The story of the 2013 Tesla Model S Performance is one filled with excitement, disappointment, and ultimately hope. The owner, a blogger and car enthusiast, purchased the Tesla with high hopes of using it for an upcoming car trek filming. The car, being a performance variant of the Model S, was a great deal at under thirty thousand dollars, considering its original price of ninety thousand dollars.
However, the excitement quickly turned to disappointment when the car displayed a message indicating a reduced maximum battery charge level. The owner could only charge the car up to 50 miles before it would cut off, rendering the vehicle practically useless. To make matters worse, the car was out of warranty, and a battery replacement would cost between seventeen to twenty thousand dollars, essentially totaling the car.
Desperate for a solution, the owner reached out to a friend, Rich, who connected him with a technician named Chris in Ocala, Florida. Chris identified the problem as a common issue with a loose wire on one of the battery modules, which could be fixed for as little as a thousand dollars. This was a much more affordable solution compared to the costly battery replacement.
The story highlights a significant issue with electric and hybrid vehicles, where manufacturers are reluctant to repair individual components, opting instead to replace entire systems at a high cost. This not only leads to financial strain on owners but also contributes to wastefulness in terms of resources and materials.
Despite the challenges, the owner was grateful for the opportunity to have the Tesla fixed and back on the road. The support from friends and technicians like Chris and Rich provided a glimmer of hope in an otherwise frustrating situation. The owner expressed gratitude for the assistance and looked forward to getting the Tesla back in working order.
In conclusion, the story of the 2013 Tesla Model S Performance serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of maintaining and repairing electric vehicles. It also sheds light on the importance of finding affordable and sustainable solutions to keep these vehicles on the road. The owner’s journey from excitement to disappointment to hope showcases the resilience and determination required to navigate the complexities of modern automotive technology.
