For many, buying a new car is a significant decision, blending practical needs with personal desires. For us, the journey to purchasing our first new car since 1999 was also a reflection on the evolving automotive landscape, particularly the rise of electric vehicles. After years with our trusty (and aging) Audi A4, the time had come to consider a modern replacement. Our choice landed on the Tesla Model Y, an “Elon Musk Car” that has become synonymous with the electric vehicle revolution. This wasn’t a decision taken lightly, especially considering the complexities surrounding the Tesla brand and its controversial figurehead. Here’s a detailed look into our thought process and the factors that led us to drive home in a Tesla Model Y.
Alt text: Proud owner standing next to their new Tesla Model Y, an Elon Musk car, in front of their home.
The Six-Step Journey to Choosing a Tesla
Our decision to go electric was a long time coming. We explored hybrid options but ultimately aimed for a full electric vehicle (EV) experience. We diligently followed industry news, from Hyundai and Kia to Cadillac and Polestar, absorbing every advertisement and expert review. Conversations with Uber and Lyft drivers using EVs or hybrids provided real-world insights into the pros and cons of different models. A generous friend even lent us their Polestar for an extended test drive, which was indeed impressive. However, despite the appealing alternatives, we consistently circled back to Tesla. Here’s a breakdown of the six key reasons that solidified our choice of a Tesla Model Y, an “Elon Musk car”:
1. Tesla’s Dominant Market Scale and Leadership
Tesla’s position as the market leader in the EV sector, particularly in the US, was a significant factor. Observing the sheer number of Teslas on California highways during a recent trip highlighted their widespread adoption. Notably, the Tesla Model Y, the very model we purchased, was recognized as California’s best-selling vehicle overall in the first quarter of the year, surpassing all car types, including trucks, hybrids, and gasoline-powered vehicles. The Model 3 secured the second spot, further emphasizing Tesla’s market dominance.
While I have a history of gravitating towards less mainstream choices – opting for niche computers and operating systems in the past – this time, we recognized the practical advantages of going with the industry standard. Tesla’s extensive nationwide charging network is a prime example. This infrastructure advantage, now being embraced by other manufacturers, offers unparalleled convenience and reduces range anxiety, a crucial consideration for EV adoption.
Alt text: Close up of a silver Audi A4, a classic car, parked on a driveway, highlighting its timeless design.
2. Immediate Availability and Reduced Wait Times
The EV market is often characterized by long waiting lists and future model announcements, making immediate availability a key differentiator. We were seeking a car now, not in a year or two. Tesla, unlike many competitors, boasts substantial inventory for prompt delivery. We were able to bring our Model Y home in under two weeks after a test drive and specifying our desired features. This quick turnaround was a major advantage, aligning with our immediate need for a new vehicle.
3. Surprisingly Competitive Price Point
Price was another unexpected benefit in our decision-making process. Historically, my consumer timing has been less than ideal. However, our car shopping coincided with Tesla’s significant price reductions aimed at boosting sales volume and ensuring eligibility for federal tax credits. While prices have since slightly increased, they remained considerably lower than previous levels. This fortunate timing made the Tesla Model Y a more financially appealing option than we initially anticipated.
4. Attractive Federal Tax Incentives
The origin of our Tesla Model Y played a crucial role in its affordability. Being manufactured in Austin, Texas, and delivered within the US, our vehicle qualified for the $7,500 federal tax credit for domestically produced electric vehicles. This incentive significantly lowered the overall cost and is a considerable advantage for Tesla and a few other US manufacturers like GM, Ford, and Jeep. Notably, this tax credit is not applicable to EVs from brands like Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, VW, and Polestar, giving Tesla a distinct financial edge in the current market. [While some VW models assembled in Chattanooga do qualify, the broader point about Tesla’s tax advantage for many models remains valid.] After factoring in the tax credit, the final price of our Model Y fell comfortably below the average price of a new car in the US today and, adjusted for inflation, was even less than our original Audi A4 cost in 1999.
5. The Right “Vibe” and Personal Fit
This new vehicle will primarily be for my wife, Deb. For her, the Tesla Model Y offered the ideal layout, size, and interior space she sought. More importantly, she genuinely liked the car – its aesthetics, driving feel, and overall experience. I also found it appealing. This personal connection and positive impression were essential in solidifying our choice. While I plan to keep my Audi A4 for as long as possible, the Model Y perfectly suits Deb’s needs and preferences.
6. Navigating the “Elon Factor”
The “Elon Factor” – the influence and actions of Elon Musk – was an unavoidable consideration. I hold concerns about Elon Musk’s impact on public discourse, particularly his reshaping of Twitter and ventures into political commentary. These concerns naturally extended to his other ventures, including Tesla. We pondered if a comparable EV option existed from a company not led by him. If such an alternative, matching Tesla in price, availability, and scale, had been available, we might have chosen it.
However, the reality is that Tesla, under Elon Musk’s leadership, has undeniably revolutionized the electric vehicle market in the US. Ultimately, we made a conscious decision to separate the car from the individual. We recognized the transformative impact of Tesla vehicles and opted for the Model Y based on its merits as a car, despite the complexities associated with its CEO.
Embracing the Electric Future
Eventually, the day will come when our beloved Audi A4 can no longer be maintained or pass inspections. When that time arrives, I will eagerly explore the new wave of EV models that will undoubtedly emerge. For now, we are Tesla owners, and the reasons outlined above explain why. The Tesla Model Y, an “Elon Musk car”, represents our step into the electric future, blending practicality, innovation, and a touch of personal preference in a rapidly changing automotive world.
