Tesla outsells Porsche, Buick, Lincoln, others in California

Christian Science Monitor ^ | August 27, 2013 | Bengt Halvorson

[grundle]

Yes, it's shocking. California automaker Tesla Motors is outselling a number of very well established vehicle brands in its home state—with only one model: the all-electric Model S.

In June, Tesla outsold (on the basis of registrations) Buick, Lincoln, Porsche, Volvo, and Cadillac—and far outsold Jaguar and Land Rover combined. And the long-established, full-line luxury brand Infiniti only posted just 51 more registrations in the state than Tesla.

This wasn't just a monthly sales blip, either. Even on a year-to-date basis, through June, Tesla has sold more vehicles in California than Land Rover, Jaguar, Lincoln, Volvo, or Porsche.

[James C. Bennett]

Lol, you sound like you have deep insecurities.

[DesertRhino]

Can the proud new owner of one drive to Albuquerque? Screw that,,,,Las Vegas?

[Berlin_Freeper]

You wish that. Sorry I like girls.

Only a closet homo would make an issue against a person who prefers gas.

Go put on a dress and make yourself busy.

[gunsequalfreedom]

Yes you would. :)

[Berlin_Freeper]

I’ll burn gas on all cylinders.
You be happy with your prissy self.

[John S Mosby]

Coal fired car... that’s soooo advanced. And the gaul to use a true genius’s name as their brand. Tesla would not approve.

[VerySadAmerican]

Are they basing it on number of units sold or on amount of money brought in.

[John S Mosby]

Sorry mate... my Cobra will kick it’s rear, and then some. Oh, and by the way 300 miles later will still be running, not looking for a coal pile plug in.

[Fresh Wind]

What happens to the 30 minute charge when there's a line at the "free" solar charging station?

According to the Tesla website, the "free" solar charging isn't free, it costs you $2500 if you add the capability after delivery. Before delivery, it costs $2000 if you have the 60 kwh battery, but is included with the 85 kwh battery upgrade (but that upgrade costs you an additional $10,000).

What happens when it's dark (happens quite frequently) or cloudy, and the "free" solar charging station won't charge?

The range is NOT equivalent to a gas car, unless you're willing to drive without heat or a/c (windows closed), you have the upgraded battery less than 1 year old, you are willing to creep along at granny speeds, with no passengers, without wind on a flat road (all factors assumed in the following graph):

The Tesla's a nice car, but right now, is not practical for anything but short distance travel.

[gunsequalfreedom]

Wanna race?

[VeniVidiVici]

On the 101 they both go just as fast.

[MaxMax]

Reminded me of my old 1978 Ford f250 460ci with a granny geared auto trans
that was made for hauling. The best part was the granny gear would out jump
anything on the starting line including motorcycles. It was stolen and stripped of
the drive train, for good reason, it was pure Bad. Called it Old Blue.

[Southack]

Hypothetically, if Syria blows up such that there is a disruption in oil imports, which will last longer, electric or gasoline?

[BRK]

Well, let’s not say “short distance” travel. I think perhaps “medium” is more appropriate. For going to work and then maybe out to dinner, the Tesla S will do just fine. If you need to go to Vegas every day from LA, then maybe the Tesla is not for you. People in this market segment can usually afford multiple cars and if they like the performance and features, including a high safety rating and that 17” iPad-like interface, then let the free market decide. I am 100% against any subsidy of any kind of course.
As for the name Tesla, I am not too sure that Tesla would mind a car utilizing a 3-phase AC induction motor running around with his family name on it.
If we could get a 1/2 order of magnitude improvement in batteries, electric cars will become the norm. The person who comes up with a battery with the energy density of even half that of gasoline (tall order), will become the richest man in history. The problem has always been the batteries.

[maddog55]

I’d have to examine the stats on this one. Tesla probably outsold all metallic blue 1989 Geo Metros based on registrations.

[maddog55]

First, there’s the $7500 taxback bonus that every buyer gets and every taxpayer pays. Then there are generous state subsidies ($2500 in California, $4000 in Illinois—the bluer the state, the more the taxpayers get gouged), all paid to people forking out $63K (plus taxes) for the base version, to roughly $100K for the really quick one.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/patrickmichaels/2013/05/27/if-tesla-would-stop-selling-cars-wed-all-save-some-money/

For all the hype, only 20,000 have been sold....

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/nightline-fix-abc-news/why-texas-bans-sale-tesla-cars-140842349.html

[McGruff]

I saw one and was very impressed with the styling but it needs a blown Hemi sticking out of the hood.

[AdaGray]

...in California.

[wastoute]

What, the uberwealthy in California wanted a Tesla to park in the garage next to the DeLorean?

[bytesmith]

Amazing thing, there is one in my neighborhood in upstate South Carolina. It took me several sitings to realize what the brand was.