Today I had the luck of test driving the Tesla Model X!
Background
I have always been fascinated with the electric car and have always had a pro-attitude towards its development. It is particularly the impact it has on society and the impact on what we accept as a ‘car’ that has taken my focus and attention most.
Consider the hype and fashionability that is generally associated with the automobile;
Those bad-ass V8 engines filling the entire town square with high-volume grunts once meant something. Even the deafening sounds and smell of fumes from scooters whizzing around our streets to grab attention has fast become a less fashionable thing to do. We have become and are becoming more energy conscious and more efficient with our cars. The supercar, the 3 liter BMW, the American ideal of having a full tank-o-gas ready for the long trip across states. All these cool ideas are disappearing, or at least changing.
Way before Tesla, way before Solar P.V and the green energy revolution was really hitting the mainstream market, I had visions of how my life (then in London) could end up looking with cleaner air, silent streets and advanced vehicles zooming about. A sense of confidence and happiness backed those thoughts and it still does today.
After all the main driving reason for having those visions, wanting them to come to life has been my acknowledgment of the deep sense of beauty in this world, that we should do more to not trash it with over consumption and carelessness for consequence.
After a full half hour sitting in the Model X back in May at an electrical technology fair in Gothenburg, pestering the helpful team at the Tesla stand for all their knowledge about the car, the next natural step was to book a test drive.
The Drive: What Did I Think About It?
Today's heavy rain didn’t dampen my spirits at all. I was so excited! Finally to fulfill a vision of sitting behind the wheel of the Model X. With a kid on the way and new career beginning as an Electrician, of course, I’d absolutely love to have an electric family car.
Well, it's got lots of space. 5-7 seater options. Even with the 7 seater there's room both above and below the floor spaces in the boot (trunk), plus under the bonnet (hood) where a combustion engine usually would go if it was any other car. The under-floor luggage area in the back can take two carry-on sized travel bags. It's a wide car, very similar to the Model S in dimensions.
I was impressed at how clean the interior dashboard is. All controls are handled through the touch screen computer taking away clutter and confusion.
I suppose it was a surprise to me just how easy it was to drive. I had some preconceived ideas that the electric motor (of which there are two) would throw me-off center with managing acceleration and braking. I think the main thing was the fact that there is so much unfailing power delivery to the wheels, once you push the pedal down. But it was light and easy to handle, matching the clear need to manage control and responsiveness with the car’s ability to drive fast.
The first thing that was noticed though was the lack of engine (sound) in the background. Driving at 100km/h in the rain was a surreal and quiet experience.
My partner sat in the middle row of seats in the first half of the drive. She had a little issue with the design of the seats in the back as she felt they were too narrow on the sides. Also, the seatbelt clips were fairly recessed and it became difficult for her to find a comfortable position of the belt across her body.
Saying that though the driving aids are as clear as day. Once the belt came undone, the dash cam showed which passenger was unbuckled.
Not much could be seen out the back window to my surprise, however, it seemed like there was no need to look back much. There are cameras all around.
The car has a high sitting position but it felt lower than an SUV. The long front window at the front brought a lot of natural light into the car.
It takes a while to get used to the back doors swinging open, but apparently, they only come out 30cm before swinging up which I think is acceptable for parking purposes.
Conclusion - Thoughts
If I am to give my opinion, this car is awesome, Very overpriced, however, as with all supply and demand, electrical components and batteries will become more affordable to produce and become more efficient over time. A lot of manufacturers now are cutting out the combustion engine altogether, Volvo being one to mention who aim to sell only electric cars after the year 2019! I think even high-end electric cars like Tesla will become more affordable.
Tesla is paving the way for what’s to come and for that reason, I suppose it does make sense that it costs so much. It needs to be desirable for customers who currently focus from the extremely successful petrol powered transport sector that stands before it. I think it is an exceptional example of making electric fashionable and desirable, that is a positive thing.
If this is the change that is needed to sway the minds of the upper-market, the public and the influential among us, then so be it. Perhaps I am biased, perhaps I am a little too pleased with fulfilling my vision of driving one, but I think there is a bright future ahead. Plus I would love to own a Tesla!