coolfilmaker said:
As an American, I prefer for Tesla to succeed.
I have some of the same feelings but, as a parent, I want GM, Tesla
and Nissan to succeed. I'd like everyone to grasp how much better EVs are to drive and how unnecessary is our oil bondage.
But back on topic, Tesla's Supercharger infrastructure is enabled by the longer range of their car which comes back to the fact that it's still all about the battery. Supercharging is only at 1-2 C for these big packs. Two years ago the debate was whether the Volt battery pack broke the $1000/kWh barrier. Now Tesla is selling a climate-controlled battery pack for $823/kWh... oh and it comes with a pretty awesome car!
This is the change I voted for in 2011, with Nissan, and my wallet. I'm happy the Volt is getting more popular, I want Nissan to come back strong with something like Tesla's offering (both car, battery and charging network).
Time's running short though. I have to admit I've been caught by Tesla's tractor beam. Even the dorky Supercharger reveal that came off more like a tacky bar-mitzvah than a headline-worthy announcement, charmed me. Yeah, they'll stumble too. Over-promise, have delivery problems, cash-flow problems. Offering, free, zero-emission long distance travel is brilliant with Elon describing a cross-country trip where you pack food, stay with friends and can leave your wallet at home. Silly, but effective imagery. Tesla is attacking the EV naysayers on multiple fronts. They don't also sell oil-burners so they don't need to stifle their disdain for the archaic ICE.
Sat in a Model S last week; now need a test drive. Trying to justify a purchase in 12 mos. I've never regretted not buying something and the thrill usually wears off or is overtaken by some other shiny object. But they've staked out territory in my head. They've created desire on many levels. No small thing.