles etc. I mean not everyone can afford a freakin' Tesla.

[Amphibian]

I assume range is a factor for some. For me, if you had a spouse or similar situation with two vehicles, then having one EV like this would probably be fine for the vast majority.

[CheetahDC]

I wish they'd name the 2nd, 3rd place vehicles etc. I mean not everyone can afford a freakin' Tesla.

Car of the year isn't always about being affordable. It really advances the electric car forward.

Now hopefully it won't burst out into flames...

[zete]

I think it's a good pick.

However, the Tesla S is just not very practical except as a toy for the rich. For the moment. That will change as either infrastructure improves or batteries do.

The base S, even though it's "only" $10k more than a Volt has one very very serious drawback: range. And, in winter, that range will be cut in 1/2. So, the supposed 260km range will be about 130km - 150 on the coldest of days here in Ottawa, for example. And that range is, I assume, if I drive rather conservatively and not the way I typically drive.

The problem is, some days I do 200+kms. In winter that would be a non-starter with the base model. I'd have to move up and moving up will cost me money.

As to whether the ELR will just be a Volt, I highly doubt it. But we will have to wait and see.

Ultimately, the reason I'm most pleased with the Tesla S winning is that it shows the US that electrification is here and the future. Get used to it. And it can be pretty awesome looking, too.

[All Star]

I would pick that over a Volt in a hot second.

[Canuck]

I would pick that over a Volt in a hot second.

As would I but I also would take a Camaro ZL1 over your V6 Camaro. Not exactly an apples to apples comparison.

[fakeout]

I assume range is a factor for some. For me, if you had a spouse or similar situation with two vehicles, then having one EV like this would probably be fine for the vast majority.

Yeah, you can always tow one EV with another in case the other stalls. Hehe.

Seriously, I'd prefer a Volt since you could use the motor as a backup (or to recharge while driving, whatever). It would be more fun to see an AWD model though as well. (And actually change the Volt into a wagon, why make it a hatchback?)

[N8s07ss]

While I applaud the selection and think the Tesla Model S is a great car and a symbol of American ingenuity, I would keep in mind that the model they tested and based all of their impressions on was the $85K performance 85Kwh version, NOT the $49.9K 40Kwh version that comes out later. So I'm guessing of each of their 5 categories, it scored the lowest in the "Value" section. That being said, can you imagine an M5 that got 80+ MPG?!?!? That's what I'm talking about.

[mchicha]

volt has two powertrains meaning you can use it as a normal car. i knew eith tesla or ats would win 2013. no other car came close to these two

[vcs2600]

Great selection by Motor Trend.

And, if you can afford a Tesla performance model, you probably can also afford a Volt as your long-distance car.

[impala02]

The Tesla Model S was just named Motortrend's 2012 Car of the Year.

First, it's gorgeous:



Second, it has killer specs:
http://www.teslamotors.com/models/options

And just $10k more than a Volt for a base model (even the base Model S will embarrass the Volt in styling, interior luxury, performance, and range) it seems like a good price. Is this what the Cadillac ELR will compete against? Can it compete?

That's incorrect. Please see below.

The base Model S starts at $49,900 and has a 40KWh battery. The Volt by contrast starts at $39,900 and has (I believe) a 16KWh battery. If the ELR is essentially a rebadged Volt with $10k on top it will be embarrassed by the base Model S.

I think Tesla is on to something here. Maybe GM can acquire Tesla and contribute with financial help towards making world leading electric cars.

Why would you apply the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit to the price of the Model S, but not the Volt??? Applying the $7,500 Federal Tax Credit to both vehicles, we have the Model S that starts at $49,900 and the Chevy Volt that starts at $31,635. That's an $18,000 difference!

[All Star]

volt has two powertrains meaning you can use it as a normal car.

How much farther do you drive in a day than 160 miles?