I don't want to go too far down the rabbit hole, but a few comments on the T...
With the Model 3 selling models under $40K, I consider that to be Accord/Camry class, so mainstream. Heck, you can spend about the same on a Leaf or Bolt. I spent close to that on my first gen Leaf. So, the cla$$ distinction is changing. We had some of these base Model 3s at each NDEW event I attended and they are still nice for that price.
I pay for all of my charging when traveling in the Model 3, so no free charging here. Tesla has a proprietary charging connector because they started designing a charging network before there were established standards that could deliver the power needed - curse of being first. They have adopted CCS in Europe and I expect the same to happen here eventually, but it requires retrofitting the chargers which is what they did in Europe to support both Tesla and CCS connections.
There are no data charges for me, even for the included music streaming, but they are starting to charge for live traffic data. And with Netflix and Youtube streaming being added, that will likely require a Wifi connection (while waiting at a store, charging, etc.). The large software updates for the car also require Wifi unless it's a safety thing and then they'll push that over the LTE network.
Musk has his issues and I cringe at some tweets, but for a company that doesn't spend any money on advertising, you can't beat the coverage he generates with millions of Twitter followers and news coverage. I think he's been better behaved of late, but the Silicon Valley ego and swagger is certainly there and bites at times. I wish he would engage brain more before opening mouth and be more level headed, but he is no snake oil salesman and the products that are produced by SpaceX and Tesla are no joke. Every one who has underestimated his companies regrets or will regret that. Even major players, like Volvo recently, are acknowledging that Tesla is "far ahead" when it comes to EV efficiency (range). They just have years more experience under the belt and didn't wait for a supplier to come up with something they could buy off the shelf.
Creating this new rivalry between
Porsche and Tesla is also brilliant marketing. Win or lose on the track, people are talking about EVs. And that dancing Model X? I don't care as long as it generates more interest in EVs. It's a halo car that can help sell more Model 3/Ys (or a Leaf or Bolt when people look into EVs), just like a GT-R or Corvette. And, the younger generations care more about the tech and connectivity.
Tesla isn't for everyone (no car, smart, Tesla or otherwise is), but we wouldn't have the other BEV options that we have today without Tesla pushing other manufacturers.
Just remember, not everyone driving a smart was a tree hugging weirdo hypermiling behind a semi and not all Tesla owners are rich aholes, but they may appreciate different aspects of the car than others. The same things that attracted me to the smart are what brought me to Tesla - engineering, efficiency, unique features (interchangeable plastic panels and charging at home from solar), fun to drive, unique in a sea of Camcords, etc.
I'll get off my soapbox now and zip it about Tesla.
