Is anyone else having trouble deciding between 40kWh and 60kWh?

[gg_got_a_tesla]

Bardlebee, I can identify with you although I've been yo-yo-ing between 60 and 85 instead. For all the reasons that you mentioned, I'd urge you to spring for the 60; fewer regrets in the long run. In a lot of ways, the choice between 40 and 60 is starker than that between 60 and 85 - as someone put it, 40's severely handicapped on many fronts straight out the door.

I am going to reserve in November, so I won't get the car until this time next year at best.

Why wait to reserve?! Why not put the deposit down now if you can and get in line a little earlier before a glut of reservations come in (once production is in full swing and people see these cars on the road)? You can always choose to defer (once) if you are not ready when your turn comes up...

[dsm363]

I agree with Robert and gg. Don't skimp on the battery unless you're perfectly comfortable with the Model S being a commuter car since the charging network isn't built out enough yet for trips. I'd plan on the pack that covers all your daily driving and your most reasonable longer day trips (there and back) without having to recharge.

[Bardlebee]

gg you have a good point. I had it set in my head that I would pay off my mustang first, but I have been thinking about just reserving then paying off my mustang. In the long run it won't matter.

November may be too late if this ramps up quickly, your right and I have thought about that. I will have to watch the number of reservations closely. I guess the idea holds true about any car purchase. You should get what you want because you will be stuck with it for years, at least 5-10 anyway. The NEXT car I get I hope to be another Tesla, but hopefully by then they will be a house hold name.

[NigelM]

Get the largest battery pack you can afford and sleep better at night.

[Robert.Boston]

Reserve now; it's fully refundable if you decide to change later. I'll bet that you won't change your mind, though!

[Tommy]

About the only advice I can add is don't call into The Suze Orman Show and participate in the Can I Afford It? segment. That lady can really knock a dream down!

[jerry33]

There is never too much RAM, too much disk space, too fast a CPU, or too big a battery.

[jimbakker666]

Based on the info you provided, I would go with the 60kWh. That model seems to have a few more perks aside from the extra range, and as you say, you'd like one that will take you to Austin and back without worry. For me at least, I'd hate to feel limited with my vehicle, even if it were in the case of something as simple as one trip per year to Austin. Buy the model that gives you everything you want, plus any future contingencies. Even if that's the 85kWh.

Just consider that you're waiting no matter what.

[bbmertz]

Bardlebee, I can identify with you although I've been yo-yo-ing between 60 and 85 instead.

+1 I was initially debating between 40 and 60, but am now contemplating the 85kWh battery. Driving range is probably the most important feature of an EV along with performance, so IMHO it's best to skimp on other optional features to save $$$s.

[Doug_G]

I would definitely get the 60 over the 40, because that has very similar range to the Roadster - and I find the Roadster's range to be perfect for 99% of my driving. For my daily commute there's gobs of excess capacity, so I have no hesitation to go on all kinds of side-trips, errands, etc. I don't have to plan my life around the car - every single day it has enough capacity for any/all driving I do around town (and even a significant distance outside town).

For road trips I currently have to do a bit more planning, but only because of the relatively weak charging infrastructure - but that is changing quickly.

Caveat: I'm getting the 85 so my opinion may not count(?).