Telsa’s Model “D” Stands for “Disappointment”

According to this article, Tesla’s announcement of its new Model D—and simultaneous statement that we’ll have to wait three more years for the affordable Model X, or whatever it will be called in 2017/18—was “received fairly well by automobile analysts.”  Really?

I’m not saying that it’s bad news for stock-holders.  Yes, the stock price is off sharply, but many believe it’s poised for an immediate rebound. 

It’s certainly bad, however, for those of us who want to see greater penetration of electric vehicles into the marketplace, especially as they are coupled with charging from increased integration of renewable energy, e.g., off-peak wind.

It’s not fair to say that Elon Musk has a duty to do what’s best for the world around him vis-à-vis the environment if it comes at a cost to his shareholders.  But it’s easy to understand those of us who are disappointed that Tesla doesn’t seem anxious to secure its place in history as the group that popularized electric transportation for the masses.

I’m reminded of the career of Bob Dylan.  When you read poems like “The Times They Are a’Changin,” it’s easy to think: wow, this guy is the voice of young people everywhere.  Not according to Dylan.  He loathed the idea, and deeply resented anyone who asked him to do anything more than write music and perform it live or in recordings.

50 years later, we have Elon Musk, an innovator in a different space, but one who comes along with similar potential to change the world.  Let’s hope he doesn’t, like Dylan, turn a cold shoulder to us.