Tesla Today: A Car Enthusiast’s Review

What’s been going on with everyone’s favorite American-made electric vehicle lineup, Tesla?

Tesla, Tesla, Tesla. And, no, I’m not talking Nikola. I’m talking Elon and spaceships and $DOGE coin and the elimination of gas-powered engines and all that jazz. It’s quite fun to go into conversation about Tesla and the way battery technology is heading, if I do say so myself. Buckle up, fellow stargazers, and let’s go on a quick update journey through Tesla Land.

Just a little Tesla S 3 X Y time

Chances are, if you’re reading this article, you are at least a bit familiar with the Tesla lineup. For those wondering… No, this subtitle is not me playing a childish game with you; and, yes, Elon, Tesla’s CEO, purposefully named the first four models of Tesla cars to spell out “S3XY.” In all fairness, the cars are quite attractive, so I can’t blame him. And, let’s face it: it’s always nice to have an eccentric billionaire with a grand sense of humor creating world-altering energy standards. I’m here for it, Elon.

Getting down to business in Tesla Land.

Let’s delve into more detail on the Tesla lineup. 2021 has brought some noticeable changes, and the all-battery car manufacturer is known for changing specs quite often.

Tesla 3 

To begin, there’s the smaller, most affordable Model 3. Just like all the others, it’s powered by a rechargeable, Lithium-ion battery. The Long Range model 3 sedan is capable of reaching up to 353 miles on a full charge, which is pretty incredible. Imagine driving 350 miles and then not having to pay for gas to re-charge back up to 350 miles again? Quite riveting stuff. The cheaper, lower mileage Standard Range Plus will still give you 263 miles for a full charge at a base price of $38,990 USD.

As for the design of the car, Tesla recently nixed the exterior’s chrome trim with a matte black trim (most commonly known by the masses as “Chrome Delete”). Tesla also got rid of the piano black center console on the interior and replaced it with a more sensical matte black material that won’t show every single finger print and piece of dust. Good move. The Model 3 still offers a standard black interior — the white interior will run you an extra $1,000.

Tesla Y

Next, we have the smaller hatchback, the Model Y. The newest of the Tesla lineup, the Model Y has so far received rave reviews, besides the occasional quality control complaint. The standard Long Range Model Y provides 326 miles on a full charge, while the Performance option will bring that number down to 303 miles per charge. That’s because the Performance model uses more battery power, boosting you from 0-60mph in 3.5 seconds.The base purchase price of the Model Y will run you approximately $50,990 as of April 2021, but the price does change nominally quite often. It has more room overall than the 3, but not nearly as much as the X.

For the price and the space, I personally favor this model over the others. The Model Y, just as all other models, comes standard with the new black exterior trim, a white exterior paint color, and a black interior seat color. Wheel upgrades, power gate, color options, and accessories are available at an additional cost.

Tesla X

The largest of the four, the Model X, starts at $89,990 USD. For one and a half Bitcoin, a brand new Model X could be all yours! This sucker just screams “the coolest SUV on the planet.” It sort of looks like a spaceship, especially with the all-glass roof of the vehicle, its “Bioweapon Defense Mode,” and its sleek, alien-like front headlight design. The new exterior Chrome Delete now comes standard on the Model X, along with new, optional 22” Turbine wheels. Full self-driving is now offered for a cool $10,000 extra. A third row of seating can be an added extra, too. The whole family is fitting into this car — think about all of the gas savings on your next road trip. 

Tesla S

Arguably the most iconic of the Tesla lineup is the Model S. This powerhouse of an EV (electric vehicle) now boasts an astounding optional “Plaid” model that will jolt you from 0-60 in 1.99 seconds flat. ONE POINT NINE NINE SECONDS?!?! Please, let me explain how ludicrous that number truly is… A 2021 Ferrari Stradale, said to be the Italian car maker’s fastest car, has a rumored 0-60mph time of 2.4 seconds. The 2019 McClaren 720S Spider hits 0-60mph in 2.8 seconds, and it’ll run you around $370,000. The 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ reaches 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds, at a purchase price of around $520,000. Are you picking up what I’m putting down?

A Tesla Model S Plaid, for $114,490, is faster than the world’s most famous super cars and requires no gasoline. You can race a Ferrari, beat it, and skip the line at the gas station. The more recreational Model S will run you about $79,990.

Until next time, Tesla Land…

Some quick Tesla updates to do the soul some good. If I know Tesla, and I like to think I do, I’ll be back in no time with more updates. Elon and his employees like to stir things up as often as possible — in the name of saving the planet and space exploration, that is.