Monday, 16 November 2009

Tesla teething troubles

Living with an electric car on the fleet presents a few unforeseen challenges - most notably that the car needs charging for 7 hours between bookings which can be a bit tricky if it is brought back 'empty'.
But my greatest surprise is how little interest there has been for this car. Bear in mind, our car is not only the first customer Tesla in the UK, the first manufacturer-built electric supercar in the UK and it's faster than a F430 - I would have thought members would be queueing up to take it out for a spin.
Obviously it can't go much more than 150 miles on a single charge but then only a few of our other cars did more mileage than that this last weekend, so what's not to like?
Any suggestions or clues gratefully received.
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7 comments:

  1. Anonymous16 November 2009 at 16:44

    Hi Chirag,

    The main problem people will have with the Tesla is that it's in e1. I can understand why it's in e1 (it being a new concept and the cost of the vehicle) but IMO people will always opt to take a F430 Spider, Gallardo Spyder or Bentley over it - I know I would.

    The other reason for not taking it out, are like you say, to do with charging. People are with Super Car Clubs for "hassle free" motoring (well, as hassle free as possible). The Tesla is something new and not predictable.

    Anyway, just my thoughts .... Hope they help

    Cheers.

    Justin

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  2. Anonymous16 November 2009 at 21:06

    Hi Chirag,

    As I see it you have a few problems.

    a.) Range - the Tesla is a car people will want to try out of curiosity, so they can form an opinion on it. The range is simply too small to do that - a trip from e25 to the M25 uses up half of its range.

    b.) Price - why would you hire a Tesla for the same price as a 430 if not for the reason above (to give it a good drive). As you can't drive it any real distance, why hire it?

    c.) Prestige - It doesn't really have any. Yes, it has curiosity value, but driven down Knightsbridge, everyone will think it's a Lotus, so you can't even pose about in it. And it's silent :(

    So - the Tesla doesn't tick any of the supercar boxes:
    Looks great? It's OK I suppose
    Sounds great? No
    Do I look cool driving around in it? Frankly no - I look like I've just spent the best part of £100k on a sporty Prius.
    Brilliant drive? Possibly - if only I could actually get to a decent country road and back again without having stop for a 7 hour "lunch".
    Good for a weekend away with girlfriend/ wife? No - no luggage space, girlfiend not impressed, only has range to stay at Watford Gap services.

    I would love to try one, and I admire your decision to try one on the fleet, but on the face of it, it doesn't seem to make much sense as a club car.

    Solution: Drop the price.....

    Good luck,

    Ed

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  3. Anonymous19 November 2009 at 00:17

    I agree ... I'd love to try it, and my son would love to get it up on his http://www.practicalsupercars.com site, but E1 is "expensive" and really it would be nice to try outside London, without having to use up most of the miles getting there! Another reason to open that new office in Surrey :)
    Cheers, Paul W

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  4. CHIRAG20 November 2009 at 10:28

    Thanks for the comments. It's in e1 because of its prestige value - it's the only car of its kind on the streets in the UK right now - I would have thought that is worth the premium for a lot of people. Also don't forget, despite being a Lotus frame, the car still costs almost £100k - similar to a second-hand F430 or GTC and more than the Maserati GTS.
    Consider running it to its full charge of 150 miles - that would cost the equivalent of £400 - still great value to drive a unique car - and you'll save the £80 fuel bill!
    I take the point about the range - certainly not useful on weekends.

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  5. Simon Rockman21 November 2009 at 15:48

    I don't think yours is the first UK customer car.

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  6. Anonymous21 November 2009 at 17:29

    hi Chirag, im sure you've got one of the first customer cars, but im also pretty sure ive got "the first" uk/euro customer car (and its awesome.. i love it). Mine is vin 002 (and 001 was the car they crash tested) Ever since it arrived, ive not driven my 911 Turbo. i drive it every day.. and yes, its in central london, so ive no problems with range or charging.

    Mine arrived about 3 months ago.. here's the photos of me picking it up...

    http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=295000

    -- Jez

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  7. Anonymous26 November 2009 at 12:42

    Jez,

    ....an under-used 911 Turbo, how do you fancy making it earn its keep? Ask Chirag about the VOP scheme if you do.

    Dan

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