Here’s a tale of two start-up car companies: Elio Motors and … Tesla.
One execrable, the other admirable.
Elio is developing low-cost ($6,800 to start) very high mileage (80-plus MPG) commuter car.
Tesla builds expensive toys.
This – the building of toys – is not of itself an execrable activity. Lamborghinis and Porsches are toys, too.
They are expensive, impractical things.
As is the Tesla – including the new Model 3. It’s expensive ($35k to start; probably closer to $40k once all is said and done) and impractical. Not a car for cold places or long trips … unless you don’t mind long waits.
Not that there’s anything wrong with that… if that’s what you’re into.
Lambos are also finicky and not good for very much except going very fast and advertising that you’ve got funds.
The execrable element is that Tesla expects you to pay for its toys. Not for yourself. But so that other people –affluent people – can play with them.
It’s exactly like giving – being forced to give – your orthodontist a fat check so he can go out and buy a new 911 or Gallardo.
Elio, in contrast, merely offers its cars – which you’re free to buy or not. And if you don’t want one, they’re not gonna force you (via Uncle) to “help” other people buy one.
So, which one gets the press? The adulation of the press? The seal-clapping encomiums on Today and Good Morning America and such?
How many people have even heard of Elio Motors?
How many have not heard of Tesla?
The reason for this disparity is easy enough to grok:
Tesla makes collectivism sexy – and that makes Tesla popular with collectivists.
Selling the Green Agenda has not been easy because it seems pretty dreary. Pay more for shittier things. But the Tesla looks good. This allows preening.
It is quick – which allows bragging.
And – so they say – it is green, too.
This renders cost no object.
