This is the fourth installment of a blog series we’re calling “Sarasota Sizzle.” What’s “sizzle,” you ask? The Blink;Tech team’s definition of “sizzle” is what happens at the local intersection of creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship. The more we look around us in Sarasota, the more we discover people, businesses, projects, and initiatives that “sizzle.” And when something sizzles, it’s too good not to share.
Years after GM killed the electric car, Tesla Motors has performed a marvelous resurrection on the vehicle, and we’re excited to see it happening right here in Sarasota. Even for those who aren’t enticed by all the high-end clothing stores at the new Mall at University Town Center, the Tesla showroom serves as a huge draw for people curious about the future of automotive transportation. Now expanding into driverless cars, Tesla is one of those companies that is really making Sarasota buzz.
Although Tesla representatives don’t really like to talk numbers (such as how many Teslas are actually driving around Sarasota right now), the buying process is unlike any other automobile purchase. You don’t just walk into a Tesla store and drive one home. Each Tesla is custom-made for the driver, as it should be at a list price of over $70,000.
Currently, Tesla produces one car: the S series. Interested buyers can schedule a test drive, and once they’re convinced that they’re behind the wheel of excellence, they can order their car. The showroom comes complete with a Tesla chassis that fully reveals the sleekness of its technology, especially compared to the variety of greasy parts that comprise an internal combustion engine.
If buyers are impressed with an automobile that runs on a motor and batteries that need little to no maintenance, they can match colors for the exterior, interior, and seats; select any special features; and have a Tesla made to order. Once their Tesla arrives, drivers can rest assured in knowing a 40-mile trip in their car only releases 14.33 pounds of carbon dioxide compared to the 45.46 pounds emitted by their old gas-powered jalopy.
Some argue that moving from internal combustion engines to electric motors is merely a sidestep in reducing global dependence on fossil fuels. Indeed, 63% of Floridians’ electricity is derived from natural gas, while 21% is derived from coal (and only 12% from nuclear power). Although Florida legislation has yet to sign off on support for solar power in the Sunshine State, savvy drivers who invest in a personal solar panel to charge their Tesla are likely to be the most energy efficient drivers in the world.
Currently, a Tesla S series might be a bit pricey for the average consumer, but it is more affordable than their landmark Roadster and its $120,000 price tag. The brand new Model X, Tesla’s answer to the high-powered SUV, can run up to $130,000. Fortunately, Tesla will also roll out the more economical Model 3 Series very soon, its base price starting at $35,000.
Given the advances they are making in their vehicles’ performance and efficiency, we really admire the way Tesla adds to Sarasota’s sizzle.
[UPDATED 2/22/16] thanks to some excellent factchecking action by super Facebook commenter Nathan Dungan! We appreciate the assist in keeping our blogs awesome.
At Blink;Tech, we synthesize cutting-edge web development with creative Internet marketing strategies to help businesses of all sizes and industries succeed on the web. Talk to us today about how we can make your business, project, or idea sizzle.
