Did Ford Just Crush Tesla Motors?

[Kevin Sharpe]

"Could the Fusion -- specifically, the Fusion Energi, a plug-in hybrid version that's due later this year -- be a problem for Tesla Motors"

http://www.fool.com/investing/genera...la-motors.aspx

[qwk]

Same old bs blogs. The energi is a competitor to the volt, not the S. We all know how well the volt is selling(there are multiple volts available for sale here,and they aren't moving).
I wouldn't even consider the ford, just like I wouldn't consider a volt.

[Robert.Boston]

Interesting article. People are looking for practical solutions for their lives; relatively few are purists who buy a product for idealistic reasons -- especially if that product is a big-ticket item. Tesla has to make a compelling case that BEV satisfies customers' needs and desires more effectively. The vast storage area may be a decisive plus in Tesla's corner, as well as improved safety and reliability.

[Mycroft]

I have to say, Ford did an amazing job of design with the new Fusion. It's gorgeous!!! That said, the hybrid is going to be VERY expensive and it'll likely have the same limitations as the Volt with regards to storage and complexity. It certainly won't have the Model S performance, even with the standard S.

[EVNow]

"Could the Fusion -- specifically, the Fusion Energi, a plug-in hybrid version that's due later this year -- be a problem for Tesla Motors"

http://www.fool.com/investing/genera...la-motors.aspx

Obviously these are fools who don't understand the market.

Energi will be a very good competitor to Volt, PIP, Camry Hybrid & now Accord PHEV. I don't see any S buyer moving to Energi.

[richkae]

Model S will be a superior car with vastly superior:
1) cargo volume
2) passenger space
3) ride & handling
4) acceleration & smoothness
because it is clean sheet of paper EV.

To me, the lack of an ICE, transmission, gas tank, muffler, catalytic converter, etc is not a negative, it is a huge positive.
My family and friends have lots of experience with those things failing and needing to be repaired or replaced.
The convenience of long distance drives is diminished, but the convenience of everyday driving is better.

I will save a lot of money by not buying gasoline, but even if electricity cost was only a break even - I do not want any of my dollars going to oil companies and where their oil comes from.

Tesla has to reach 0.14% of the car buying public to sell all the Model S cars. The other 99.86% can remain unconvinced.

[JRP3]

Different animals, different market. Zero competition for the Model S. S buyers want an EV.

[ckessel]

S buyers want an EV.

It may be fair to say Model S buyers lean EV, but I've seen quite a few posts, mostly on the Tesla forums, saying they don't really care much about it being all electric. That said, I don't think the Ford model is really competition except perhaps at the very low end for Model S buyers that don't think they can afford the base model.

[JRP3]

Could be I suppose, but I'd be surprised to find out that anything more than a small minority of S buyers don't care that it's an EV.

[qwk]

I think that most people are interested in the model S because it IS an EV. I would venture a guess that many would be Volt or the like shoppers would be willing to upgrade to Tesla, but not too many interested in the S would even consider a Downgrade to the Volt/Energi. It's kind of a one way street, especially after a test drive.