'The more we drive the Tesla EV, the more money we save'
http://capecod.wickedlocal.com/article/20150902/NEWS/150908784 Test-driving the Tesla in Falmouth By Rachael Devaney Sep. 2, 2015 [image / Rachael Devaney http://capecod.wickedlocal.com/storyimage/WL/20150902/NEWS/150908784/AR/0/AR-150908784.jpg Tesla cars are known for being high-tech, beautiful, and expensive. However, the company plans a more affordable version -- coming in at around $35,000 -- by 2017 http://capecod.wickedlocal.com/storyimage/WL/20150902/NEWS/150908784/EP/1/2/EP-150908784.jpg A 17-inch touch screen ] FALMOUTH The Tesla 2015 Model S drives like a dream… And, with its $105,000 price tag, my dreams might just be where the car stays -- for now, at least. I encountered the electric vehicle, which has a 700 horse power engine and dual motor all-wheel drive, at the Cape Cod Golf Club Falmouth in late August during Tesla's North East promotional tour. As I took a look around at the different options -- black, blue metallic, brown metallic, pearl white, and red multi-coat -- other customers were signing up to take a spin. Arnold Schertzer, an employee of Green Shuttle out of Pocasset, was approaching a cherry red model with his grandson, Brayden Barrett. Schertzer explained they were test-driving the Model S before adding several of them to the Green Shuttle fleet. He said the electric car could help his place of business save money on gas as well as maintenance. "Our delivery company uses hybrid vehicles because we are committed to being environmentally conscious and we know that our customers are also very invested in being green," Schertzer said. "This car would not only fit in with our business, as it runs on 100 percent electricity, it will also save the company a lot of money on gas, as well as high mileage. I drive about 1,000 miles a week and that's close to $8,000 on gas - even with our hybrids. The more we drive the Tesla, the more money we will save." After Schertzer took off in his ride, I stepped up to a blue metallic model. I found that just tapping the car door handle popped the portal open and I slid behind the wheel along the premium nappa leather. My attention was instantly drawn to the 17-inch touch screen, which includes both day and night modes for better visibility and provides mobile connectivity so users can find a destination, answer a phone call, or play a favorite song just with the tap of a finger. Alex Henry, store manager of the Newport Beach store in California, jumped into the passenger seat and laughed as I oohed and aahed over the standard feature, which mimics modern digital devices and includes a high-definition backup camera, Google Maps, calendar synchronization, driving controls, and real-time energy consumption and range estimation. Missing was a center console, which opened up the spacious interior, providing space for handbags, baggage, or storage; I was able to place my phone and purse close by for easy access. As classical music played softly in the background, we eased out of the golf club and headed towards Mashpee. During the five-mile trip, Henry mapped out the design of the Model S and explained that engineers were inspired by endurance athletes -- hence its sleek exterior and superior aerodynamics. "We knew people didn't want to compromise to be environmentally conscious so engineers really created a timeless style and design," Henry said. "The car is also designed with the battery pack beneath us; that way, we maximize space on the inside and it makes the car navigate easier as well. The pick-up feels good because the electric motor is like turning on a light switch and the electric current is immediate. There is also no transmission, which is one of the things that makes it different and drive so smoothly." The car, which can reach up to 60 miles per hour within 2.8 seconds, has a range of 270 miles when fully charged. While users would need to have a charging station installed at their home, Henry said it will save much more money in the long run. "The Model S has all-motor all-wheel drive with an 85 kilowatt battery, which can roughly last someone nine days depending on how much they drive. It works much like a cell phone or tablet would charge and Tesla owners would need to have a 240 outlet installed - which is much like a dryer outlet and costs about $300," Henry said. "But what's nice is that the state of Massachusetts rebates energy efficient car owners a $2,500 state rebate, which would more than cover that. You are also saving money on gas and, from a business standpoint, if you are using the car as part of your job, you can write the car off with $7,500 credit at the end of the tax year." As we pulled back into the golf club, Henry explained that Falmouth is his team's 13th stop on the North East tour, which is aimed at bringing awareness about the company's mission to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable transportation. While the company, which was launched in 2003 by Elon Musk, has so far only released a two-seater roadster and the Model S, Henry said the Model X - a crossover SUV - is due out in October, as well as the Model 3, which will debut in late 2017 as an affordable electric car "for the masses." "We understand that the Model S can be expensive for many, so we will be delivering our first Model 3 in a few years which should have a starting price of around $35,000. This will allow many more people to engage in the long-term benefits of being sustainable. We feel strongly that if we continue to play a large game of chicken by the constant release of CO2 into the atmosphere, the more detrimental harm will come to the environment and to the human species. That's why we will introduce an affordable model and we are encouraged that it will take off and allow everyone to help with sustainable transportation." As I climbed out of the car, I bumped back into a beaming Schertzer, who said his test drive was "amazing." "I would be proud to own one of these cars and the fact that we can help our customers be more environmentally conscious is just a huge plus when determining the pros and cons of the Tesla," he said. "It was a smooth ride and guilt free - a luxury car with huge environmental benefits." 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