The History Of The Electric Vehicle: How Tesla Changed The Game
The highly anticipated Tesla Model 3 was revealed to the world by CEO Elon Musk in March 2016. As part of the last step in Musk’s master plan, the Model 3 was the electric vehicle for the masses. With an advertised price of $35,000, Tesla fans, the average Joe, and perspective electric vehicle buyers flocked to Tesla stores to place $1,000 reservations for the car. Within weeks, the car has received over 200,000 reservations. This was the first electric vehicle that received so much press before it even was available for delivery. Tesla truly had something great up their sleeve.
So, how did the EV story begin?
GM EV1 — The First Mass Market Electric Vehicle
We have to go back nearly 25 years. Electric vehicles, commonly known now as EV’s, were just a whimsical idea in the 90s. It all started with the GM EV1 in the late 1990s. The EV1 was the first North American mass market EV. The EV1 received high marks for its respectable driving range, handling, and peppiness due to its electric motor. The 0–60 speeds were under 8 seconds which was comparable to many fast gasoline powered cars during its time. However, all EV1’s were only available for leases with no option to purchase at the end of the lease. When all leases were up, owners reluctantly had to give up the keys to one of the most unique and special cars of all time. The way General Motors handled the end of lease returns was the most controversial part of the entire EV1 project. All EV1 leased returns were sent to the scrapyard and crushed.
GM’s Controversial Move
We never found out why GM chose to crush all EV1’s. There were many conspiracies going around at the time in the early 2000s. However, we would know in hind sight that this was not the end of the electric vehicle.
Nissan’s Attempt and GM’s Second Attempt
As the United States started to recover from the 2008 Great Recession, the demand for fuel efficient cars skyrocketed. Government assisted programs like Cash for Junkers encouraged the purchase of more fuel efficient cars. This period in the early 2010s also brought along the next generation of EV’s. GM introduced the Chevrolet Volt for the 2011 model year. Around the same time, Nissan introduced the Nissan Leaf also around the same time. Both cars can be credited for reviving the EV market. Both cars offered respectable range but performance was something that left much to be desired. The electric motors were weak in offering the performance many looked for in a vehicle. As the 2010s went on, there were many new great attempts of EV’s from many well known car makers. However, Tesla was the brand that officially changed the industry for good.
Tesla Changes The Game
The Model S luxury sedan and Model X family crossover SUV were Tesla’s first mainstream cars. These cars showed the world that EV’s can be fast, fun to drive, good-looking, and practical for families. The stigma of a slow battery powered car was a thing of the past. The Model S is one of the fastest production cars in the world with a 0–60 as fast as 2.3 seconds while having best in class 28 cubic feet of trunk space. In addition, the Model X is the fastest family crossover SUV in the world with a 0–60 as fast as 2.6 seconds while carrying up to 7 passengers. Both cars feature extended driving ranges close to 400 miles and feature free unlimited supercharging on the 2020 models. Although these cars greatly boosted the desire for EV’s, the prices were too high for the average working American. These great electric vehicles couldn’t reach a large population. Shortly after, Tesla’s final part of their master plan commenced.
The Model 3 — The Best Selling EV Of All Time
Tesla’s Model 3 is the final part of the master plan. An affordable, fast, good-looking, and practical premium sedan has finally reached the mass market. The Tesla Model 3 became the best selling premium sedan compared to its well-established gasoline rivals from Japan and Germany. The car even went ahead and became the best selling electric vehicle of all time. This previous title was held by the Nissan Leaf for over half a decade.
Owning a Tesla Model 3 is not as expensive as many would think. Teslas initially only competing with the luxury car segment due to the higher priced Model S and Model X. However, the Tesla Model 3 starts at just $35,000 for the Standard Range and under $40,000 for the Standard Range Plus. Without even breaking $40,000, you are able to have a car that travels 250 miles on a single charge and is literally a computer on wheels. For a few thousand more, the Long Range Dual-Motor All Wheel Drive model can even break over 300 miles of range. These prices initially were even lower due to the $7,500 federal tax credit and any local state rebates. Most trims of the Model 3 feature Tesla’s famous Autopilot self driving system in addition to the 15-inch center-mounted touchscreen displaying all of the car’s information. With all this, the Model 3 still features a standard leather interior, heated seats, wood trim, and generous trunk space. Another pro with EV’s is that there is also space under the hood known as the “frunk.” Since there is no engine, you are able to store additional items in the front of the car.
Owning a Model 3 is Cheaper Than Owning a Camry!
The Model 3 has often been compared to the Toyota Camry. Although the Toyota Camry competes in the well established mid-sized family sedan segment, the premium Model 3 is actually cheaper to own over 5 years compared to the base model Camry.
Charging the Model 3 with electricity cost very little to none. At a fraction of the cost of gasoline, the Model 3 is able to charge at one of Tesla’s nationwide superchargers. Since many people are already spending half an hour at Costco gas stations all over the country, the Model 3 is able to charge at superchargers in less than the amount of time people spend at Costco at a fraction of the cost. Since the Model 3 has no engine, getting oil changes at your local car dealership is now a thing of the past. Many EV owners love this. Some have even voiced that all the maintenance they have spent in their first few years of owning the car was a $5 bottle of washer fluid from AutoZone.
In the end, the Model 3 has proven to be a success. Three out of four Teslas sold have been a Model 3 and these numbers are going to get even better overtime. Many new owners are taking the next step to reduce their carbon footprint with EVs. One day gasoline cars might be a thing of the past.
Tesla Model Y — The Next King?
Although the Model 3 has taken the crown for being the best all around EV ever, that title might not be held for much longer. At the time of writing, Tesla has just released their Model Y compact crossover SUV. Americans sure do love SUV’s and the Model Y is on track to be Tesla’s next big hit.
