It’s June 5th at 12:30 pm, just after my 50th birthday, and I’ve just arrived at the Toronto International Centre. After 795 days, 17 hours, and 15 minutes give or take, I am driving my beautiful black Model 3 LR (Long Range) PUP (Premium Upgrade Package) with 18″ Aero wheels. I began this gamble by handing over a $1000 (in Canadian $) just 15 minutes after Tesla’s reservation page went live March 31st, 2016 at 10:30 EST (7:30 PT), one hour before the Model 3 reveal event. Eventually, the ante was upped to $4200 when I got my invitation to configure in March and completed my build on March 31st, 2018, exactly two years from my reservation. Finally, I went all in when I got my VIN and delivery appointment with a final total of ~$74,000 including all taxes, fees, and delivery. Until this time, I have never been in the physical presence of a Model 3. I’ve never test driven a Tesla and I’ve only experienced electric vehicles from a distance.
What does this gamble of $1000, rising to $74,000, mean? It means high stakes. It means that I bet $74,000 on a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that held the promise of being better than an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle. It means that I bet $74,000 on Tesla reaching its goal to provide sustainable transport with a compelling mass market electric car, namely the Model 3. It means that I bet $74,000 that buying direct would be a better way to purchase a car than through dealerships. It means that I bet $74,000 that a EV has less maintenance, less often, and service at a fair price for the work. Finally, it means that I bet $74,000 to pay less getting from A to B for the next 8 years and doing so in a manner that supports good environmental stewardship.
My Model 3, Heart of Gold, parked in its spot.
Though time will tell for some bets, however, I think I hit the jackpot! This car, how it drives, and the entire purchasing experience is a game changer. More to come!
