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  • Of Course They're Expensive

  • Imran, they're not competing directly with Ford, GM, and Chrysler with their Roadster model. The founders hoped these companies would use their distribution scale and production power to release electric cars in large proportion, propelling the country into a nation of clean car drivers - when they didn't, they took matters into their own hands, and decided a luxury sports car would be the optimal entry point for an electric car company. And why is the Roadster expensive? Because 1) its production isn't scaled yet; 2) lithium battery technology is still incredibly expensive; and 3) they ARE competing with high performance vehicles like Porches and Ferraris. Tesla will roll out other models in time, such as a $50,000 family sedan (coming up next) and something else after that in the $30,000 range. With government tax credits and other incentives these cars will be available to more consumers. If we had a gas tax (as we should) they would be more attractive to consumers who formerly banked on low gas prices to justify purchasing regular ICE cars. Over time gas prices will rise by themselves, and the extra cost of a lithium battery plug-in will be worth it. If you don't choose to get an electric car now, it's only a matter of time before you're forced to.
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