Tesla is a dominant force in the automotive industry today. However, before it became a widely respected brand, Tesla was a niche startup attempting to change the dynamic of the automotive industry forever.
In the early 2000s, the concept of an electric car was widely overlooked. Electric vehicles were viewed as having short ranges, tedious charging times, and poor performance in comparison to their gasoline-powered counterparts.
Tesla and Elon Musk didn’t succumb to these challenges or social pushback. While Musk’s co-founders, who eventually left the company during the 2008 financial crisis, proposed basic prototypes, Musk encouraged a more innovative design. This led to the release of the Tesla Roadster in 2008. It was a small, two-seat vehicle with a performance-driven focus. It shocked the industry, but as the first of its kind, it had some mechanical issues, and Tesla charged a hefty price for the sub-four-second 0-60 mph acceleration time. Ultimately, it did pave the way for the newer models’ success.
Following the Tesla Roadster, Musk set his sights on the mainstream or “commuter” automotive sector. First came the Tesla Model S in 2012. Although luxurious and fast, it was still a four-door sedan with a different focus from its predecessor.
However, Tesla’s rise on the streets came with the Model 3’s release in 2017. With more convenience, a bigger screen, a smoother ride, and a much lower price point, the Tesla Model 3 was the perfect mid-luxury commuter.
“I like how smooth Teslas ride on the road, and with the battery costing so much less, it is the perfect everyday car,” Fourth Former Theo Young said.
Consumers were similarly surprised by the feel and technology, including the promised Full Self-Driving (FSD). 325,000 pre-orders were placed within the first week of its release.
Many Haverford students have had their own experiences with Tesla’s safety technology.
“One time, I was merging into a lane, and a car was in my blind spot; not only did it notify me, but it took complete control and redirected me back into my lane,” Fourth Former David Falcone said. “I am a student driver, and knowing that my car can do that gives me confidence.”
Falcone experienced this in a Model Y, Tesla’s best-seller, which accounts for 37.2% of the electric vehicle market. Part of the reason it sells so well is that this technology comes at no additional cost.
“Safety, especially, is paramount for us,” Musk once said. “The absolute primary thing is to maximize the safety of the car.”
Full Self-Driving (FSD) costs an extra $99 per month, allowing the car to drive itself anywhere with no limitations. The only issue owners have expressed concerns the constant supervision required when using the FSD mode, as a camera watches the driver’s eyes to make sure they are attentive to the road. Some say it defeats the purpose of self-driving, because people want to be watching a movie or sending emails while they get driven to their destination.
Musk’s ambitions to forever revolutionize the transportation industry didn’t come without pushback. Full Self-Driving passed all tests, but Musk and Tesla have constantly been under fire on this topic. There have been many legal disputes, notably a federal investigation into Tesla’s violation of traffic laws. Although controversial, FSD has been a success and is an enticing feature for many buyers.
The Tesla Roadster is just propaganda; I can’t imagine somebody paying that much for features you won’t use
Hanru Li ’29
Today, Musk focuses on continuing to break barriers in the automotive industry. The viral 2023 release of the Cybertruck was highly controversial, appearing straight out of a sci-fi film. Although it was a financial flop, it was once again that “weird guy” producing “weird things,” but that is innovation, and that is how the company started in the first place.
In a partnership with SpaceX, Tesla has now released its latest Tesla Roadster. Utilizing cold-gas rocket thrusters, it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in around 0.81 seconds and can theoretically fly for a short amount of time. In addition, it can drive and park on the roof or walls due to its fan-powered vacuum system.
“The Tesla Roadster is just propaganda; I can’t imagine somebody paying that much for features you won’t use,” Fourth Former Hanru Li said.
Now, Tesla and Musk keep seeking new sectors of the transportation industry as they’re working on the new fully autonomous robo-taxis. A network has already been established in 15 major U.S. cities. Tesla has begun testing in Philadelphia and surrounding areas, offering a safer and cheaper alternative to Uber and Lyft for Haverford students.
Although Elon Musk may be an unconventional man who is politically controversial, he has changed the world once. Who is to say he won’t do it again?