I want a Tesla
I've often wondered if an electric vehicle would be a good choice once my current hybrid is has reached the point that I want to sell it. I'm getting closer to thinking a Tesla would be a great alternative.
My friend called me to check in and mentioned he had just bought the Tesla Model S Plaid. He's been driving it the last few months solely in full self-driving mode (FSD). He said he's only had to take over just a few times in over three months of driving.
He's had it drive him through complicated construction sites and other situations that he was sure would confuse the FSD, but the Tesla handled these situations perfectly. While I don't need a model that goes 0 to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds, the FSD mode sounds awesome. My assumption is that this navigation technology is only going to get better and better. And I like the idea of how little maintenance a Tesla needs.
The only mode that still seems a little sketchy is the "summon mode" which essentially allows you to call your Tesla to pick you up in a parking lot. I watched a YouTube video of a guy using this mode in a busy Costco parking lot. It did work, but the car creeped through the lot as it encountered multiple pedestrians, shopping carts and the general mess you encounter on a Saturday morning. This feature "works" but isn't ready for prime time. The video I watched was a year old... so the software may have matured to the point that it works more smoothly by now.
My guess is by the time I'm ready to consider another car purchase in five years or so, a Tesla will be completely self driving. I realize Elon Musk might be a triggering person for some... but you can't deny his capability to harness technology and build cool things.
Until next time...